This Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open is the season regional finale. That means the Top 5 anglers in the Northern points get invitations to the 2017 Bassmaster Elite Series.
Unofficially, and as of today, these interesting factors are in the mix. Virginia angler Cody Pike has the lead, followed by current Elite Series pro Chad Pipkens. After finishing 102 in the final AOY points he needs a strong showing here to safeguard his status.
Third place is Jacob Wheeler. He already qualified for the Elite Series from the Southern Opens. Behind him is David Dudley, the FLW Tour all-time money winner with $3.4 million in earnings. Unless I’m missing something he certainly wants to join Wheeler, another FLW Tour pro.
All of the above means that as it stands now, the invitation list will move down at least a couple of spots based on Wheeler’s qualification, and the sixth-place Michael Iaconelli, already safe and secure for next season.
Greg Dipalma comes next after Dudley. Then, on the bubble, are Alvin Shaw and Austin Felix. He’s a product of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series. Felix was on the 2014 national champions team for the University of Minnesota.
Last but certainly not least is how this tournament can affect the 2017 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro. The tournament winner from each of the three Northern events gets a Classic invite, provided he fishes all of those.
The first two spots are taken. Unless the Lake Champlain winner meets the criteria a spot is available to an Elite Series pro.
On the Classic bubble is Ish Monroe, followed by Keith Poche and Fred Roumbanis. They will surely be watching and hoping for the best.