How Alton Jones won the 2008 Hartwell Classic

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Alton Jones was king of the fishing world in 2008 after winning the Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell. As much as he wanted to defend his title, he won’t be fishing when the GEICO Bassmaster Classic returns to Hartwell on Feb. 20-22.
Alton Jones was king of the fishing world in 2008 after winning the Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell. As much as he wanted to defend his title, he won’t be fishing when the GEICO Bassmaster Classic returns to Hartwell on Feb. 20-22.
Revisiting 2008, Jones said he thoroughly enjoyed the week, starting in practice when he unlocked the mystery of the bass on Hartwell.
Revisiting 2008, Jones said he thoroughly enjoyed the week, starting in practice when he unlocked the mystery of the bass on Hartwell.
The jigging spoon bite ended after a half hour each morning and Jones said he discovered late on the last day of practice how to catch bass deep there in the cold conditions.
The jigging spoon bite ended after a half hour each morning and Jones said he discovered late on the last day of practice how to catch bass deep there in the cold conditions.
Jones throws out a marker on one of his spots. He was in 10th place after Day 1 with a solid bag weighing 17 pounds, 5 ounces.
Jones throws out a marker on one of his spots. He was in 10th place after Day 1 with a solid bag weighing 17 pounds, 5 ounces.
Fishing mostly with a jig, Jones took over the lead on Day 2 with a bag of 18-11 for his 36-0 total. He led Charlie Hartley by 1-3.
Fishing mostly with a jig, Jones took over the lead on Day 2 with a bag of 18-11 for his 36-0 total. He led Charlie Hartley by 1-3.
On Day 3, Jones caught 13-7 for his winning total of 49-7, but his lightest bag – it was second heaviest on the day -- left him thinking he might have missed his change. “Looking back, it’s probably good that I felt that way, because it kept me really focused on every cast right down to the last possible second.”
On Day 3, Jones caught 13-7 for his winning total of 49-7, but his lightest bag – it was second heaviest on the day — left him thinking he might have missed his change. “Looking back, it’s probably good that I felt that way, because it kept me really focused on every cast right down to the last possible second.”
Midway through Day 3, Jones said he had three fish in the livewell and opted to move. He added two fish for a limit, the last coming an hour and half before checking in.
Midway through Day 3, Jones said he had three fish in the livewell and opted to move. He added two fish for a limit, the last coming an hour and half before checking in.
As leader, Jones was last the last angler to go through the check station, where B.A.S.S. official Peewee Powers congratulated him, saying he thought Jones had the winning fish.
As leader, Jones was last the last angler to go through the check station, where B.A.S.S. official Peewee Powers congratulated him, saying he thought Jones had the winning fish.
That made Jones’ ride to the arena seem longer, as well as the wait to weigh in.
That made Jones’ ride to the arena seem longer, as well as the wait to weigh in.
After seeing Cliff Pace weigh-in, Jones knew he would get the title. Here his hopes, and lifelong dream, were realized when his bag was weighed.
After seeing Cliff Pace weigh-in, Jones knew he would get the title. Here his hopes, and lifelong dream, were realized when his bag was weighed.
Jones hoists the trophy in the arena before his confetti shower.
Jones hoists the trophy in the arena before his confetti shower.
His joy was evident. “It does really solidify your career in the sport. It gives you a title that holds a lot of weight.”
His joy was evident. “It does really solidify your career in the sport. It gives you a title that holds a lot of weight.”
Jones and family take the victory lap around the arena. “Anytime I get to meet somebody, I look at it as a divine appointment … I try to use that leverage as a Classic champion to have a positive impact on that person.”
Jones and family take the victory lap around the arena. “Anytime I get to meet somebody, I look at it as a divine appointment … I try to use that leverage as a Classic champion to have a positive impact on that person.”
Jones and Women’s Bassmaster Tour champion Judy Wong were invited to visit President Bush in the Oval Office at the White House.
Jones and Women’s Bassmaster Tour champion Judy Wong were invited to visit President Bush in the Oval Office at the White House.