Once a Bassmaster Classic champion, always a Classic champion. It's one of those things that truly can't be taken away from you. These anglers know what it means to hoist this trophy and be introduced as a world champion.
Rookies have been a part of the Bassmaster Classic since the very beginning -- 1971, when all the anglers were rookies. In 2011, there will be 15 Classic rookies competing. It seems like a big number, but it's actually quite average.
In this article, read about the significance of the number 8 in Bassmaster Classic history.
Rayo Breckenridge of Paragould, Ark., out fished the field of 26 fishermen to earn a $15,000 paycheck. The third annual Bassmaster Classic was held Oct. 24-26, 1973, at Clarks Hill, in South Carolina.