On just about everybody's list of great bass fishermen who have yet to win a Bassmaster Classic or Angler of the Year title, you will find Todd Faircloth's name. The 40-year-old Jasper, Texas, angler has won $1.9 million on the BASS circuit, including four Elite Series titles on a diverse list of fisheries – the Sabine River in '13, the Mississippi River at LaCrosse, Wis., in '12, Lake Amistad in '06 and Table Rock Lake in '06.
So the question has been all season, what's wrong with Todd Faircloth? After finishing 9th at the Sabine River in March, Faircloth went five straight Elite Series tournaments without drawing a check, including a 96th-place finish at Kentucky Lake, 84th at the Sacramento River and 80th as recently as the St. Lawrence River.
Faircloth seemingly had a season not just on the brink, but over it. He was 81st in AOY points after St. Lawrence. But it appears Faircloth is rounding back into form. He finished 17th two weeks ago at Chesapeake Bay, started today in 6th place and is among the leaders early, with a 16-pound limit in the boat.
Based on yesterday's standings, Faircloth is now 42nd in AOY points and may have a chance to earn a Bassmaster Classic berth at Sturgeon Bay in September.