The Curse of ROY photos

Bassmaster Rookies of the Year know about the "sophomore slump," that downward slide that the fishing gods seem to demand.

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After finishing second in the AOY race in 2004, Greg Hackney had nowhere to go but down, slipping to fifth in 2005. Though he’s won several events since, that 2004 second-place finish at AOY is still his best to date.
After finishing second in the AOY race in 2004, Greg Hackney had nowhere to go but down, slipping to fifth in 2005. Though he’s won several events since, that 2004 second-place finish at AOY is still his best to date.
Dave Wolak topped out in 2005, finishing fourth at AOY. Since then, his best finish was 23<sup>rd</sup> in 2010.
Dave Wolak topped out in 2005, finishing fourth at AOY. Since then, his best finish was 23rd in 2010.
Steve Kennedy was runner-up in the AOY race in 2006. He’s been unable to match that success since.
Steve Kennedy was runner-up in the AOY race in 2006. He’s been unable to match that success since.
Derek Remitz made rookie history with a debut win on Lake Amistad in 2007. He finished 11<sup>th</sup> in 2010, but has had a disastrous 2011 season.
Derek Remitz made rookie history with a debut win on Lake Amistad in 2007. He finished 11th in 2010, but has had a disastrous 2011 season.
2008 Rookie of the Year Bobby Lane stumbled to 34<sup>th</sup> in the AOY by 2009. Despite qualifying for the Classic every year, he’s never ranked as highly in AOY points as he did in his rookie year (15<sup>th</sup>). 
2008 Rookie of the Year Bobby Lane stumbled to 34th in the AOY by 2009. Despite qualifying for the Classic every year, he’s never ranked as highly in AOY points as he did in his rookie year (15th). 
In his 2008 rookie year, Billy McCaghren earned his first and only Classic berth. 
In his 2008 rookie year, Billy McCaghren earned his first and only Classic berth. 
The youngest ROY in Elite history, Bradley Roy, took the honors in 2010. The following year he fell to 65<sup>th</sup> in AOY points.
The youngest ROY in Elite history, Bradley Roy, took the honors in 2010. The following year he fell to 65th in AOY points.
This year’s top rookie, Ott DeFoe, finished fourth in AOY standings. It remains to be seen if his skill will help him improve on his stellar debut season. 
This year’s top rookie, Ott DeFoe, finished fourth in AOY standings. It remains to be seen if his skill will help him improve on his stellar debut season.