Top 30 under age 30

Get a glimpse of the future of bass fishing with 30 anglers all under 30 who will likely shape the future of our sport.

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The sport of bass fishing is getting younger. While there have always been anglers fishing at the top level in their 20s, the number of young and really good anglers is growing.
The sport of bass fishing is getting younger. While there have always been anglers fishing at the top level in their 20s, the number of young and really good anglers is growing.
In a sport that was once completely dominated by the elders, youngsters today have opportunities to compete in high school, then college and move right into the professional ranks.
In a sport that was once completely dominated by the elders, youngsters today have opportunities to compete in high school, then college and move right into the professional ranks.
While the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year points standings is often littered with 20-somethings, it’s still those 30- to 50-year-old experienced guys who make up the bulk of the sport.
While the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year points standings is often littered with 20-somethings, it’s still those 30- to 50-year-old experienced guys who make up the bulk of the sport.
Bassmaster.com has noticed this trend in the last few years and thought it was appropriate to put together a list of the top 30 anglers under 30 years of age. A panel of editors, mixed in with the tournament crew, put together a list of youngsters, who have fished at least one B.A.S.S. event, that they feel will someday be household names.
Bassmaster.com has noticed this trend in the last few years and thought it was appropriate to put together a list of the top 30 anglers under 30 years of age. A panel of editors, mixed in with the tournament crew, put together a list of youngsters, who have fished at least one B.A.S.S. event, that they feel will someday be household names.
Some of them are already close to that status now. But it’s always good to get a glimpse of the future with 30 anglers all under 30 who will likely shape the future of our sport.
Some of them are already close to that status now. But it’s always good to get a glimpse of the future with 30 anglers all under 30 who will likely shape the future of our sport.
Starting off our list at 30 is Clent Davis, 29, who has had a short Bassmaster career, competing in four Bass Pro Shops Opens. Two of those were two years ago, and the other two were from this season, where he’s garnered a 27th (Kississimee) and a third (Alabama River). But Davis’ resume gets a boost from his work on the FLW Tour. He’s fished the professional side of the FLW Tour since 2012, gaining four Top 10 finishes and more than $315,000 in prize money.
Starting off our list at 30 is Clent Davis, 29, who has had a short Bassmaster career, competing in four Bass Pro Shops Opens. Two of those were two years ago, and the other two were from this season, where he’s garnered a 27th (Kississimee) and a third (Alabama River). But Davis’ resume gets a boost from his work on the FLW Tour. He’s fished the professional side of the FLW Tour since 2012, gaining four Top 10 finishes and more than $315,000 in prize money.
Zack Birge, 24, is just beginning his stint into the world of professional angling, but gets the nod based on his performance in the 2012 Carhartt College Series National Championship. Birge, representing Oklahoma State University, won that event with teammate Blake Flurry. Interestingly enough, they beat Matt and Jordan Lee of Auburn, both who are currently on the Elite Series.
Zack Birge, 24, is just beginning his stint into the world of professional angling, but gets the nod based on his performance in the 2012 Carhartt College Series National Championship. Birge, representing Oklahoma State University, won that event with teammate Blake Flurry. Interestingly enough, they beat Matt and Jordan Lee of Auburn, both who are currently on the Elite Series.
Andrew Upshaw, 28, of Sapulpa, Okla., became the first angler to represent Carhartt College Series in the Bassmaster Classic. Along with a Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Championship in 2011 with Stephen F. Austin University, Upshaw has gone on to compete in 16 Bassmaster Opens, finishing in the money in a third of his appearances.
Andrew Upshaw, 28, of Sapulpa, Okla., became the first angler to represent Carhartt College Series in the Bassmaster Classic. Along with a Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Championship in 2011 with Stephen F. Austin University, Upshaw has gone on to compete in 16 Bassmaster Opens, finishing in the money in a third of his appearances.
Michael Neal, 23, has jumped off to a crisp start in professional angling. The Dayton, Tenn., angler started strong on the FLW Tour racking up $315,000 in winnings in four years as a professional. In 2014 Neal fished his first Bassmaster Opens in the Northern Division, recording a sixth on Douglas Lake. He never cracked the Top 50 in the two remaining Opens. But this season has never fallen out of the Top 50 in the Southern Opens, sitting in 17th in the standings with one event to go.
Michael Neal, 23, has jumped off to a crisp start in professional angling. The Dayton, Tenn., angler started strong on the FLW Tour racking up $315,000 in winnings in four years as a professional. In 2014 Neal fished his first Bassmaster Opens in the Northern Division, recording a sixth on Douglas Lake. He never cracked the Top 50 in the two remaining Opens. But this season has never fallen out of the Top 50 in the Southern Opens, sitting in 17th in the standings with one event to go.
Alton Jones Jr., 23, is obviously the namesake of 2008 Bassmaster Classic champion Alton Jones. Some might think it would be hard for Jones Jr. to climb out from under his father’s shadow, but he’s quickly stepping out into the sunlight. Jones is in his rookie season as a Bassmaster professional fishing in the Central and Southern Opens. In three events, he’s made the money twice and has yet to finish outside the top 50.
Alton Jones Jr., 23, is obviously the namesake of 2008 Bassmaster Classic champion Alton Jones. Some might think it would be hard for Jones Jr. to climb out from under his father’s shadow, but he’s quickly stepping out into the sunlight. Jones is in his rookie season as a Bassmaster professional fishing in the Central and Southern Opens. In three events, he’s made the money twice and has yet to finish outside the top 50.
Andrew Slegona, 23, is one of several young professionals spilling into the sport from the Northeast part of the country. From Pine Bush, N.Y., he is in his first full season as a rookie. He started the year off with a seventh in the Southern Open and sits in 21st in the standings.
Andrew Slegona, 23, is one of several young professionals spilling into the sport from the Northeast part of the country. From Pine Bush, N.Y., he is in his first full season as a rookie. He started the year off with a seventh in the Southern Open and sits in 21st in the standings.
Brock Mosley, 27, of Collinsville, Miss., has been a regular on the Bassmaster Opens since 2012. He’s fished a total of 18 events, finishing in the money in 10 of those. Over the course of time he has steadily become more consistent. Currently, he sits in fifth place in the Southern Opens and 55th in the Central Opens.
Brock Mosley, 27, of Collinsville, Miss., has been a regular on the Bassmaster Opens since 2012. He’s fished a total of 18 events, finishing in the money in 10 of those. Over the course of time he has steadily become more consistent. Currently, he sits in fifth place in the Southern Opens and 55th in the Central Opens.
Dustin Connell, 24, is another collegiate angler who is quickly climbing up the ranks. As a representative of the University of Alabama, he was a consistent top finisher in Carhartt Bassmaster College Series and FLW events. In April he held off a charge from Elite pro Russ Lane to win the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open on the Alabama River.
Dustin Connell, 24, is another collegiate angler who is quickly climbing up the ranks. As a representative of the University of Alabama, he was a consistent top finisher in Carhartt Bassmaster College Series and FLW events. In April he held off a charge from Elite pro Russ Lane to win the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open on the Alabama River.
Drew Benton, 27, of Panama City, Fla., has been a consistent competitor on the Bassmaster Opens since 2012. In 11 events, he’s finished in the money in more than half of those events and is currently in seventh place in the Southern Open standings. The highlight of his career, though, has been a win on the FLW Tour on Lake Okeechobee in 2013.
Drew Benton, 27, of Panama City, Fla., has been a consistent competitor on the Bassmaster Opens since 2012. In 11 events, he’s finished in the money in more than half of those events and is currently in seventh place in the Southern Open standings. The highlight of his career, though, has been a win on the FLW Tour on Lake Okeechobee in 2013.
Stephen Longobardi, 28, of Northford, Conn., recently dropped out of the Elite Series, but by virtue of him getting to the top of the game gives him the nod for our Top 20. While Longobardi struggled on the Elite stage, he’s fared much better in Bass Pro Shops Opens competition, well enough to make the Elite Series and add a third-place finish in the 2012 Bass Pro Shops Northern Open on Cayuga Lake.
Stephen Longobardi, 28, of Northford, Conn., recently dropped out of the Elite Series, but by virtue of him getting to the top of the game gives him the nod for our Top 20. While Longobardi struggled on the Elite stage, he’s fared much better in Bass Pro Shops Opens competition, well enough to make the Elite Series and add a third-place finish in the 2012 Bass Pro Shops Northern Open on Cayuga Lake.
Michael Wooley, 28, has spent the last two years as a professional on the FLW Tour and, in that time, has built a reputation as a strong up and comer in the sport.
Michael Wooley, 28, has spent the last two years as a professional on the FLW Tour and, in that time, has built a reputation as a strong up and comer in the sport.
In June, Wooley showed just how strong he can be by winning the FLW Tour event on Lake Chickamauga. That was after a strong rookie season where he finished eighth in the Forrest Wood Cup.
In June, Wooley showed just how strong he can be by winning the FLW Tour event on Lake Chickamauga. That was after a strong rookie season where he finished eighth in the Forrest Wood Cup.
Kyle Kempkers, 28, of Hamilton, Mich., is a smallmouth angler who seems to excel when the bronzebacks are in the mix.
Kyle Kempkers, 28, of Hamilton, Mich., is a smallmouth angler who seems to excel when the bronzebacks are in the mix.
Kempkers has been knocking around the Opens since 2009 and typically turns up the heat when the Great Lakes are on the schedule. His experience with catching largemouth on Southern fisheries is growing, not up to par with the smallmouth expertise but growing.
Kempkers has been knocking around the Opens since 2009 and typically turns up the heat when the Great Lakes are on the schedule. His experience with catching largemouth on Southern fisheries is growing, not up to par with the smallmouth expertise but growing.
Brett Preuett, 24, of Monroe, La., was the 2015 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series representative at the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro this season.
Brett Preuett, 24, of Monroe, La., was the 2015 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series representative at the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro this season.
The young angler was thrown in the fire, or more aptly ice, during that event, finishing 50th. He’s since moved on to the Opens, where he’s finished in eighth at the Central Open on Ross Barnett and 12th on the Southern Open on the Alabama River.
The young angler was thrown in the fire, or more aptly ice, during that event, finishing 50th. He’s since moved on to the Opens, where he’s finished in eighth at the Central Open on Ross Barnett and 12th on the Southern Open on the Alabama River.
Jay Brainard, 28, of Enid, Okla., is working to break into professional angling, and if his first shot out of the gate is any indication of what to expect, Brainard will be on a lot of lists in the future.
Jay Brainard, 28, of Enid, Okla., is working to break into professional angling, and if his first shot out of the gate is any indication of what to expect, Brainard will be on a lot of lists in the future.
In his first Bassmaster Open on Ross Barnett, Brainard finished second to Gene Bishop, sacking more than 54 pounds of largemouth.
In his first Bassmaster Open on Ross Barnett, Brainard finished second to Gene Bishop, sacking more than 54 pounds of largemouth.
Before the Zippo BASSfest on Kentucky Lake presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps, fans who follow the Bassmaster Elite Series might never have heard of Christopher Johnston. The 25-year-old Canadian from the Ontario township of Otonabee-South Monaghan caught 62 pounds, 5 ounces of bass in three days and missed making the final day Top 12 cut by a single ounce.
Before the Zippo BASSfest on Kentucky Lake presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps, fans who follow the Bassmaster Elite Series might never have heard of Christopher Johnston. The 25-year-old Canadian from the Ontario township of Otonabee-South Monaghan caught 62 pounds, 5 ounces of bass in three days and missed making the final day Top 12 cut by a single ounce.
Johnston was fishing just his fourth career B.A.S.S. event after qualifying for BASSfest through last year’s Northern Opens. Prior to his BASSfest showing, he had fished the 2014 Northern Opens, recording a third at Lake St. Clair.
Johnston was fishing just his fourth career B.A.S.S. event after qualifying for BASSfest through last year’s Northern Opens. Prior to his BASSfest showing, he had fished the 2014 Northern Opens, recording a third at Lake St. Clair.
Stetson Blaylock, 27, of Benton, Ark., follows a long line of successful Arkansas pros. He’s mainly made his mark on the FLW Tour, where he started his career in 2009. In just his third appearance as a pro, he won the FLW Tour event on Lake Norman.
Stetson Blaylock, 27, of Benton, Ark., follows a long line of successful Arkansas pros. He’s mainly made his mark on the FLW Tour, where he started his career in 2009. In just his third appearance as a pro, he won the FLW Tour event on Lake Norman.
In 2013 he finished runner-up in the FLW Tour AOY standings. On the B.A.S.S. side of things, he’s had two Top 10 finishes in Open competition and made the Day 2 cut at this year’s BASSfest.
In 2013 he finished runner-up in the FLW Tour AOY standings. On the B.A.S.S. side of things, he’s had two Top 10 finishes in Open competition and made the Day 2 cut at this year’s BASSfest.
James Elam, 28, of Tulsa, Okla., is in his third year on the Elite Series and is quickly becoming more in tune with the high level of competition on that tour.
James Elam, 28, of Tulsa, Okla., is in his third year on the Elite Series and is quickly becoming more in tune with the high level of competition on that tour.
In his first two years on the Elites, Elam recorded a total of four checks and four cuts. But in 2015, he’s recorded three checks and three cuts in five events. He qualified for the Elite Series fishing the Central Opens, where he never finished below 38th.
In his first two years on the Elites, Elam recorded a total of four checks and four cuts. But in 2015, he’s recorded three checks and three cuts in five events. He qualified for the Elite Series fishing the Central Opens, where he never finished below 38th.
Fletcher Shryock of New Philadelphia, Ohio, burst on the fishing scene in 2011, winning the second Bassmaster event he fished. Since that time he’s racked up almost $200,000 in winnings, while becoming a mainstay on the Elite Series.
Fletcher Shryock of New Philadelphia, Ohio, burst on the fishing scene in 2011, winning the second Bassmaster event he fished. Since that time he’s racked up almost $200,000 in winnings, while becoming a mainstay on the Elite Series.
In 2014, he finished second in the Bass Pro Shops Northern Open on Lake St. Clair.
In 2014, he finished second in the Bass Pro Shops Northern Open on Lake St. Clair.
Matt Lee, 26, of Vinemont, Ala., is the elder of the “Lee Brothers,” who are quickly becoming household names in the fishing world. Lee qualified for the 2013 Bassmaster Classic on Grand Lake through the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series.
Matt Lee, 26, of Vinemont, Ala., is the elder of the “Lee Brothers,” who are quickly becoming household names in the fishing world. Lee qualified for the 2013 Bassmaster Classic on Grand Lake through the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series.
In 2014, Lee fished all three Open divisions and qualified for the Elite Series. In his rookie season, he’s currently in 53rd place in points. In his short tenure, he has three Top 20 finishes, including a seventh on Lake Amistad in the 2014 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open.
In 2014, Lee fished all three Open divisions and qualified for the Elite Series. In his rookie season, he’s currently in 53rd place in points. In his short tenure, he has three Top 20 finishes, including a seventh on Lake Amistad in the 2014 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open.
While Jordan Lee, 24, followed in his brother’s footsteps, he’s blazed new trails in the professional ranks. Like his brother, he reached the 2014 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Guntersville through the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series, and he impressed everyone by finishing sixth.
While Jordan Lee, 24, followed in his brother’s footsteps, he’s blazed new trails in the professional ranks. Like his brother, he reached the 2014 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Guntersville through the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series, and he impressed everyone by finishing sixth.
Lee followed that performance with taking part in all three Open divisions in 2014 and, like his brother, qualified for the Elites. Jordan has cashed a check in four of the five Elite events this season and is currently in 23rd in the Toyota Bassmaster AOY standings.
Lee followed that performance with taking part in all three Open divisions in 2014 and, like his brother, qualified for the Elites. Jordan has cashed a check in four of the five Elite events this season and is currently in 23rd in the Toyota Bassmaster AOY standings.
If this 30-under-30 list had started a few years ago, Bradley Roy, 24, would likely have the distinction of appearing on it more than any other. Despite his age, Roy is a veteran of the Elite Series, enjoying his sixth season on the series.
If this 30-under-30 list had started a few years ago, Bradley Roy, 24, would likely have the distinction of appearing on it more than any other. Despite his age, Roy is a veteran of the Elite Series, enjoying his sixth season on the series.
Roy won the Rookie of the Year in 2010. And to take his history another step deeper, he won the Bassmaster Junior World Championship at the age of 13.
Roy won the Rookie of the Year in 2010. And to take his history another step deeper, he won the Bassmaster Junior World Championship at the age of 13.
While he’s not notched another win since, he’s come close. Roy finished third to David Walker and Kevin VanDam in the 2011 Elite Series event on Wheeler Lake and later that year finished second in the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open on Lake Norman.
While he’s not notched another win since, he’s come close. Roy finished third to David Walker and Kevin VanDam in the 2011 Elite Series event on Wheeler Lake and later that year finished second in the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open on Lake Norman.
Josh Bertrand, 27, of Mesa, Ariz., already has a storied career as professional. Bertrand finished in a first-place tie with Brent Chapman at the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open on Lewisville Lake.
Josh Bertrand, 27, of Mesa, Ariz., already has a storied career as professional. Bertrand finished in a first-place tie with Brent Chapman at the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open on Lewisville Lake.
Chapman would go on to win the tiebreaker, and Bertrand would go on to qualify for the Elite Series. He started quick there as well, finishing fourth in the Elite event on Falcon Lake.
Chapman would go on to win the tiebreaker, and Bertrand would go on to qualify for the Elite Series. He started quick there as well, finishing fourth in the Elite event on Falcon Lake.
Since that time he has been rock steady, earning paychecks in virtually half of the events he's competed in and qualifying for the Bassmaster Classic in 2014.
Since that time he has been rock steady, earning paychecks in virtually half of the events he’s competed in and qualifying for the Bassmaster Classic in 2014.
Brandon Card, 28, was the first angler to make the leap from the Carhartt College Series to the Elite Series.
Brandon Card, 28, was the first angler to make the leap from the Carhartt College Series to the Elite Series.
Card qualified for the top level in 2012, making his way through the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Opens.
Card qualified for the top level in 2012, making his way through the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Opens.
At the Elite level, Card has cashed a check in more than half of the events he has fished, qualifying for the 2013 Bassmaster Classic and producing 23 Top 50 finishes, 10 Top 10s and two Top 5s.
At the Elite level, Card has cashed a check in more than half of the events he has fished, qualifying for the 2013 Bassmaster Classic and producing 23 Top 50 finishes, 10 Top 10s and two Top 5s.
Micah Frazier, of Newnan, Ga., showed his mettle in his first Elite Series event this season on the Sabine River.
Micah Frazier, of Newnan, Ga., showed his mettle in his first Elite Series event this season on the Sabine River.
The 27-year old pro stood toe-to-toe with veterans Shaw Grigsby, Aaron Martens, Todd Faircloth and the occasional Chris Lane in the back of a canal, where a large part of the heavy sacks were caught.
The 27-year old pro stood toe-to-toe with veterans Shaw Grigsby, Aaron Martens, Todd Faircloth and the occasional Chris Lane in the back of a canal, where a large part of the heavy sacks were caught.
Frazier proved he could stand up to the pressure in that event. And in his rookie season is 18th in the Toyota AOY standings. His best finish to date was a sixth in BASSfest.
Frazier proved he could stand up to the pressure in that event. And in his rookie season is 18th in the Toyota AOY standings. His best finish to date was a sixth in BASSfest.
Jacob Wheeler, 24, became a known commodity last season when he edged Kevin VanDam to win the inaugural Bassfest on Chickamaugua.
Jacob Wheeler, 24, became a known commodity last season when he edged Kevin VanDam to win the inaugural Bassfest on Chickamaugua.
Wheeler, of Indianapolis, came to that event with impeccable credentials. He is the youngest angler to ever win the BFL All-American in 2011. And in 2012 he won the Forrest Wood Cup on Lake Lanier in Georgia.
Wheeler, of Indianapolis, came to that event with impeccable credentials. He is the youngest angler to ever win the BFL All-American in 2011. And in 2012 he won the Forrest Wood Cup on Lake Lanier in Georgia.
Since 2011, Wheeler has fished in 13 Bassmaster events, including the 2015 Bassmaster Classic, and he has secured a check eight times.
Since 2011, Wheeler has fished in 13 Bassmaster events, including the 2015 Bassmaster Classic, and he has secured a check eight times.
Brandon Lester of Fayetteville, Tenn., is in his second year on the Elite Series and he’s quietly built up a strong resume. The 28-year-old angler has produced well enough to make a check in more than half of the events he’s fished.
Brandon Lester of Fayetteville, Tenn., is in his second year on the Elite Series and he’s quietly built up a strong resume. The 28-year-old angler has produced well enough to make a check in more than half of the events he’s fished.
Last season he performed well enough to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic. This season, though, seems to be a year where he’s stepping up his game.
Last season he performed well enough to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic. This season, though, seems to be a year where he’s stepping up his game.
Lester started his second season on the Elite Series with a fourth-place finish on the Sabine River and his last event, BASSfest, he finished in ninth place. He’s currently in 12th place in the Toyota Bassmaster AOY list.
Lester started his second season on the Elite Series with a fourth-place finish on the Sabine River and his last event, BASSfest, he finished in ninth place. He’s currently in 12th place in the Toyota Bassmaster AOY list.
Jonathon VanDam, 27, comes with a powerful name, following in the footsteps of his uncle KVD, and this young angler has proven that catching fish is hereditary.
Jonathon VanDam, 27, comes with a powerful name, following in the footsteps of his uncle KVD, and this young angler has proven that catching fish is hereditary.
VanDam has two wins under his belt, the first a 2009 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open on Lake Erie and the latest an Elite Series win at the 2012 Green Bay Challenge on Lake Michigan.
VanDam has two wins under his belt, the first a 2009 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open on Lake Erie and the latest an Elite Series win at the 2012 Green Bay Challenge on Lake Michigan.
Since joining the Elite Series in 2011, VanDam has put together eight Top 10 finishes and more than 20 Top 50s, producing more than $400,000 in winnings, while qualifying for the Bassmaster Classic twice.
Since joining the Elite Series in 2011, VanDam has put together eight Top 10 finishes and more than 20 Top 50s, producing more than $400,000 in winnings, while qualifying for the Bassmaster Classic twice.
It’s not surprising that Ott DeFoe is near the top of this list. It’s surprising that he is young enough to qualify. The 29-year-old angler is in his fifth year on the Elite Series, but he’s already become a fixture.
It’s not surprising that Ott DeFoe is near the top of this list. It’s surprising that he is young enough to qualify. The 29-year-old angler is in his fifth year on the Elite Series, but he’s already become a fixture.
DeFoe kicked off his Elite career by winning Rookie of the Year honors. Since then, he’s qualified for the Bassmaster Classic four times, while adding a win in the Southern Open.
DeFoe kicked off his Elite career by winning Rookie of the Year honors. Since then, he’s qualified for the Bassmaster Classic four times, while adding a win in the Southern Open.
But the number that truly sets him apart: In 62 events fished, DeFoe has made a check in 50 of those, including 17 Top 10 finishes and he leads the money list of all anglers under 30 with more than $736,000 in winnings.
But the number that truly sets him apart: In 62 events fished, DeFoe has made a check in 50 of those, including 17 Top 10 finishes and he leads the money list of all anglers under 30 with more than $736,000 in winnings.
Brandon Palaniuk, 27, proved he was a competitor during his first Bassmaster event. That one happened to be the 2011 Bassmaster Classic when Palaniuk was 24 years old and representing the B.A.S.S. Nation. He crawled into the mix of one of the more historic Classics and wound up with a fourth-place finish.
Brandon Palaniuk, 27, proved he was a competitor during his first Bassmaster event. That one happened to be the 2011 Bassmaster Classic when Palaniuk was 24 years old and representing the B.A.S.S. Nation. He crawled into the mix of one of the more historic Classics and wound up with a fourth-place finish.
That finish put him in the Elite Series, and Palaniuk has yet to let up on the competitive fire. He’s qualified for the Classic every single year and in that course has won two Elite Series events (Bull Shoals in 2012, St. Lawrence River in 2013).
That finish put him in the Elite Series, and Palaniuk has yet to let up on the competitive fire. He’s qualified for the Classic every single year and in that course has won two Elite Series events (Bull Shoals in 2012, St. Lawrence River in 2013).
Palaniuk has added two second-place finishes to his resume (2012 Green Bay and 2013 Bassmaster Classic). During the course of his career, he’s fished 55 events and cashed a check in 31 of those. He is currently 50th in the Toyota Bassmaster AOY points.
Palaniuk has added two second-place finishes to his resume (2012 Green Bay and 2013 Bassmaster Classic). During the course of his career, he’s fished 55 events and cashed a check in 31 of those. He is currently 50th in the Toyota Bassmaster AOY points.
Justin Lucas, 29, cemented his name in the history books by winning the Sacramento Bassmaster Elite this season. The win and his consistent performance all year has him second in the Toyota Bassmaster AOY points.
Justin Lucas, 29, cemented his name in the history books by winning the Sacramento Bassmaster Elite this season. The win and his consistent performance all year has him second in the Toyota Bassmaster AOY points.
But that’s not the reason Lucas heads this list. Consistency has been the mainstay for Lucas since entering the Elite Series last year. Lucas has placed in the money in 21 of his 25 events.
But that’s not the reason Lucas heads this list. Consistency has been the mainstay for Lucas since entering the Elite Series last year. Lucas has placed in the money in 21 of his 25 events.

Besides his victory, Lucas has 11 Top 10 finishes, 13 Top 20 finishes and 21 Top 50 finishes. His paycheck per tournament ratio is a staggering 84 percent, compared to Kevin VanDam at 82 percent.
Besides his victory, Lucas has 11 Top 10 finishes, 13 Top 20 finishes and 21 Top 50 finishes. His paycheck per tournament ratio is a staggering 84 percent, compared to Kevin VanDam at 82 percent.