No matter how many hours of planning and preparation go into an angler’s Bassmaster Classic game plan, there are some heartbreakers out there over which you have no control.
Casey Ashley was a victim of one of those Friday. Ashley was standing near the boat ramps at Red River South Marina about 2:30 p.m., which was long before he needed to check in.
“I’ve had a nightmare of day,” said Ashley, who then detailed the mechanical problems that short-circuited his morning, then finished his day for good at 12:45.
He did have some fishing time, but not nearly enough.
“I caught one little dink,” Ashley said.
Every one of the 49 qualifying anglers understands the importance of Day One at the Classic. In its previous 41 years, no one has come back to win the Classic after being in 15th place or lower on Day One.
And Ashley is going to be a lot lower in the standings that 15th place at the conclusion of this evening’s weigh-in.
But, again, there was nothing he could have done to prevent his problem. It was just one of those things. One of those things you hope never happens to you at any tournament, but especially on Day One of the Bassmaster Classic.