LUBBOCK, Texas—Tommy Martin, the 1974 Bassmaster Classic champion and legendary B.A.S.S. pro, is recovering from a heart attack he suffered earlier this week.
Martin, 76, was deer hunting on his lease in West Texas when he became ill.
“That morning he killed a monster buck,” said Stacey King, a close acquaintance of Martin and another legendary B.A.S.S. pro.
Later that day Martin felt pain in his arms and stomach, prompting friends to suggest he get medical attention. Martin went to an urgent care clinic near his lease in Childress, Texas. From there he was transported by medical helicopter to Lubbock.
Martin underwent pacemaker surgery and a catheterization procedure to install three coronary stents in blocked arteries.
The procedures were successful, although King said Martin developed a fever and shortness of breath. Today, Martin is undergoing further tests to evaluate his condition at the hospital in Lubbock.
Martin went pro in 1974, winning the Classic in his rookie season. He’s qualified for 19 Classics, including 14 in a row, and finished in the top 5 six different times. Recently, he’s competed in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Opens.