Trailer-backing women of B.A.S.S.

There is nothing quite like the spotlight that hits you while on the boat ramp each morning at Elite Series events but these Elite Series wives are seasoned pros when it comes to the pressure of launch.

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	Kerry Short has a frequent thought while waiting to launch her husband Kevin's boat at Elite Series events: "Just get out of my way, and I can be out of your way."</p>
Kerry Short has a frequent thought while waiting to launch her husband Kevin’s boat at Elite Series events: “Just get out of my way, and I can be out of your way.”
Kerry Short refers to them as trucks
Kerry Short refers to them as trucks “with hips” — the pickups with dual-wheeled rear axles, like the one she has grown accustomed to backing. Using the truck’s mirrors is the only way it can be done. 
“To back it in with mirrors is pretty impressive to me,” said Steve Kennedy of his wife, Julia. “She’s pretty darned good.”
Julia Kennedy is all smiles after another uneventful launch of her husband, Steve.
Julia Kennedy is all smiles after another uneventful launch of her husband, Steve.
Le Ann Swindle has practiced backing a boat trailer for hours, so there are no mishaps on the stage that is an Elite Series morning launch. 
Le Ann Swindle has practiced backing a boat trailer for hours, so there are no mishaps on the stage that is an Elite Series morning launch. 
“I would put up my wife against any other woman on the tour — all the women, for sure, and probably half the men,” said Gerald Swindle of Le Ann.
Le Ann Swindle (left) and Kelley Prince share a laugh when discussing how many times men have offered to
Le Ann Swindle (left) and Kelley Prince share a laugh when discussing how many times men have offered to “rescue” them on boat launching ramps.
For someone who hadn't even held a fishing rod in her hands seven years ago, Becky Iaconelli has become an accomplished backer of boat trailers.
For someone who hadn’t even held a fishing rod in her hands seven years ago, Becky Iaconelli has become an accomplished backer of boat trailers.
“Rebecca is better than 75 percent of the dudes I know. That’s how good she is,” said Mike Iaconelli about Becky’s ability to back a boat trailer. 
Kelley Prince has been backing boat trailers for 18 years now. Her husband, Cliff, has no worries when Kelley is at the wheel at launch time.
Kelley Prince has been backing boat trailers for 18 years now. Her husband, Cliff, has no worries when Kelley is at the wheel at launch time.
Using mirrors to back a trailer, as Kelley Prince demonstrates, is a requirement, not an option, on most of the Elite Series rigs. 
Using mirrors to back a trailer, as Kelley Prince demonstrates, is a requirement, not an option, on most of the Elite Series rigs. 
Bobbi Chapman, spouse of Toyota Tundra Angler of the Year points leader Brent Chapman, is considered among the best boat trailer backers of the Elite Series anglers' wives.
Bobbi Chapman, spouse of Toyota Tundra Angler of the Year points leader Brent Chapman, is considered among the best boat trailer backers of the Elite Series anglers’ wives.
Lesley Martens has launched Aaron's boat so often, she can appear bored by the task that terrifies others.
Lesley Martens has launched Aaron’s boat so often, she can appear bored by the task that terrifies others.
While Aaron Martens chats before getting in his boat, Lesley smiles after another uneventful trip backing down a boat ramp.
While Aaron Martens chats before getting in his boat, Lesley smiles after another uneventful trip backing down a boat ramp.
Stacy McClelland has fully recovered from a boat ramp embarrassment that occurred in 2007 at the Arkansas River in Little Rock.
Stacy McClelland has fully recovered from a boat ramp embarrassment that occurred in 2007 at the Arkansas River in Little Rock.
“Michael was white as a ghost,” recalled Stacy about the Little Rock near-disaster.
All's well that ends well. Stacy and Mike McClelland pause for a kiss before he starts another day at the Green Bay Challenge.
All’s well that ends well. Stacy and Mike McClelland pause for a kiss before he starts another day at the Green Bay Challenge.