Classic Nation angler profile: Teb Jones

Teb Jones has attended multiple Bassmaster Classics as the president of the Mississippi B.A.S.S. Nation. But the 2015 Classic will be the first time he will be fishing in the Big Show.

Teb Jones has attended multiple Bassmaster Classics as the president of the Mississippi B.A.S.S. Nation. But the 2015 Classic will be the first time he will be fishing in the Big Show.

He said he believes taking his past trips to the Classic during his 10 years as president gives him a good perspective on what to expect in his first Classic appearance as a contender.

“I have been around it enough that I know about the media and the spectators and those sorts of things, so I feel like I am better prepared than some,” said Jones.

His experiences in three B.A.S.S. Nation Championships and competing in 59 B.A.S.S. events is helping Jones avoid a case of the jitters as he prepares for the Classic.

“I am sure it is going to be different when I am sitting at the boat ramp the first competition day thinking this is it,” Jones said. “I have competed in tournaments for a long time, and I am going to approach it from a stress or pressure standpoint like any other tournament.

“I have been fishing the Opens for a while and I realize this is a lot bigger deal, but I have been blessed that I don’t ever seem to put that kind of pressure on myself. I just try to prepare the best way that I can.”

Jones, 53, has been with the Petal Bass Club for 30 years and has served in various offices with his club throughout the years. Before becoming the state president, Jones served for several years as the state conservation director, a position he will return to next year when his term as president expires. In addition to his three Nation Championship appearances, Jones has made the Mississippi state team eight times in the last 10 years.

“The Nation has been a really good growth experience for me,” Jones said. “Fishing the state championship events, the divisional tournaments and the national championships has given me the exposure to many different bodies of water and different techniques and getting accustomed to being prepared and doing lake research.”

Jones will have to rely on his lake research experience because he has never fished the Classic waters of Lake Hartwell.

“You have to prepare for this one with a goal of winning the whole thing,” Jones said. “When fishing the Opens and the Nation, my goal all along has been to qualify for the Classic. Once you get to that rung on the ladder, the next rung in my mind is to win it.

“That’s the rung I am reaching for.”