Skeet Reese landed a 5 1/2-pounder at 9:31 a.m. that has clinched his 18th Bassmaster Classic berth and a carefree week-long vacation with his wife, Kim, next week. That fish gives Reese 23 pounds today, according to BASSTrakk, and has him in contention with Keith Combs for the $25,000 first prize in this tournament.
It has been noted Reese’s vacation with Kim was never in doubt. It was the Classic berth that was on the line. Reese entered this event outside the AOY Classic cut in 42nd place. But he wasn’t going to fish the Classic Bracket tournament next week if that’s what he needed to qualify.
“Kim and I have had a trip to Jamaica planned for the last eight months,” Reese said Friday. “This will be the first vacation – outside of a three-day trip – with my wife in many years.
“To be honest, I didn’t even think about the Bracket tournament coming into this. In my mind, I thought I had to catch 22 pounds a day and that would do what I needed to do.”
Reese has done a little bit better than that with a three-day total now of 68-12. He had moved up to 34th place in the AOY standings based on being 8th in the Day 2 standings. With 23 pounds today, he’s accomplished his goal; the Classic berth is assured. But I’m sure he wouldn’t mind an extra $25,000 to spend in Jamaica next week.