AOY registration

The top bass anglers in the world register to compete for one of the most prized titles in their sport - Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year.

While much of the attention this week will be on who walks away with the Toyota Angler of the Year title and trophy, a good portion of the field is fighting for a spot in the Bassmaster Classic.
While much of the attention this week will be on who walks away with the Toyota Angler of the Year title and trophy, a good portion of the field is fighting for a spot in the Bassmaster Classic.
Currently, Alton Jones is the last man in the Classic.
Currently, Alton Jones is the last man in the Classic.
But he’s tied with Cliff Prince in points.
But he’s tied with Cliff Prince in points.
Prince is the last man out going into the event and could need a 20th place or better finish to have a shot at making the Classic.
Prince is the last man out going into the event and could need a 20th place or better finish to have a shot at making the Classic.
While the angler meeting was relaxed, you could see in the eyes of the anglers needing to make a move an intensity not normally seen, like Takahiro Omori gazing at Lake Michigan through the window. He could need a minimum 30th or better finish to stay in.
While the angler meeting was relaxed, you could see in the eyes of the anglers needing to make a move an intensity not normally seen, like Takahiro Omori gazing at Lake Michigan through the window. He could need a minimum 30th or better finish to stay in.
Kevin Short, who has put together an amazing year despite missing one event because a tornado destroyed his home, needs to finish in the 30th-place neighborhood as well.
Kevin Short, who has put together an amazing year despite missing one event because a tornado destroyed his home, needs to finish in the 30th-place neighborhood as well.
Chris Zaldain is one of a handful of anglers who need to finish in the top 10.
Chris Zaldain is one of a handful of anglers who need to finish in the top 10.
Some, like Davy Hite may actually have to win to get enough points to sneak in.
Some, like Davy Hite may actually have to win to get enough points to sneak in.
Hite was obviously focused on the task, knowing that in this event where wind and waves will be a big factor that could hinder his production.
Hite was obviously focused on the task, knowing that in this event where wind and waves will be a big factor that could hinder his production.
Steve Kennedy and Andy Montgomery also have their work cut out for them.
Steve Kennedy and Andy Montgomery also have their work cut out for them.
Kennedy likely needs a top 15 position or better to make it in.
Kennedy likely needs a top 15 position or better to make it in.
While Montgomery needs to wind up well in the top 20.
While Montgomery needs to wind up well in the top 20.
Casey Scanlon sits in between those two currently and needs around 15th or better to have a chance.
Casey Scanlon sits in between those two currently and needs around 15th or better to have a chance.
And Jeff Kriet probably has to finish in the top 20 to get a Classic berth.
And Jeff Kriet probably has to finish in the top 20 to get a Classic berth.
While Timmy Horton needs to finish well into the top 20.
While Timmy Horton needs to finish well into the top 20.
Marty Robinson (front) and Brandon Lester (back) have two different tracks. Robinson needs to finish well in the top 20 to get in, while Lester needs to hold onto his spot by finishing well within the top 30.
Marty Robinson (front) and Brandon Lester (back) have two different tracks. Robinson needs to finish well in the top 20 to get in, while Lester needs to hold onto his spot by finishing well within the top 30.
Lester was a little more light-hearted during the meeting,
Lester was a little more light-hearted during the meeting,
Unlike Robinson, who was obviously concentrating on the task at hand.
Unlike Robinson, who was obviously concentrating on the task at hand.
Brian Snowden and Todd Faircloth have different goals as well. Faircloth needs to beat Greg Hackney by 18 places and Aaron Martens by three places to win the AOY. Snowden needs a top 20 or better for a shot at the Classic.
Brian Snowden and Todd Faircloth have different goals as well. Faircloth needs to beat Greg Hackney by 18 places and Aaron Martens by three places to win the AOY. Snowden needs a top 20 or better for a shot at the Classic.
Cliff Pirch is fresh off a US Open win, and needs a strong finish to stay in the Classic.
Cliff Pirch is fresh off a US Open win, and needs a strong finish to stay in the Classic.
Bernie Schultz, who has developed a knack for catching smallmouth in the northern states, needs a strong finish as well to hold onto his Classic berth.
Bernie Schultz, who has developed a knack for catching smallmouth in the northern states, needs a strong finish as well to hold onto his Classic berth.
Schultz is currently 10 points in the Classic, but with a reduced field of the best anglers in the world knows nothing can be taken for granted.
Schultz is currently 10 points in the Classic, but with a reduced field of the best anglers in the world knows nothing can be taken for granted.
Tim Horton and Paul Elias are on separate tracks as well, Elias only needs to catch a limit or two to stay in the Classic, while Horton has to finish well into the top 20.
Tim Horton and Paul Elias are on separate tracks as well, Elias only needs to catch a limit or two to stay in the Classic, while Horton has to finish well into the top 20.
In every Elite event, anglers typically have the goal to win.  That goal is present in this event as well, but the other goals of getting or staying in the Classic will define this event as much as anything.
In every Elite event, anglers typically have the goal to win. That goal is present in this event as well, but the other goals of getting or staying in the Classic will define this event as much as anything.