It was a gray, rainy fall day when I got the call from an unknown Illinois number. I’d been cooped up for hours, so I answered, figuring whoever was on the other end of the line was probably at least as interesting as the fact-checking I’d been doing. And I was right.
It was Doug Schermer, the longtime Bassmaster Magazine illustrator, calling me up for a get-to-know-ya chat. We did get to know each other, and among the things I learned on that call is that Doug is also among the afflicted. He is, simply put, a chronic bass-head. We have that in common.
As we chatted about fishing and work, Doug updated me on some illustrations he was doing for a couple of issues of the magazine, including the ones you see on pages 56-61 of the Classic Preivew issue, where he documented his experience riding along as part of the Bassmaster AmBASSador program at last season’s Elite Series finale on the Upper Mississippi River.
Doug was recalling how interesting it was to see the varying approaches of the pros he was paired with, Patrick Walters and Hank Cherry. Then he said something I’ve heard a hundred times from folks covering bass tournaments.
“It’s so hard to sit there and watch these guys fish all day and not pick up a rod and make a cast,” Schermer said.
Believe me when I say, I’ve been there … many, many (so many) times. As frustrating as it can be to get up early and brave the conditions while other people have all the fun, there is a bright side.
“You know, the great part about it is I always leave a tournament so fired up to go fishing,” I told Schermer.
It’s true. I can’t count how many times I’ve been to an event, then immediately placed a big tackle order (gotta have the winning baits) and cleared my schedule for a day on the water.
I can’t help it. Just being around this sport, talking with other anglers, watching weigh-ins — all of it makes me want more of it. It’s infectious.
If you feel the same way, then buckle up, because right now everyone here at B.A.S.S. is working hard to put the finishing touches on the biggest event of them all: the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour in Knoxville, Tenn.
I couldn’t be more excited. The Classic is so much more than just a tournament. It’s a gathering. A celebration. Everywhere you turn, there’s more fishing. If a normal event is a 25-horsepower outboard, the Classic is twin 300s churning at max rpm.
If you’ve never experienced a Classic, go book a flight and a VRBO right now. I promise, you will leave inspired.
At recent Classics I’ve attended, I was working for an outboard manufacturer. The first year, I begged to go, and they rewarded me with the cushy job of handing out foam fish at takeoffs. That’s good work if you can get it. I spent the rest of the time catching up with old colleagues, buying tackle, climbing into bass boats and enveloping myself in all things fishing. Then I returned home to Ohio practically climbing the walls with anticipation for nicer weather so I could get on the water.
This year, my Classic is going to look different. I’ll be part of the B.A.S.S. staff, working the entire time to ensure all of you — and the thousands watching worldwide — enjoy the show. Well, I say “the entire time,” but here’s the truth: In the final moments, as a champion gets crowned, I’ll be right there watching wide-eyed with everyone else, simply being a fan, soaking in the energy of the most monumental moment in our sport.
A moment that, I guarantee you, could get anyone seriously fired up to go fishing.
