Could the 2019 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Central Division rival some of the best rookie classes ever?
The five qualifiers from the 2019 Central Opens featured the likes of Wes Logan, John Cox, Caleb Kuphall, Taku Ito and Bob Downey. If anything, this is probably the nicest groupings of individuals we’ve seen qualify for the Elite Series at the same exact time. But in year 3, this class of anglers is proving to be a force on the water.
John Cox came in as the only highly touted fisherman from the bunch, with the four others being relatively unknown other than their regional reputations. Yet, three of the five took titles in 2021. Wes Logan won on Neely Henry in dramatic fashion, Caleb Kuphall had the second-largest margin of victory in his Guntersville win and then Taku Ito had a come-from-behind victory at the St. Lawrence River with a 26-pound bag on the Final Day.
Today, Bob Downey and John Cox could have a shot to add their names as Bassmaster Elite Series Champions. Both are Opens Champions and Cox is a long-time pro with a decorated career, but a big blue trophy is something he hasn’t achieved yet. What an impressive class that has panned out quickly after qualifying just over two years ago.
