Martens’ 2015 season

How the most dominant performance in the 10-year history of the Bassmaster Elite Series brought the AOY race to an end three weeks early.

Aaron Martens has locked up the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year title with one event left, leaving many to ask if it's the best Elite season ever.
Aaron Martens has locked up the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year title with one event left, leaving many to ask if it’s the best Elite season ever.
While Marten's season had a dominant end, it's worthy of looking at the full season event to event.
While Marten’s season had a dominant end, it’s worthy of looking at the full season event to event.
Martens was determined to improve on his Sabine River performance of 2013, when he finished 85th, then had to dig himself out of that hole to win his second Angler of the Year title.
Martens was determined to improve on his Sabine River performance of 2013, when he finished 85th, then had to dig himself out of that hole to win his second Angler of the Year title.
He did just that. Martens was either in second or third place all four days.
He did just that. Martens was either in second or third place all four days.
The only hint of disappointment came on the final day.
The only hint of disappointment came on the final day.
He started it in second place, 2 pounds, 1 ounce behind leader and eventual champion Chris Lane.
He started it in second place, 2 pounds, 1 ounce behind leader and eventual champion Chris Lane.
He was able to stay at the top of the standings each day by landing quality bites.
He was able to stay at the top of the standings each day by landing quality bites.
In a fishery that many Elite anglers believe was the toughest event of the season.
In a fishery that many Elite anglers believe was the toughest event of the season.
Martens, though, figured out a half dozen stops that would continue to produce bites.
Martens, though, figured out a half dozen stops that would continue to produce bites.
Of all the events in the 2015 season, this is one where he not only exceeded the expectations of many, but also failed to weigh a limit every day.
Of all the events in the 2015 season, this is one where he not only exceeded the expectations of many, but also failed to weigh a limit every day.
He failed to catch a five-bass limit on Day 4 after the Sabine River had muddied from torrential rain.
He failed to catch a five-bass limit on Day 4 after the Sabine River had muddied from torrential rain.
“I had my fifth fish on about eight times, but I never put it in the boat,” Martens said. “I probably had more than 20 bites. It was really frustrating.”
“I had my fifth fish on about eight times, but I never put it in the boat,” Martens said. “I probably had more than 20 bites. It was really frustrating.”
Martens had no way of knowing that his frustration would soon skyrocket.
Martens had no way of knowing that his frustration would soon skyrocket.
He finished the event in third place with 44 pounds, 8 ounces.
He finished the event in third place with 44 pounds, 8 ounces.
Following the Sabine River, it looked as if Martens was in the driver's seat, especially considering he was headed to Lake Guntersville.
Following the Sabine River, it looked as if Martens was in the driver’s seat, especially considering he was headed to Lake Guntersville.
But on one of the top bass lakes in the country, one located not far from his Leeds, Ala., home, and where he won an Elite Series event in May ’09 with 107-8 pounds, Martens experienced what would be his worst day of the season.
But on one of the top bass lakes in the country, one located not far from his Leeds, Ala., home, and where he won an Elite Series event in May ’09 with 107-8 pounds, Martens experienced what would be his worst day of the season.
On Day 1, when there were 26 bags of 20-plus pounds, Martens caught 13 pounds. That put him in 96th place.
On Day 1, when there were 26 bags of 20-plus pounds, Martens caught 13 pounds. That put him in 96th place.
It didn’t seem significant at the time, but Martens did rally with 19-14 on Day 2 to finish in 66th place.
It didn’t seem significant at the time, but Martens did rally with 19-14 on Day 2 to finish in 66th place.
“I was on them,” Martens said, in looking back at his performance. “That’s the only tournament where I didn’t think. I had a 28-pound day in practice. I caught 24 pounds another day in practice. I caught ‘em so good, I got stuck on that, and they were gone. They went to the bank.”
“I was on them,” Martens said, in looking back at his performance. “That’s the only tournament where I didn’t think. I had a 28-pound day in practice. I caught 24 pounds another day in practice. I caught ‘em so good, I got stuck on that, and they were gone. They went to the bank.”
The good news for Martens, a California native, was that the Elite Series was headed for a two-stop West Coast swing.
The good news for Martens, a California native, was that the Elite Series was headed for a two-stop West Coast swing.
Martens’ first four B.A.S.S. victories came in California, where he was born and raised.
Martens’ first four B.A.S.S. victories came in California, where he was born and raised.
The last of those was an Elite Series victory on the California Delta at Stockton in 2007.
The last of those was an Elite Series victory on the California Delta at Stockton in 2007.
Martens was an obvious favorite going into this event.
Martens was an obvious favorite going into this event.
Martens ultimately was upstaged by Justin Lucas, who turned 29 years old that week.
Martens ultimately was upstaged by Justin Lucas, who turned 29 years old that week.
But it was close. Lucas won with 82-14, and Martens finished with 80-7.
But it was close. Lucas won with 82-14, and Martens finished with 80-7.
A big part of Martens' weight was helped from quality bass like this one.
A big part of Martens’ weight was helped from quality bass like this one.
Martens would catch several of these during each day of the event.
Martens would catch several of these during each day of the event.
As witnessed by the following fish catches recorded by James Overstreet.
As witnessed by the following fish catches recorded by James Overstreet.
The excitement of the catches ...
The excitement of the catches …
... and Martens' continual production of heavy weights ...
… and Martens’ continual production of heavy weights …
... led many pundits to believe he would win this event.
… led many pundits to believe he would win this event.
While he was producing exciting results ...
While he was producing exciting results …
... and big fish ...
… and big fish …
... with a lot of splash ...
… with a lot of splash …
... and acrobatics ...
… and acrobatics …
... those things don't add up on the scoreboard.
… those things don’t add up on the scoreboard.
Nevertheless, Martens would continue to keep pace ...
Nevertheless, Martens would continue to keep pace …
... on a fishery that was a stark contrast to the Sabine River.
… on a fishery that was a stark contrast to the Sabine River.
By the end of the event Martens would catch enough weight to finish in second place.
By the end of the event Martens would catch enough weight to finish in second place.
It also served to dig him out of the hole he had dug at Lake Guntersville.
It also served to dig him out of the hole he had dug at Lake Guntersville.
It marked Martens' 13th second-place finish in B.A.S.S. events, including four times in the Bassmaster Classic.
It marked Martens’ 13th second-place finish in B.A.S.S. events, including four times in the Bassmaster Classic.
Martens predicted 13 would be his lucky number, and that turned out to be true.
Martens predicted 13 would be his lucky number, and that turned out to be true.
Martens would still be in a hole, but with a second and third, things were looking up.
Martens would still be in a hole, but with a second and third, things were looking up.
Lake Havasu was the tournament where Martens hit his Angler of the Year stride.
Lake Havasu was the tournament where Martens hit his Angler of the Year stride.
Like the Delta, this was a venue he was familiar with.
Like the Delta, this was a venue he was familiar with.
His total weight and his place in the standings increased each day.
His total weight and his place in the standings increased each day.
He started Day 1 in 33rd, then went to 11th on Day 2, to fourth on Day 3 and finally to first.
He started Day 1 in 33rd, then went to 11th on Day 2, to fourth on Day 3 and finally to first.
Lake Havasu was where Martens used one of the most unlikeliest of patterns:
Lake Havasu was where Martens used one of the most unlikeliest of patterns:
Bass were feeding on baby blackbirds that were blown from their nests in thick, shallow vegetation.
Bass were feeding on baby blackbirds that were blown from their nests in thick, shallow vegetation.
Martens had found bird feathers in his livewell after Day 3.
Martens had found bird feathers in his livewell after Day 3.
He exploited that by throwing a heavy jig deep into the vegetation and winching bass out of it on heavy braid.
He exploited that by throwing a heavy jig deep into the vegetation and winching bass out of it on heavy braid.
The whole process produced big fish ...
The whole process produced big fish …
... after big fish.
… after big fish.
Along the heavy vegetation of Lake Havasu, there were plenty of opportunities.
Along the heavy vegetation of Lake Havasu, there were plenty of opportunities.
And plenty of blackbirds.
And plenty of blackbirds.
The whole pattern would bring chuckles from those who listened to his winning speech.
The whole pattern would bring chuckles from those who listened to his winning speech.
But in the desert of Arizona, when everything came together ...
But in the desert of Arizona, when everything came together …
... it made perfect sense.
… it made perfect sense.
On the final day, sharing the stage with his mother, Carol Martens, it was a perfect ending.
On the final day, sharing the stage with his mother, Carol Martens, it was a perfect ending.
As Martens predicted, his 13th runner-up finish the week before proved to be a lucky number.
As Martens predicted, his 13th runner-up finish the week before proved to be a lucky number.
BASSfest would be one of those events where Martens wouldn't show up on the radar much.
BASSfest would be one of those events where Martens wouldn’t show up on the radar much.
But the event was important to his overall season.
But the event was important to his overall season.
Martens made another significant improvement after Day 1, like he did at Lake Havasu, jumping from 36th place to 17th.
Martens made another significant improvement after Day 1, like he did at Lake Havasu, jumping from 36th place to 17th.
Unlike at Havasu, it wouldn’t lead to a victory.
Unlike at Havasu, it wouldn’t lead to a victory.
Martens would finish 15th in an event where he almost stumbled on Day 1.
Martens would finish 15th in an event where he almost stumbled on Day 1.
This was when Angler of the Year talk started getting serious. After Kentucky Lake, Dean Rojas was leading with 420 points. Justin Lucas and Martens were tied for second place, right behind Rojas, with 418.
This was when Angler of the Year talk started getting serious. After Kentucky Lake, Dean Rojas was leading with 420 points. Justin Lucas and Martens were tied for second place, right behind Rojas, with 418.
Martens was simply steady on the St. Lawrence River.
Martens was simply steady on the St. Lawrence River.
He was in 13th place on Day 1, 12th on Day 2 and finished in 13th, 13 ounces out of the Top 12 cut.
He was in 13th place on Day 1, 12th on Day 2 and finished in 13th, 13 ounces out of the Top 12 cut.
But that steady performance proved to be big in the AOY race. Dean Rojas placed 28th, and Justin Lucas fell out of the money for the first and only time all season with a 61st-place finish.
But that steady performance proved to be big in the AOY race. Dean Rojas placed 28th, and Justin Lucas fell out of the money for the first and only time all season with a 61st-place finish.
Martens emerged as the AOY leader by 11 points over Rojas and 47 points over third-place Lucas going into the Chesapeake Bay event.
Martens emerged as the AOY leader by 11 points over Rojas and 47 points over third-place Lucas going into the Chesapeake Bay event.
This would be Martens’ finest hour of the 2015 season.
This would be Martens’ finest hour of the 2015 season.
Martens led the event all four days.
Martens led the event all four days.
He targeted boat docks with a spinnerbait on the first three days.
He targeted boat docks with a spinnerbait on the first three days.
While most of the field struggled, he started with the lead and kept it.
While most of the field struggled, he started with the lead and kept it.
On the final day, the tides were coming much later.
On the final day, the tides were coming much later.
By midday, Martens had lost a 5-pound lead over Bill Lowen, who quickly caught a limit and upgraded through much of the day.
By midday, Martens had lost a 5-pound lead over Bill Lowen, who quickly caught a limit and upgraded through much of the day.
Martens appeared to be floundering, and after several misses he was 8 pounds behind Lowen on BASSTrakk.
Martens appeared to be floundering, and after several misses he was 8 pounds behind Lowen on BASSTrakk.
Martens’ patience in waiting for the tide to get low enough to turn on the bite played out to perfection.
Martens’ patience in waiting for the tide to get low enough to turn on the bite played out to perfection.
It was literally one hour, just after noon on the final day at Chesapeake Bay, when Martens caught the biggest bag (21-5) and the biggest bass (7-2) of the tournament – all captured as it happened on Bassmaster LIVE.
It was literally one hour, just after noon on the final day at Chesapeake Bay, when Martens caught the biggest bag (21-5) and the biggest bass (7-2) of the tournament – all captured as it happened on Bassmaster LIVE.
This fish would be the 7-pound lunker that would captivate everyone watching.
This fish would be the 7-pound lunker that would captivate everyone watching.
It would come unhooked the second Martens grabbed it.
It would come unhooked the second Martens grabbed it.
The fish would kick Martens into gear.
The fish would kick Martens into gear.
In the hours leading up to that catch, pundits believed Martens might be falling apart.
In the hours leading up to that catch, pundits believed Martens might be falling apart.
Martens, though, would put together an amazing next hour.
Martens, though, would put together an amazing next hour.
With big fish after ...
With big fish after …
... big fish.
… big fish.
He built the heaviest stringer of the event.
He built the heaviest stringer of the event.
This would be his last fish of the day.
This would be his last fish of the day.
It gave him a total of 21 pounds, 5 ounces.
It gave him a total of 21 pounds, 5 ounces.
A mark many pundits didn't believe could be reached during that event.
A mark many pundits didn’t believe could be reached during that event.
Martens cruised to victory by a wide margin.
Martens cruised to victory by a wide margin.
The rest of the day was gravy.
The rest of the day was gravy.
He continued to catch fish while other Elites watching sent messages he should head to check in.
He continued to catch fish while other Elites watching sent messages he should head to check in.
Martens kept fishing.
Martens kept fishing.
And catching.
And catching.
By this time all eyes were on him.
By this time all eyes were on him.
He left with time to spare and reached a receptive crowd.
He left with time to spare and reached a receptive crowd.
This despite a final day when Bill Lowen would almost steal his thunder.
This despite a final day when Bill Lowen would almost steal his thunder.
Martens win practically sealed the AOY title with two events to go.
Martens win practically sealed the AOY title with two events to go.
It was his second win of the season.
It was his second win of the season.
Martens left Chesapeake Bay with a 69-point lead over second-place Rojas and 73-point margin over third-place Lucas.
Martens left Chesapeake Bay with a 69-point lead over second-place Rojas and 73-point margin over third-place Lucas.
With one event left, Martens hoped to gain enough ground to make the AOY Championship on Sturgeon Bay a cakewalk to the title.
With one event left, Martens hoped to gain enough ground to make the AOY Championship on Sturgeon Bay a cakewalk to the title.
Martens' cakewalk, though, came sooner.
Martens’ cakewalk, though, came sooner.
He didn’t have to wait until September and the AOY Championship on Sturgeon Bay to clinch Angler of the Year.
He didn’t have to wait until September and the AOY Championship on Sturgeon Bay to clinch Angler of the Year.
He did it with another classic Martens performance – catching a heavier limit and moving up in the standings all four days.
He did it with another classic Martens performance – catching a heavier limit and moving up in the standings all four days.
Martens didn’t exactly follow that plan, but it was close.
Martens didn’t exactly follow that plan, but it was close.
And nothing, not even sleeping through his alarm clock on the final day, was going to keep Aaron Martens from feeling victorious after the final day at Lake St. Clair.
And nothing, not even sleeping through his alarm clock on the final day, was going to keep Aaron Martens from feeling victorious after the final day at Lake St. Clair.
After the eight regular season events, Martens had an AOY lead of 102 points over Dean Rojas and 105 over Justin Lucas.
After the eight regular season events, Martens had an AOY lead of 102 points over Dean Rojas and 105 over Justin Lucas.
That margin gave him enough cushion to sleep in and show up late for the rest of the season.
That margin gave him enough cushion to sleep in and show up late for the rest of the season.
The most dominant performance in the 10-year history of the Elite Season brought the Angler of the Year race to an end three weeks early.
The most dominant performance in the 10-year history of the Elite Season brought the Angler of the Year race to an end three weeks early.
With a sixth-place finish, Aaron Martens took away any question that this was definitely the best Elite Series performance to date.
With a sixth-place finish, Aaron Martens took away any question that this was definitely the best Elite Series performance to date.