To the 100 Elite anglers out on the Sabine today, know this ... AOY begins, TODAY!
When asked if he had ever competed on the Sabine River, site of the March 14-17 Bassmaster Elite Series season opener, Elite Series pro Dennis Tietje chuckled.
During Classic week, I was a late addition to the guest list for the Elite Series Night of Champions banquet; when I arrived at my assigned table, I found myself at dinner with a bass fishing legend and a rising star.
This week I got another reminder of how cool it was to win the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year title. I was given a guitar!
A giant cardboard paycheck brought a grin to Bassmaster Classic champion Cliff Pace’s face when he was presented $7,500 in Toyota Bonus Bucks money.
The heroes of the Bassmaster Elite Series, the best collegiate anglers in the nation, top amateurs from B.A.S.S.’s grass roots and professionals looking for their last chance to qualify for the 2014 Bassmaster Classic now know the route to their dreams, as B.A.S.S. revealed the sites of four 2013 championships.
Here we go – my 23rd Bassmaster Classic - and what a special one it’s going to be.
Looking over tackle and preparing for tomorrow, anglers take questions from the media.
Brent Chapman, the 2012 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year, ascended the ballroom stage at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino confidently but quietly, without added flair.
Classic competitors come together as official tournament duties begin in earnest.