Chris Lane: Looking back, looking forward

They say that America is the land of second acts. I sure hope so. The last time we fished the Bassmaster Classic at Grand Lake I finished 41st and was glad of it.

They say that America is the land of second acts. I sure hope so. The last time we fished the Bassmaster Classic at Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, back in 2013, I finished 41st and was glad of it. I didn’t catch one the first day. Actually, to be even more accurate, I didn’t get a bite the first day.

I still remember how that day unfolded.

It was cold to start with. That bothered me. I wasn’t prepared for it either mentally or physically. On top of that, I didn’t get a bite at my first stop. That didn’t bother me too much although I will say it wasn’t exactly a confidence booster. The second stop was when it started to sink in. I didn’t get a bite there either.

As the day wore on I started to realize what was happening. Either my fish weren’t biting, they had moved or I wasn’t presenting my bait the right way. I realize now that the “why” didn’t matter. I went to the dock with an empty livewell.

Shortly after I arrived at the dock a writer asked me what I had. He thought that my BASSTrakk phone was bad, that I wasn’t able to report my catch. I wish…

It was disappointing. As the reigning Classic Champion from 2012 I had boats following me and a film crew. It was even tougher to think about disappointing my fans. Nevertheless, I refused to go negative then, and I won’t do it now.

No matter the disappointment that day I felt privileged to be a part of that Classic. I’m a professional angler fishing B.A.S.S. events. To make the Classic is what it’s all about. Fish or no fish, it’s special to be a part of a tournament like the Bassmaster Classic.

That’s exactly how I feel about next year’s Classic. Regardless of where I finish I’m proud to have earned the right to fish in it.

That doesn’t mean I have a defeatist attitude, however. This is a new tournament. Every angler has his or her ups and downs. It’s a matter of not going negative, not letting things get into your head and learning from your mistakes.

I’m better prepared for the cold if it comes next March. And, it might not be so bad. This Classic is being held a little later. That should help.

There’s also no pressure this time, either. I won’t have so many boats following me around and probably won’t have so much film coverage. But even if I do have spectator boats around me or a film crew recording my every move, I’ll be better able to handle it.

My Lake Hartwell experience encourages me, too. Back in 2008 I fished the Classic there and finished 49th. That’s tough. We returned there for last year’s Classic. I finished 10th. That’s not so tough. I hope to be able to say the same thing next March. Regardless, though, I’m glad to have another opportunity.

Holly and I, along with the kids, want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This is a wonderful time of the year.