The BNC contenders

For the last several months, anglers have been working through their respective ranks to qualify for the 2015 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, which is coming up Nov. 5-7 on Louisiana's Ouachita River.

For the last several months, anglers have been working through their respective ranks to qualify for the 2015 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, which is coming up Nov. 5-7 on Louisiana's Ouachita River. A total of 59 competitors have earned a berth in the championship. Most won their invitation by finishing at the top in their state at a B.A.S.S. Nation divisional. A few international qualifiers earned their spot by winning a championship in their nation. One — Paul Mueller — will return to defend his title from last year's championship, and the final qualifier — Jack Barber — won his ticket by winning Angler of the Year on the Paralyzed Veterans of America Tour. Meet the contenders in the next few slides. Six of them will win their divisions in the championship and qualify to compete in the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro.
For the last several months, anglers have been working through their respective ranks to qualify for the 2015 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, which is coming up Nov. 5-7 on Louisiana’s Ouachita River. A total of 59 competitors have earned a berth in the championship. Most won their invitation by finishing at the top in their state at a B.A.S.S. Nation divisional. A few international qualifiers earned their spot by winning a championship in their nation. One — Paul Mueller — will return to defend his title from last year’s championship, and the final qualifier — Jack Barber — won his ticket by winning Angler of the Year on the Paralyzed Veterans of America Tour. Meet the contenders in the next few slides. Six of them will win their divisions in the championship and qualify to compete in the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro.
Donald Adcock will be going to his first B.A.S.S. Nation Championship after competing in his first divisional. He’s a member of the Rankin Bass Nation club in Mississippi. He spends his days at work in vending sales, but when he gets some off time, he likes to golf or fish.
Donald Adcock will be going to his first B.A.S.S. Nation Championship after competing in his first divisional. He’s a member of the Rankin Bass Nation club in Mississippi. He spends his days at work in vending sales, but when he gets some off time, he likes to golf or fish.
Gary Adkins of Wisconsin is a mill wright superintendent. But for fun, he likes hunting, traveling and watching sports. This will be the first championship for the Great Lakes Bass Anglers member.
Gary Adkins of Wisconsin is a mill wright superintendent. But for fun, he likes hunting, traveling and watching sports. This will be the first championship for the Great Lakes Bass Anglers member.
Dave Andrews lives in Massachusetts but will be representing New Hampshire at the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. He’s a member of the Back Bay Bassmasters. Andrews must be pretty smart — not just because he’s in the biopharma industry, but also because he will beat your pants off in a game of pub trivia. Andrews likes basketball, fitness and music. This will be his fourth trip to the championship.
Dave Andrews lives in Massachusetts but will be representing New Hampshire at the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. He’s a member of the Back Bay Bassmasters. Andrews must be pretty smart — not just because he’s in the biopharma industry, but also because he will beat your pants off in a game of pub trivia. Andrews likes basketball, fitness and music. This will be his fourth trip to the championship.
Jack Barber will be representing the Paralyzed Veterans of America at the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. He spent 22 years in the U.S. Army. He lives in Texas and likes hunting and traveling. But he also does lots of volunteer work for the PVA and is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. This is his first B.A.S.S. Nation Championship.
Jack Barber will be representing the Paralyzed Veterans of America at the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. He spent 22 years in the U.S. Army. He lives in Texas and likes hunting and traveling. But he also does lots of volunteer work for the PVA and is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. This is his first B.A.S.S. Nation Championship.
George Barnes of Massachusetts was born a gamblin’ man. He likes the casinos when he can get to them! But even more so, he likes getting members of Junior Bassmaster and High School clubs out on the water. He was a finish carpenter, but now he’s retired, so he has plenty of time for the kids. Speaking of kids, he’s got five of his own! Barnes is a member of the Wachusett Bass Club.
George Barnes of Massachusetts was born a gamblin’ man. He likes the casinos when he can get to them! But even more so, he likes getting members of Junior Bassmaster and High School clubs out on the water. He was a finish carpenter, but now he’s retired, so he has plenty of time for the kids. Speaking of kids, he’s got five of his own! Barnes is a member of the Wachusett Bass Club.
Wayne Black, a member of the Bass Capital Bassmasters, will be representing Florida in his first B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. He gets a lot of practice on the water as a fishing guide. He also loves spending time with his family, and he takes care of his wife, who has ALS.
Wayne Black, a member of the Bass Capital Bassmasters, will be representing Florida in his first B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. He gets a lot of practice on the water as a fishing guide. He also loves spending time with his family, and he takes care of his wife, who has ALS.
Samuel Bounds is a pastor in West Virginia, but he’ll be part of the congregation at the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. He’s a member of the Bronzeback Bassmasters, and when he’s not preaching, he’s driving the school bus. Bounds also likes to hunt and hang out with his three kids.
Samuel Bounds is a pastor in West Virginia, but he’ll be part of the congregation at the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. He’s a member of the Bronzeback Bassmasters, and when he’s not preaching, he’s driving the school bus. Bounds also likes to hunt and hang out with his three kids.
Corey Brant has made the Minnesota state team three times, but this is his first time representing his state at the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. He’s a member of the Twin City Bass Club. He’s in medical sales, but what he really likes doing is going to his wife’s cabin in the summer with his wife and daughter. He likes hunting, fishing and playing broomball.
Corey Brant has made the Minnesota state team three times, but this is his first time representing his state at the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. He’s a member of the Twin City Bass Club. He’s in medical sales, but what he really likes doing is going to his wife’s cabin in the summer with his wife and daughter. He likes hunting, fishing and playing broomball.
Daniel Brown of Illinois likes to travel, which is good because he’ll be traveling down to Monroe, La., for the second time for a championship. He’s a retired corrections administrator. Brown is a member of the Prairie State Bassmasters, and he likes watching baseball and spending time with his family.
Daniel Brown of Illinois likes to travel, which is good because he’ll be traveling down to Monroe, La., for the second time for a championship. He’s a retired corrections administrator. Brown is a member of the Prairie State Bassmasters, and he likes watching baseball and spending time with his family.
<p>Albert Collins is becoming a pro at this amateur fishing thing. He has been to the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship four times, and he went to the Classic once by virtue of his victory in the Weekend Series. Collins is from Texas, but we wouldn’t have to tell you that if we said this part first: One of his hobbies is raising beef cattle. Collins has seven kids — count ’em, seven! — and is a member of the Nacogdoches Bass Club.</p>
Albert Collins is becoming a pro at this amateur fishing thing. He has been to the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship four times, and he went to the Classic once by virtue of his victory in the Weekend Series. Collins is from Texas, but we wouldn’t have to tell you that if we said this part first: One of his hobbies is raising beef cattle. Collins has seven kids — count ’em, seven! — and is a member of the Nacogdoches Bass Club.
Bruce Cooke is coming all the way from Zimbabwe to represent his country in the championship. He’s a member of the Chinmoyi Bass Chapter and is self-employed.
Bruce Cooke is coming all the way from Zimbabwe to represent his country in the championship. He’s a member of the Chinmoyi Bass Chapter and is self-employed.
Brian Croteau lives in Massachusetts but will represent Rhode Island for his first time in the championship. Croteau is a housing contractor by day, and he’s a member of the Northern Rhode Island Bass Anglers. For fun, he rides his Harley and goes camping with his family.
Brian Croteau lives in Massachusetts but will represent Rhode Island for his first time in the championship. Croteau is a housing contractor by day, and he’s a member of the Northern Rhode Island Bass Anglers. For fun, he rides his Harley and goes camping with his family.
Brad Durden is a member of Georgia’s Six Mile Club. He’s in sales, but when he’s not working or fishing, you can find him on the golf course.
Brad Durden is a member of Georgia’s Six Mile Club. He’s in sales, but when he’s not working or fishing, you can find him on the golf course.
Samuele Ferroni is crossing the Atlantic to compete in his first championship. The Italian angler hopefully will bring some proof of his job across the ocean to share with the other competitors; he’s a wine producer! He likes traveling and listening to music in his spare time.
Samuele Ferroni is crossing the Atlantic to compete in his first championship. The Italian angler hopefully will bring some proof of his job across the ocean to share with the other competitors; he’s a wine producer! He likes traveling and listening to music in his spare time.
Jeffrey Fischer will be bringing some scientific knowledge down to the Ouachita River from his home in Michigan. He’s a fisheries biologist, so he might know what the fish are doing better than some of the Ouachita’s repeat visitors do! He’s a member of OC Bass, and he likes hunting, baseball and golf.
Jeffrey Fischer will be bringing some scientific knowledge down to the Ouachita River from his home in Michigan. He’s a fisheries biologist, so he might know what the fish are doing better than some of the Ouachita’s repeat visitors do! He’s a member of OC Bass, and he likes hunting, baseball and golf.
Jami Fralick — how do we know that name? Oh, right! We know him from his eight years on the Bassmaster Elite Series tour! Fralick hails from South Dakota, where both he and his father, Monty, compete at the state B.A.S.S. Nation level. Now, he works in construction instead of fishing full time on the tour. He’s in the Bon Homme Bass Club, and this will be his fourth time in the championship.
Jami Fralick — how do we know that name? Oh, right! We know him from his eight years on the Bassmaster Elite Series tour! Fralick hails from South Dakota, where both he and his father, Monty, compete at the state B.A.S.S. Nation level. Now, he works in construction instead of fishing full time on the tour. He’s in the Bon Homme Bass Club, and this will be his fourth time in the championship.
Preston Frazell was in the championship last year when it was on the Ouachita River, so this Oklahoma angler — who's representing the Kansas B.A.S.S. Nation — already has some knowledge of the water. Frazell is in sales, but when he's not working or fishing, you can catch him hunting.
Preston Frazell was in the championship last year when it was on the Ouachita River, so this Oklahoma angler — who’s representing the Kansas B.A.S.S. Nation — already has some knowledge of the water. Frazell is in sales, but when he’s not working or fishing, you can catch him hunting.
Lance Freeman is one of two B.A.S.S. Nation Championship competitors this year who, just last year, qualified for the college championship. Freeman competed for Murray State in Kentucky. (The other is Matt Roberts; you’ll see him later in this gallery.) Freeman likes to hunt and golf, and when he’s not studying, he’s working as a commercial fisherman. He’s a member of the Murray State Bass Anglers. Freeman may be headed to Monroe for his first championship, but he’s (kind of) been here before. He competed in and won the Junior Bassmaster World Championship in Monroe on Bayou DeSiard back in 2011, one year after fellow BNC competitor Alex Wetherell did.
Lance Freeman is one of two B.A.S.S. Nation Championship competitors this year who, just last year, qualified for the college championship. Freeman competed for Murray State in Kentucky. (The other is Matt Roberts; you’ll see him later in this gallery.) Freeman likes to hunt and golf, and when he’s not studying, he’s working as a commercial fisherman. He’s a member of the Murray State Bass Anglers. Freeman may be headed to Monroe for his first championship, but he’s (kind of) been here before. He competed in and won the Junior Bassmaster World Championship in Monroe on Bayou DeSiard back in 2011, one year after fellow BNC competitor Alex Wetherell did.
Kyle Glasgow will be making his debut appearance at the championship, on behalf of his home state of Alabama. Glasgow is a member of the Winfield Bassmasters, and he owns K&S Outdoors, a hunting and fishing goods store. His kids are teenagers, and he enjoys watching them play sports when he’s not on duty at the shop. He also likes hunting and riding off-road vehicles.
Kyle Glasgow will be making his debut appearance at the championship, on behalf of his home state of Alabama. Glasgow is a member of the Winfield Bassmasters, and he owns K&S Outdoors, a hunting and fishing goods store. His kids are teenagers, and he enjoys watching them play sports when he’s not on duty at the shop. He also likes hunting and riding off-road vehicles.
Pat Hanning is traveling all the way from Arizona to compete in his first championship. He’s a big fan of mountain biking, but we hope he doesn’t bike 1,200 miles to Louisiana. Plus, it would be tough to tow his boat with the bike. If anyone could figure it out, though, it might be Hanning, who proves he’s smart every day by being a mechanical engineer. Hanning is a member of the Del Norte Bass Anglers.
Pat Hanning is traveling all the way from Arizona to compete in his first championship. He’s a big fan of mountain biking, but we hope he doesn’t bike 1,200 miles to Louisiana. Plus, it would be tough to tow his boat with the bike. If anyone could figure it out, though, it might be Hanning, who proves he’s smart every day by being a mechanical engineer. Hanning is a member of the Del Norte Bass Anglers.
Davick Hansen serves this great country we live in as an aircraft maintenance superintendent for the Air Force. His wife’s name (and we are not making this up) is Sally, so we assume she has amazing nails. Hansen loves hanging out with his wife and their two kids. He likes to spend his free time in the woods, camping or hiking, or in the billiards room, shooting pool and playing cards.
Davick Hansen serves this great country we live in as an aircraft maintenance superintendent for the Air Force. His wife’s name (and we are not making this up) is Sally, so we assume she has amazing nails. Hansen loves hanging out with his wife and their two kids. He likes to spend his free time in the woods, camping or hiking, or in the billiards room, shooting pool and playing cards.
Brian Harold of Virginia will be coming to his first championship. He’s an electrician, and you won’t be shocked to learn (see what we did there?) that he loves spending time with his family and friends. He’s a member of the Rockingham Bassmasters.
Brian Harold of Virginia will be coming to his first championship. He’s an electrician, and you won’t be shocked to learn (see what we did there?) that he loves spending time with his family and friends. He’s a member of the Rockingham Bassmasters.
Tim Johnston earned the nickname “Mr. 150 to 1” after his first Classic qualification in 2014. His odds to win it were considered just that. But, Johnston took it in stride and loved his moment in the sun. Now, he’s trying to earn it again in yet his third consecutive B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. He likes playing guitar in his church’s worship band, and he also likes making his own lures and coaching baseball. This Western Montana Bassmasters member also has something up his sleeve for this championship like he did for the Classic — a custom song, written and performed by his son, for his walk-up music.
Tim Johnston earned the nickname “Mr. 150 to 1” after his first Classic qualification in 2014. His odds to win it were considered just that. But, Johnston took it in stride and loved his moment in the sun. Now, he’s trying to earn it again in yet his third consecutive B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. He likes playing guitar in his church’s worship band, and he also likes making his own lures and coaching baseball. This Western Montana Bassmasters member also has something up his sleeve for this championship like he did for the Classic — a custom song, written and performed by his son, for his walk-up music.
Stephen Kanowski has the nickname “Killer,” but all his friends say it’s because he kills it on the water, not because of anything more sinister than that. It couldn’t be sinister anyway because he spends his days saving lives, transporting blood for Australia’s Red Cross. Kanowski will be Australia’s second-ever representative in the championship. He likes camping (if you live in the Outback, it seems like you have to like that), golf and traveling.
Stephen Kanowski has the nickname “Killer,” but all his friends say it’s because he kills it on the water, not because of anything more sinister than that. It couldn’t be sinister anyway because he spends his days saving lives, transporting blood for Australia’s Red Cross. Kanowski will be Australia’s second-ever representative in the championship. He likes camping (if you live in the Outback, it seems like you have to like that), golf and traveling.
David Kromm will be traveling all the way from the Pacific Northwest to represent his home state of Washington. It’s his second time in the championship. Kromm is a sheet metal worker, and he likes hunting and snowmobiling. He’s a member of the Tri-City River Runners.
David Kromm will be traveling all the way from the Pacific Northwest to represent his home state of Washington. It’s his second time in the championship. Kromm is a sheet metal worker, and he likes hunting and snowmobiling. He’s a member of the Tri-City River Runners.
Jamie Laiche has only a four-hour drive to get to the championship, and he’s been to four previous B.A.S.S. Nation Championships. In fact, he’s already qualified for the Classic once, back in 2008. Now, he’s looking for another shot at the biggest title in bass fishing. Laiche is an instrument technician for a chemical company. When he’s not at work, you can find him hunting, cooking or practicing sports with his kids. Laiche is a member of the Ascension Area Anglers in Louisiana.
Jamie Laiche has only a four-hour drive to get to the championship, and he’s been to four previous B.A.S.S. Nation Championships. In fact, he’s already qualified for the Classic once, back in 2008. Now, he’s looking for another shot at the biggest title in bass fishing. Laiche is an instrument technician for a chemical company. When he’s not at work, you can find him hunting, cooking or practicing sports with his kids. Laiche is a member of the Ascension Area Anglers in Louisiana.
Billy Lemon has made the Oklahoma state team six times, but this will be his first time in the championship. Lemon is in sales, and he likes hunting deer and lifting weights. He’s a member of the North OKC Bassmasters.
Billy Lemon has made the Oklahoma state team six times, but this will be his first time in the championship. Lemon is in sales, and he likes hunting deer and lifting weights. He’s a member of the North OKC Bassmasters.
Nick Leonard is a proud member of the Bent Rod Bassmasters in Ohio. After qualifying for the state team three times, this will be his first time in the championship. Leonard keeps busy with two jobs, one as the parts manager at a boat dealer and the other as the supervisor at the tax man’s office.
Nick Leonard is a proud member of the Bent Rod Bassmasters in Ohio. After qualifying for the state team three times, this will be his first time in the championship. Leonard keeps busy with two jobs, one as the parts manager at a boat dealer and the other as the supervisor at the tax man’s office.
Joaquim Maria Moio Lopes is one of the handful of European contenders coming to the championship. Lopes will be only the second angler ever to represent Portugal. Back home, he's the manager of a fishing shop. And when he's not manning the store, he's traveling or hunting.
Joaquim Maria Moio Lopes is one of the handful of European contenders coming to the championship. Lopes will be only the second angler ever to represent Portugal. Back home, he’s the manager of a fishing shop. And when he’s not manning the store, he’s traveling or hunting.
Marcelo Lozano is the champion of the Mexico B.A.S.S. Nation this year, and he’ll be making his first trip to the championship. He’s an operations manager for work, but any time he’s not working, he’s spending time with his wife and two kids.
Marcelo Lozano is the champion of the Mexico B.A.S.S. Nation this year, and he’ll be making his first trip to the championship. He’s an operations manager for work, but any time he’s not working, he’s spending time with his wife and two kids.
Michael McMahon of New Jersey will be competing in his first B.A.S.S. Nation championship this fall. The engineering project manager is a member of the Warren County Bassmasters. He loves spending time with kids, doing whatever it is they want to do — amusement parks, sports, hitting the beach or going down to the boardwarlk. McMahon is also an avid golfer.
Michael McMahon of New Jersey will be competing in his first B.A.S.S. Nation championship this fall. The engineering project manager is a member of the Warren County Bassmasters. He loves spending time with kids, doing whatever it is they want to do — amusement parks, sports, hitting the beach or going down to the boardwarlk. McMahon is also an avid golfer.
Levi McNeill will be representing Wyoming in his second consecutive trip to the BNC and to the Ouachita River. He's a mechanic, but the joy in his life is hanging out with his two sons. He also likes playing softball and golf.
Levi McNeill will be representing Wyoming in his second consecutive trip to the BNC and to the Ouachita River. He’s a mechanic, but the joy in his life is hanging out with his two sons. He also likes playing softball and golf.
You know this face. Paul Mueller of Connecticut has been making a name for himself the last couple of years. He won the Eastern Divisional a couple of years ago, went on to qualify for the Classic, qualified again for the championship, which he then won and went back to the Classic. He also joined the Bassmaster Elite Series following his championship victory last year, and he's just finished up his rookie year there. He's here defending his title on the Ouachita — and looking for a third consecutive trip to the Classic. When he's not fishing for bass, he's ice fishing. And if he's not on the water at all, which is rare, he's playing basketball or cooking.
You know this face. Paul Mueller of Connecticut has been making a name for himself the last couple of years. He won the Eastern Divisional a couple of years ago, went on to qualify for the Classic, qualified again for the championship, which he then won and went back to the Classic. He also joined the Bassmaster Elite Series following his championship victory last year, and he’s just finished up his rookie year there. He’s here defending his title on the Ouachita — and looking for a third consecutive trip to the Classic. When he’s not fishing for bass, he’s ice fishing. And if he’s not on the water at all, which is rare, he’s playing basketball or cooking.
Jerry Pape will represent Nebraska for his first time in the championship. He's a real estate appraiser for work, but for play, he digs bowhunting and golf.
Jerry Pape will represent Nebraska for his first time in the championship. He’s a real estate appraiser for work, but for play, he digs bowhunting and golf.
Cesar Pecellin Munoz is the fourth angler ever to represent Spain in the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. He's a very talented artist, painting beautiful scenes of bass in their natural habitat. Pecellin also loves design, history, chess and reading.
Cesar Pecellin Munoz is the fourth angler ever to represent Spain in the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. He’s a very talented artist, painting beautiful scenes of bass in their natural habitat. Pecellin also loves design, history, chess and reading.
Robert Peixotto of New Mexico is not only a great angler; he's also a great tax guy. He's a CPA in Albuquerque, and when he's not preparing a return or building a company's P&L reports, he's off snowboarding. When he can't fish, he spends time just wishing he could. Peixotto is a member of the Hawg Hunters club.
Robert Peixotto of New Mexico is not only a great angler; he’s also a great tax guy. He’s a CPA in Albuquerque, and when he’s not preparing a return or building a company’s P&L reports, he’s off snowboarding. When he can’t fish, he spends time just wishing he could. Peixotto is a member of the Hawg Hunters club.
Mark Pierce has been to the BNC so many times, you need all the fingers on your right hand to count them. He lives in Kentucky, but he represents Tennessee in the championship, courtesy of his club, the Montgomery County Bass Anglers. Pierce is a tough dude; he's a career Army guy. When he's not protecting our country or out in a boat, he's building things or remodeling them. He's been to the Classic once, and it was on Grand Lake. If he does what he's setting out to do on the Ouachita River, Grand Lake will also be where his second Classic is.
Mark Pierce has been to the BNC so many times, you need all the fingers on your right hand to count them. He lives in Kentucky, but he represents Tennessee in the championship, courtesy of his club, the Montgomery County Bass Anglers. Pierce is a tough dude; he’s a career Army guy. When he’s not protecting our country or out in a boat, he’s building things or remodeling them. He’s been to the Classic once, and it was on Grand Lake. If he does what he’s setting out to do on the Ouachita River, Grand Lake will also be where his second Classic is.
Stephen Pike will represent his home state of Nevada in the championship. It will be his first trip to the BNC, and he'll be traveling from Las Vegas, where he's a member of the Nevada Bass Anglers.
Stephen Pike will represent his home state of Nevada in the championship. It will be his first trip to the BNC, and he’ll be traveling from Las Vegas, where he’s a member of the Nevada Bass Anglers.
John Proctor has been to the big show a couple of times before, including on the Ouachita River. He's a big Clemson football fan, so it won't surprise you when we tell you he's from South Carolina. He's an accountant at a bank, so you might catch him and New Mexico's Robert Peixotto comparing notes on the latest Excel or QuickBooks updates. Proctor is a member of the Conway Bassmasters.
John Proctor has been to the big show a couple of times before, including on the Ouachita River. He’s a big Clemson football fan, so it won’t surprise you when we tell you he’s from South Carolina. He’s an accountant at a bank, so you might catch him and New Mexico’s Robert Peixotto comparing notes on the latest Excel or QuickBooks updates. Proctor is a member of the Conway Bassmasters.
Kory Ray of Oregon is an outdoorsy kind of guy. He fishes, of course, but he's also really into hunting, hiking and camping. Even his work is outside; he's a general contractor superintendent. Ray is a member of the Eugene Bassmasters.
Kory Ray of Oregon is an outdoorsy kind of guy. He fishes, of course, but he’s also really into hunting, hiking and camping. Even his work is outside; he’s a general contractor superintendent. Ray is a member of the Eugene Bassmasters.
Matthew Roberts might be familiar to you if you follow the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series. The 24-year-old just graduated from Bethel University, where he qualified for the 2014 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Classic Bracket. He went head-to-head with ULM's Brett Preuett; he lost to Preuett, who later went on to qualify for the Classic. Now, Roberts is looking for a Classic spot again, only this time, through the adult ranks. He lives in Iowa, but he's representing Missouri and the Wapello Bass Club. He loves watching college football and basketball, and he also likes to hunt.
Matthew Roberts might be familiar to you if you follow the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series. The 24-year-old just graduated from Bethel University, where he qualified for the 2014 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Classic Bracket. He went head-to-head with ULM’s Brett Preuett; he lost to Preuett, who later went on to qualify for the Classic. Now, Roberts is looking for a Classic spot again, only this time, through the adult ranks. He lives in Iowa, but he’s representing Missouri and the Wapello Bass Club. He loves watching college football and basketball, and he also likes to hunt.
Fabian Rodriguez, who will be Delaware's representative, is a creative guy. You can tell that because when we asked for his occupation, this is what we got:
Fabian Rodriguez, who will be Delaware’s representative, is a creative guy. You can tell that because when we asked for his occupation, this is what we got: “self-employed entrepreneur, bass spy, master of many baits, promoter/teacher.” We’re most intrigued by “bass spy” … but when he’s not coming up with clever occupation descriptions, Rodriguez is playing the guitar, playing tennis or traveling. He also likes giving seminars to kids on how education ties into our sport and our careers. He’s a member of the Three Ponds Bassmasters.
<p>Kieron Samkin is crossing the ocean from South Africa to be in his first championship. He likes traveling, so he'll probably thoroughly enjoy his trip to the States. Samkin owns a vehicle servicing and repair workshop.</p>
Kieron Samkin is crossing the ocean from South Africa to be in his first championship. He likes traveling, so he’ll probably thoroughly enjoy his trip to the States. Samkin owns a vehicle servicing and repair workshop.
Brent Shores of Idaho will be making his second trip to the BNC; the first one was eight years ago. Shores is in the fishing biz; he's the co-owner of Accu Cull. He's a professional angler, so in his spare time, he spends time indoors. He loves playing World of Warcraft, watching intense shows like Walking Dead and Game of Thrones, and taking his kids to the movies. Shores is a member of the Boise Bass Busters.
Brent Shores of Idaho will be making his second trip to the BNC; the first one was eight years ago. Shores is in the fishing biz; he’s the co-owner of Accu Cull. He’s a professional angler, so in his spare time, he spends time indoors. He loves playing World of Warcraft, watching intense shows like Walking Dead and Game of Thrones, and taking his kids to the movies. Shores is a member of the Boise Bass Busters.
Chad Shutty of Pennsylvania is a member of the Patton Bassmasters. This will be his first trip to the championship. He's a driver by trade, and for fun, he coaches Little League or goes hunting or trapping.
Chad Shutty of Pennsylvania is a member of the Patton Bassmasters. This will be his first trip to the championship. He’s a driver by trade, and for fun, he coaches Little League or goes hunting or trapping.
Charles Sim of Ontario is coming south from Canada to compete in his first championship. He's a member of the Ottawa Valley South Bassmasters, and he loves playing pool and traveling. He is a computer programmer by day, and as a Canadian, he must end every sentence with, eh?
Charles Sim of Ontario is coming south from Canada to compete in his first championship. He’s a member of the Ottawa Valley South Bassmasters, and he loves playing pool and traveling. He is a computer programmer by day, and as a Canadian, he must end every sentence with, eh?
You'll have to use all the fingers on your left hand to count the number of times Skip Sjobeck of Vermont has qualified for the championship. (Hint, it's the same number of times Mark Pierce has qualified, but you count his on your right hand.) Sjobeck has a pretty cool job; he owns Skip's Clock Shop, where he does repairs on old clocks and sells antique clocks, too. When he's not ticking his time away in the store, he's doing manly things like chopping firewood, snowmobiling or riding motorcycles. Sjobeck is a member of the Champlain Valley Anglers.
You’ll have to use all the fingers on your left hand to count the number of times Skip Sjobeck of Vermont has qualified for the championship. (Hint, it’s the same number of times Mark Pierce has qualified, but you count his on your right hand.) Sjobeck has a pretty cool job; he owns Skip’s Clock Shop, where he does repairs on old clocks and sells antique clocks, too. When he’s not ticking his time away in the store, he’s doing manly things like chopping firewood, snowmobiling or riding motorcycles. Sjobeck is a member of the Champlain Valley Anglers.
Casey Smith of New York will be going to his first BNC. He's a member of the Rochester Bassmasters. By day, he's an estimator/general superintendent of construction. He loves to play hockey (any dentists in the house?), and doing anything with his wife and son.
Casey Smith of New York will be going to his first BNC. He’s a member of the Rochester Bassmasters. By day, he’s an estimator/general superintendent of construction. He loves to play hockey (any dentists in the house?), and doing anything with his wife and son.
You are not going to get away with anything as long as Roger Lee Thomas is around. He's North Carolina's representative to the championship — and he's a correctional sergeant for the state ... which means he can handle inmate drama like nobody's business. So you can safely assume there will be no brawls at the BNC. When Thomas isn't putting people in lockdown, he's hunting, playing ball, riding ATVs and hanging out with his kids. He's a member of the Pitt County Bassmasters. Also, he has a third kid due any moment now.
You are not going to get away with anything as long as Roger Lee Thomas is around. He’s North Carolina’s representative to the championship — and he’s a correctional sergeant for the state … which means he can handle inmate drama like nobody’s business. So you can safely assume there will be no brawls at the BNC. When Thomas isn’t putting people in lockdown, he’s hunting, playing ball, riding ATVs and hanging out with his kids. He’s a member of the Pitt County Bassmasters. Also, he has a third kid due any moment now.
Doug Thompson of Arkansas has already had one trip to the Bassmaster Classic; now he's ready for another. He's a hardware engineer, which has something to do with computers. Thompson is a member of the Natural State Bass Anglers, and in his spare time, he likes playing guitar and hunting.
Doug Thompson of Arkansas has already had one trip to the Bassmaster Classic; now he’s ready for another. He’s a hardware engineer, which has something to do with computers. Thompson is a member of the Natural State Bass Anglers, and in his spare time, he likes playing guitar and hunting.
Larry Triplett of Colorado may be the husband of the Colorado B.A.S.S. Nation president, Audrey McKenney, but he's not just arm candy. Triplett has been at this fishing thing for a while now, and this is his second trip to the championship. He likes hunting, golfing, hiking and traveling; and when he's not playing, he's doing what he loves for work — stuffing animals at his own shop, Wilderness Taxidermy. Triplett is a member of the Denver Bassmasters.
Larry Triplett of Colorado may be the husband of the Colorado B.A.S.S. Nation president, Audrey McKenney, but he’s not just arm candy. Triplett has been at this fishing thing for a while now, and this is his second trip to the championship. He likes hunting, golfing, hiking and traveling; and when he’s not playing, he’s doing what he loves for work — stuffing animals at his own shop, Wilderness Taxidermy. Triplett is a member of the Denver Bassmasters.
Greg Vance is Iowa's representative to the championship, and it's his first time. He's a student at Loras College, and when he's not studying for his next big exam, he's working in the lumber yard. The Dubuque Bass Club member loves doing anything outdoors, especially hunting, and he also fits in trips to country music concerts and Packers games whenever he can.
Greg Vance is Iowa’s representative to the championship, and it’s his first time. He’s a student at Loras College, and when he’s not studying for his next big exam, he’s working in the lumber yard. The Dubuque Bass Club member loves doing anything outdoors, especially hunting, and he also fits in trips to country music concerts and Packers games whenever he can.
David Watson of Indiana is making his way to his second championship; his first was on the Red River. There, he qualified for the 2011 Bassmaster Classic, where he came in 41st. He's looking for a return trip to the Classic now. He's a pipe fitter during the week, but on weekends, he likes to hunt and drive off-road vehicles. He's a member of the Strip Pit Bassers.
David Watson of Indiana is making his way to his second championship; his first was on the Red River. There, he qualified for the 2011 Bassmaster Classic, where he came in 41st. He’s looking for a return trip to the Classic now. He’s a pipe fitter during the week, but on weekends, he likes to hunt and drive off-road vehicles. He’s a member of the Strip Pit Bassers.
Brad Weese will be representing Maryland in the championship, and he'll be a first-timer. He's a real estate contractor, and he loves hanging out with family and friends and doing just about anything in the outdoors. He's a member of the Garrett Bassers.
Brad Weese will be representing Maryland in the championship, and he’ll be a first-timer. He’s a real estate contractor, and he loves hanging out with family and friends and doing just about anything in the outdoors. He’s a member of the Garrett Bassers.
Alex Wetherell is one of the youngest championship contenders this year, and yet, he's one of the only ones to have a national B.A.S.S. trophy to his credit already. That's because just five years ago, he won the Bassmaster Junior World Championship. (Fellow BNC competitor Lance Freeman did the same thing the following year.) Now, he's finishing up college while working at Cabela's in the fishing department. The winner of the Eastern Divisional is a member of Connecticut's Mid-Conn Anglers. He likes breakdancing and playing paintball and ultimate frisbee. We're hoping to see some of those breakdancing moves on the championship stage.
Alex Wetherell is one of the youngest championship contenders this year, and yet, he’s one of the only ones to have a national B.A.S.S. trophy to his credit already. That’s because just five years ago, he won the Bassmaster Junior World Championship. (Fellow BNC competitor Lance Freeman did the same thing the following year.) Now, he’s finishing up college while working at Cabela’s in the fishing department. The winner of the Eastern Divisional is a member of Connecticut’s Mid-Conn Anglers. He likes breakdancing and playing paintball and ultimate frisbee. We’re hoping to see some of those breakdancing moves on the championship stage.
Alec Williams is Namibia's second-ever representative in the championship. He'll be coming all the way from Africa, where he's a member of the Namibian Bass Anglers Association, for this opportunity. He works as an insurance broker there, and he likes hunting and playing golf.
Alec Williams is Namibia’s second-ever representative in the championship. He’ll be coming all the way from Africa, where he’s a member of the Namibian Bass Anglers Association, for this opportunity. He works as an insurance broker there, and he likes hunting and playing golf.
Robert Williamson has been to the championship once before. The Mainer is a member of Mainely Bass. He's a project manager for a civil/environmental consulting firm, and as if that's not enough, he's also the chairman of the Windham Christian Academy school board. When he's not doing all that work, he's out camping.
Robert Williamson has been to the championship once before. The Mainer is a member of Mainely Bass. He’s a project manager for a civil/environmental consulting firm, and as if that’s not enough, he’s also the chairman of the Windham Christian Academy school board. When he’s not doing all that work, he’s out camping.
Steve Wilson of California is a member of a unique club, the Sonoma County Belly Boat Bass Club, where bass boats are not the norm. Wilson loves to shoot things, or at least be ready to shoot people who attack him. He's a member of the International Defensive Pistol Association, and he and his wife go target shooting all the time. (Don't come at him, bro.) Wilson is a maintenance manager by day.
Steve Wilson of California is a member of a unique club, the Sonoma County Belly Boat Bass Club, where bass boats are not the norm. Wilson loves to shoot things, or at least be ready to shoot people who attack him. He’s a member of the International Defensive Pistol Association, and he and his wife go target shooting all the time. (Don’t come at him, bro.) Wilson is a maintenance manager by day.
Kentaro Yamada has come all the way from Japan for the championship twice, and now he's coming a third time. He's a member of the Western Bassmasters, and he owns his own business. He loves to go snowboarding.
Kentaro Yamada has come all the way from Japan for the championship twice, and now he’s coming a third time. He’s a member of the Western Bassmasters, and he owns his own business. He loves to go snowboarding.
<p>And there you have it! You've just looked at 59 people vying for six spots in the Classic. An interesting bunch, right? This year's group is full of accountants, construction workers, JWC champs, military servicemen and college kids. A pretty high number of the competitors — e<span style=
And there you have it! You’ve just looked at 59 people vying for six spots in the Classic. An interesting bunch, right? This year’s group is full of accountants, construction workers, JWC champs, military servicemen and college kids. A pretty high number of the competitors — eight â€” have qualified for the Classic before. Tell us who you’re cheering for in the comments section! And keep up here at Bassmaster.com, Nov. 5-7, to see which six names make it onto the Classic roster.