Things you didn’t know about Classic competitors

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We asked the 55 anglers in the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro to divulge one thing about themselves that’s not really common knowledge. A number of those who will face off March 4-6 on Grand Lake responded, providing answers ranging from the oddball occurrence to personal accomplishment.
We asked the 55 anglers in the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro to divulge one thing about themselves that’s not really common knowledge. A number of those who will face off March 4-6 on Grand Lake responded, providing answers ranging from the oddball occurrence to personal accomplishment.
Let’s get off to a running start with 2014 Bassmaster Classic champion Randy Howell. He started young and had a fast track to a bass fishing career.
Let’s get off to a running start with 2014 Bassmaster Classic champion Randy Howell. He started young and had a fast track to a bass fishing career.
“I was a paid bass fishing guide at 11 years old at my parents’ marina business,” Howell said. “I was driving my dad’s Mercury high-performance bass boat 92 mph at 12 years old!” Were your mom and dad aware of that, young man?
“I was a paid bass fishing guide at 11 years old at my parents’ marina business,” Howell said. “I was driving my dad’s Mercury high-performance bass boat 92 mph at 12 years old!” Were your mom and dad aware of that, young man?
Let’s hear from the King. Oh, he’s busy? Down in the Amazon. That’s Ok. Sherry, his wife, could probably give us something good, just make sure it’s not embarrassing and that we can’t call him out on it later. “Kevin can’t carry a tune for nothing,” she tells us. “I always say the VanDams can do a lot of things really well, but rhythm is not one of them. Bless their hearts!”
Let’s hear from the King. Oh, he’s busy? Down in the Amazon. That’s Ok. Sherry, his wife, could probably give us something good, just make sure it’s not embarrassing and that we can’t call him out on it later. “Kevin can’t carry a tune for nothing,” she tells us. “I always say the VanDams can do a lot of things really well, but rhythm is not one of them. Bless their hearts!”
She doesn’t seem very apologetic about giving up that ghost, probably because she’s enjoyed all the times he’s belted out – off key -- “We are the champions!”
She doesn’t seem very apologetic about giving up that ghost, probably because she’s enjoyed all the times he’s belted out – off key — “We are the champions!”
Sherry pitched another odd happening. When Kevin (above throwing out the first pitch at an Arkansas Travelers game) quit baseball his junior year of high school because it interfered with his fishing, the coach told KVD he should stick with the diamond because he would never make anything in fishing. No, that coach was not clairvoyant.
Sherry pitched another odd happening. When Kevin (above throwing out the first pitch at an Arkansas Travelers game) quit baseball his junior year of high school because it interfered with his fishing, the coach told KVD he should stick with the diamond because he would never make anything in fishing. No, that coach was not clairvoyant.
Let’s go from most Classic appearances among the field to least number of events fished. Minnesota’s Trevor Lo, who secured the Carhartt College berth this year, informs us that the Classic will make it an even dozen – not events he’s won, just events.
Let’s go from most Classic appearances among the field to least number of events fished. Minnesota’s Trevor Lo, who secured the Carhartt College berth this year, informs us that the Classic will make it an even dozen – not events he’s won, just events.
“Something crazy that I just realized is that the Classic will be the 12th tournament I’ve ever fished in my entire life! Crazy!” Why yes, yes it is crazy, but also pretty cool, Trevor.
“Something crazy that I just realized is that the Classic will be the 12th tournament I’ve ever fished in my entire life! Crazy!” Why yes, yes it is crazy, but also pretty cool, Trevor.
Let’s switch back to a pro who’s been around for quite some time -- Bernie Schultz. In his 293 tournaments dating back to 1982, the Florida angler has seen plenty on the water, and he enlightens us about some shocking experiences.
Let’s switch back to a pro who’s been around for quite some time — Bernie Schultz. In his 293 tournaments dating back to 1982, the Florida angler has seen plenty on the water, and he enlightens us about some shocking experiences.
“I’ve been struck by lightning twice! The first time it happened, I was leaning against a chain link fence next to my mom, who was talking with a neighbor. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a bolt of lightning struck a nearby power pole ... which happened to be anchored by a steel cable that ran through the fence. All I remember is looking up at my mom after being slammed to the ground.”
“I’ve been struck by lightning twice! The first time it happened, I was leaning against a chain link fence next to my mom, who was talking with a neighbor. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a bolt of lightning struck a nearby power pole … which happened to be anchored by a steel cable that ran through the fence. All I remember is looking up at my mom after being slammed to the ground.”
“The second time it occurred while I fishing a B.A.S.S. event on the Alabama River. All I really remember is a bright flash and being knocked backward onto the deck of my boat. Alton Jones was fishing nearby and witnessed the whole thing. He said he saw a flash strike my boat. I turned out fine, but my electronics got fried.”
“The second time it occurred while I fishing a B.A.S.S. event on the Alabama River. All I really remember is a bright flash and being knocked backward onto the deck of my boat. Alton Jones was fishing nearby and witnessed the whole thing. He said he saw a flash strike my boat. I turned out fine, but my electronics got fried.”
Not sure if it’s a coincidence, but there’s a toy truck, boat and trailer with Bernie Schultz’s name on the packaging, along with “Johnny Lightning.” Several are still for sale on eBay.
Not sure if it’s a coincidence, but there’s a toy truck, boat and trailer with Bernie Schultz’s name on the packaging, along with “Johnny Lightning.” Several are still for sale on eBay.
Dean Rojas tell us his vocation doesn’t quite match his tastes. “I’m a professional bass fisherman and I don’t like to eat cooked fish -- the smell and texture makes me want to vomit.”
Dean Rojas tell us his vocation doesn’t quite match his tastes. “I’m a professional bass fisherman and I don’t like to eat cooked fish — the smell and texture makes me want to vomit.”
Rojas’ other senses were assaulted in 1990 when he saw and heard something rather unsettling. “I was behind home plate when Roseanne Barr sang the national anthem at a Padres game when I worked there selling peanuts and Cracker Jacks as a vendor. I am forever scarred.” Now he’s known for throwing frogs, not peanuts.
Rojas’ other senses were assaulted in 1990 when he saw and heard something rather unsettling. “I was behind home plate when Roseanne Barr sang the national anthem at a Padres game when I worked there selling peanuts and Cracker Jacks as a vendor. I am forever scarred.” Now he’s known for throwing frogs, not peanuts.
Let’s go from one who never orders fish to another who just might be ordering fish … to get into his livewell. James Watson, a Bass Pro Shops Central Open winner from Nixa, Mo., had to have had a commanding voice in his previous occupation.
Let’s go from one who never orders fish to another who just might be ordering fish … to get into his livewell. James Watson, a Bass Pro Shops Central Open winner from Nixa, Mo., had to have had a commanding voice in his previous occupation.
He said it’s not common knowledge that he served as a drill sergeant in the U.S. Army. “Like the Gunney?” “Yeah, a basic training drill sergeant … Full Metal Jacket, all that.” Sir, that’s fantastic, sir.
He said it’s not common knowledge that he served as a drill sergeant in the U.S. Army. “Like the Gunney?” “Yeah, a basic training drill sergeant … Full Metal Jacket, all that.” Sir, that’s fantastic, sir.
Justin Lucas, the 2015 Toyota Angler of the Year runner-up, wrote this as his answer. “The only instrument I ever played was the flute ... not proud!” We’ll leave it at that.
Justin Lucas, the 2015 Toyota Angler of the Year runner-up, wrote this as his answer. “The only instrument I ever played was the flute … not proud!” We’ll leave it at that.
Keith Combs kinda came off like he’s bragging, but having the largest single-day catches in three pro circuits is an awesome accomplishment. “I have the record for the largest one-day catch in FLW (41.2 pounds), Toyota Texas Bass Classic (42 pounds) and PAA tournaments (28 pounds). Still working on B.A.S.S.” As long as you maintain goals.
Keith Combs kinda came off like he’s bragging, but having the largest single-day catches in three pro circuits is an awesome accomplishment. “I have the record for the largest one-day catch in FLW (41.2 pounds), Toyota Texas Bass Classic (42 pounds) and PAA tournaments (28 pounds). Still working on B.A.S.S.” As long as you maintain goals.
Greg Vance is another who surprisingly holds an all-time record. The young Iowan, who won the B.A.S.S. Nation’s Northern Division to get to the Classic, is certainly proud that he’s the winningest wrestler at Wahlert Catholic High School with 129. “And I continued my wrestling career at Loras College to develop my sweet cauliflower ear. Hahaha. I don’t know what else to say!” Good enough, Greg.
Greg Vance is another who surprisingly holds an all-time record. The young Iowan, who won the B.A.S.S. Nation’s Northern Division to get to the Classic, is certainly proud that he’s the winningest wrestler at Wahlert Catholic High School with 129. “And I continued my wrestling career at Loras College to develop my sweet cauliflower ear. Hahaha. I don’t know what else to say!” Good enough, Greg.
From a young gun to an old salt, Boyd Duckett, an uber successful businessman who’s been an entrepreneur pretty much from the get-go. “When I turned 14 years old, I got a work permit and then a job as a stock boy at a 7-11 store. That 6-month job was the only paycheck I ever received. Ever since then I have created my own paycheck.” Yeah, we’ll say.
From a young gun to an old salt, Boyd Duckett, an uber successful businessman who’s been an entrepreneur pretty much from the get-go. “When I turned 14 years old, I got a work permit and then a job as a stock boy at a 7-11 store. That 6-month job was the only paycheck I ever received. Ever since then I have created my own paycheck.” Yeah, we’ll say.
Canada’s Charles Sims has varied intellectual prowess. He could catch five 5-pound, 9-ounce fish each day at Grand and cypher that up with ease -- just don’t ask him to write about it. “In high school, I scored in the 96th percentile in the math section of the PSATs, coupled with 43rd percentile in the grammar portion.” Yeah, we asked him which of his fish at the BNC was more bigger …
Canada’s Charles Sims has varied intellectual prowess. He could catch five 5-pound, 9-ounce fish each day at Grand and cypher that up with ease — just don’t ask him to write about it. “In high school, I scored in the 96th percentile in the math section of the PSATs, coupled with 43rd percentile in the grammar portion.” Yeah, we asked him which of his fish at the BNC was more bigger …
“Dis one,” he showed us, “but not by much.” No, no, Sims is one smart cookie who can fish. His talents include catching the first 30-pound bag in a Canadian tourney as well as an addiction to speed solving a Rubik’s Cube. “Down to about 3 minutes and counting,” he said. Impressive on both counts.
“Dis one,” he showed us, “but not by much.” No, no, Sims is one smart cookie who can fish. His talents include catching the first 30-pound bag in a Canadian tourney as well as an addiction to speed solving a Rubik’s Cube. “Down to about 3 minutes and counting,” he said. Impressive on both counts.
Let’s head south to Mississippi and Gene Bishop, who won the Central Open on Ross Barnett near his home in Ridgeland. Bishop comes clean on his guilty, soapy pleasure. “Nobody knows I DVR ‘Days of Our Lives,’ ” he said. So, Gene, are you upset that Ava returned to Salem and was heartbroken to learn of her son’s apparent death, and she has now formulated a new plan to get what she wants from Steve? Hmm. Are you? (Courtesy Soap Digest)
Let’s head south to Mississippi and Gene Bishop, who won the Central Open on Ross Barnett near his home in Ridgeland. Bishop comes clean on his guilty, soapy pleasure. “Nobody knows I DVR ‘Days of Our Lives,’ ” he said. So, Gene, are you upset that Ava returned to Salem and was heartbroken to learn of her son’s apparent death, and she has now formulated a new plan to get what she wants from Steve? Hmm. Are you? (Courtesy Soap Digest)
Josh Bertrand tells us he missed his high school prom to go to a bass tournament. Typical. Plus, he adds that his first job as a bass boat rigger at a dealership didn’t go so well. “I was so bad at the mechanical side I was moved into sales after 3 months. At one point, I had drilled the wrong motor mounting holes in the transom of an aluminum boat. The sales job went well until I was able to commit to full-time fishing.”
Josh Bertrand tells us he missed his high school prom to go to a bass tournament. Typical. Plus, he adds that his first job as a bass boat rigger at a dealership didn’t go so well. “I was so bad at the mechanical side I was moved into sales after 3 months. At one point, I had drilled the wrong motor mounting holes in the transom of an aluminum boat. The sales job went well until I was able to commit to full-time fishing.”
And then there’s his food of choice. “My travel buddies give me a hard time for the amount of cheese I eat. Cheddar, pepper jack, string cheese, etc ... ” Do you have any in your boat right now? Of course he did.
And then there’s his food of choice. “My travel buddies give me a hard time for the amount of cheese I eat. Cheddar, pepper jack, string cheese, etc … ” Do you have any in your boat right now? Of course he did.
Jordan Lee, a former Carhartt College angler who finished sixth in the Guntersville Classic then had a great 2015 Elite season, finishing ninth in points, said he had an odd family pet when he was about this young. (Shown with older brother Matt and some cousins) “I had a pet beaver. We kept it for rehabilitation -- it even slept on the end of my bed! His name was Bob.”
Jordan Lee, a former Carhartt College angler who finished sixth in the Guntersville Classic then had a great 2015 Elite season, finishing ninth in points, said he had an odd family pet when he was about this young. (Shown with older brother Matt and some cousins) “I had a pet beaver. We kept it for rehabilitation — it even slept on the end of my bed! His name was Bob.”
Explanation was asked and provided. Someone had found the orphaned, 3-day-old beaver and took it to his father’s veterinarian office, and the Lees nursed it to health before releasing it. “My dad even taught it to swim in the bathtub! It was released in a friend’s pond after it started gnawing on my mom’s laundry door.”
Explanation was asked and provided. Someone had found the orphaned, 3-day-old beaver and took it to his father’s veterinarian office, and the Lees nursed it to health before releasing it. “My dad even taught it to swim in the bathtub! It was released in a friend’s pond after it started gnawing on my mom’s laundry door.”
Speaking of pets, Chad Morgenthaler’s cat, Mufasa, is his best buddy and really likes to hang out with him in the boat.
Speaking of pets, Chad Morgenthaler’s cat, Mufasa, is his best buddy and really likes to hang out with him in the boat.
Ott DeFoe busted out his wife, or maybe himself. “My thing would be that it took two different first dates to get it to stick with my wife, Jennie. We dated one time, 3-4 dates, then dated again 6 months later. The second first date stuck!” Be glad it wasn’t like 50 first dates.
Ott DeFoe busted out his wife, or maybe himself. “My thing would be that it took two different first dates to get it to stick with my wife, Jennie. We dated one time, 3-4 dates, then dated again 6 months later. The second first date stuck!” Be glad it wasn’t like 50 first dates.
Chris Lane, the 2012 Classic champ, keeps it short and sweet. “Love to wake board.” But he loves victory lapping even more.
Chris Lane, the 2012 Classic champ, keeps it short and sweet. “Love to wake board.” But he loves victory lapping even more.
Hope Brandon Card has good insurance, because his secret seems dangerous.
Hope Brandon Card has good insurance, because his secret seems dangerous.
“I am a daredevil and love pushing the limits,” he said. “I have skydived, cliff jumped, bungee jumped, free climbed, repelled, and whitewater rafted. I was going to go hang gliding last year, but the guy going in front of me wrecked and got rushed off to the hospital. Thankfully, he survived.” Here he is in some natural environs.
“I am a daredevil and love pushing the limits,” he said. “I have skydived, cliff jumped, bungee jumped, free climbed, repelled, and whitewater rafted. I was going to go hang gliding last year, but the guy going in front of me wrecked and got rushed off to the hospital. Thankfully, he survived.” Here he is in some natural environs.
Making the Classic from the Team trail, family physician Thomas Martens of Texas tells us he had an unusual occupation in Scottsboro, Ariz., where he first learned to golf and got good enough to compete on the mini tours before switching to fishing.
Making the Classic from the Team trail, family physician Thomas Martens of Texas tells us he had an unusual occupation in Scottsboro, Ariz., where he first learned to golf and got good enough to compete on the mini tours before switching to fishing.
“You know what I used to do? When I was in college 25 years ago, there were dance clubs. They’d play house music and paid people to dance. I used to dance in a club – I was the only straight guy in the room … I’m a good dancer.” Gosh, we’re going to expect to see a little dancing on the weigh-in stage.
“You know what I used to do? When I was in college 25 years ago, there were dance clubs. They’d play house music and paid people to dance. I used to dance in a club – I was the only straight guy in the room … I’m a good dancer.” Gosh, we’re going to expect to see a little dancing on the weigh-in stage.
Brandon Palaniuk, who was runner-up in the 2013 Classic, wanted to make it to the X Games before his desire to fish the Elites. Here’s a newspaper article of him racing at Lookout Pass.
Brandon Palaniuk, who was runner-up in the 2013 Classic, wanted to make it to the X Games before his desire to fish the Elites. Here’s a newspaper article of him racing at Lookout Pass.
“I wanted to be a pro snowboarder before professional fishing.” Ok, that’s cool. After taking fourth on this day, he offered this scintillating quote for the article, “It was fun.” Here’s his closeup photo, with a haircut he said his mom actually did with a bowl – like you couldn’t tell.
“I wanted to be a pro snowboarder before professional fishing.” Ok, that’s cool. After taking fourth on this day, he offered this scintillating quote for the article, “It was fun.” Here’s his closeup photo, with a haircut he said his mom actually did with a bowl – like you couldn’t tell.
Speaking of haircuts, Fabian Rodriguez might be one of the more flamboyant guys to make the Classic. During the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, he responded to tournament director Jon Stewart’s jest that he expected a guy named Fabian to have long flowing hair.
Speaking of haircuts, Fabian Rodriguez might be one of the more flamboyant guys to make the Classic. During the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, he responded to tournament director Jon Stewart’s jest that he expected a guy named Fabian to have long flowing hair.
Rodriguez wore a blonde wig and fake six-pack abs to the stage as he won the Mid-Atlantic Division’s berth to the Classic. Ironic thing about that is, he used to be a “hair model.” Say what?
Rodriguez wore a blonde wig and fake six-pack abs to the stage as he won the Mid-Atlantic Division’s berth to the Classic. Ironic thing about that is, he used to be a “hair model.” Say what?
“I had just moved to back to Argentina for a couple of years. I was asked to be a model for a stylist coiffure. Where I got my hair cut, these guys were involved in international professional styling competitions in Buenos Aires with competitors from around the world. They asked me to model for them at the competitions for 2 years. At the age of 20, it meant free haircuts year round.”
“I had just moved to back to Argentina for a couple of years. I was asked to be a model for a stylist coiffure. Where I got my hair cut, these guys were involved in international professional styling competitions in Buenos Aires with competitors from around the world. They asked me to model for them at the competitions for 2 years. At the age of 20, it meant free haircuts year round.”
The funny part, they dyed my hair a canary yellow the second year, and although we came in fourth out of 360 the first year and second out of 400 the next, I drew the line at dying my hair and plucking my hair line and eyebrows, so I gave it up. Got a feeling I’m going to regret sending this one in. LOL.” Yeah, probably. Wow. We would have accepted “I’ve been to Argentina.” (That’s Fabian dancing with his sister at her wedding.)
The funny part, they dyed my hair a canary yellow the second year, and although we came in fourth out of 360 the first year and second out of 400 the next, I drew the line at dying my hair and plucking my hair line and eyebrows, so I gave it up. Got a feeling I’m going to regret sending this one in. LOL.” Yeah, probably. Wow. We would have accepted “I’ve been to Argentina.” (That’s Fabian dancing with his sister at her wedding.)
John Proctor closes things out by bringing tears to our eyes. “Something people will not know about me is that I have 2 ½-year-old-daughter with Down Syndrome. Her name is Kinley Knox Proctor. She has truly been a gift from the Good Lord and my wife and I are amazed by her every day! She has taught me more about life in the last couple years than I had learned in the previous 30! I wish everyone had the opportunity to enjoy the love that we have in watching her grow up.” And you gotta believe daddy babies that lil' girl. It's probably a given her favorite song is the
John Proctor closes things out by bringing tears to our eyes. “Something people will not know about me is that I have 2 ½-year-old-daughter with Down Syndrome. Her name is Kinley Knox Proctor. She has truly been a gift from the Good Lord and my wife and I are amazed by her every day! She has taught me more about life in the last couple years than I had learned in the previous 30! I wish everyone had the opportunity to enjoy the love that we have in watching her grow up.” And you gotta believe daddy babies that lil’ girl. It’s probably a given her favorite song is the “Hot Dog Dance” from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, since Proctor picked that as his weigh-in music.