It’s Classic time! Normally, I don’t like to use exclamation points in my writing, but I’m making an exception because I am pumped for this one. The 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour is making its return to the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn., March 13-15.
Things have changed since the last time the Classic was in Knoxville. Fifteen-inch smallies are now keepers, so you can expect to see more limits of brown bass. Also, I keep hearing rumors of 10-plus-pound largemouth being caught, and there was at least one verified double-digit fish weighed in a tournament last year (in early March, by the way).
In other words, there are multiple ways to win this thing. Plus, with some hammers from across Bassmaster’s tournament circuits in the field, picking a Rapala Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing team is trickier than ever. Here’s my best shot.
Bucket A: McKinney
Boy, there are some hammers in Bucket A. I’ve known all along that I’ll be picking Trey McKinney for this one. There’s something special about the young Illinois pro that makes him a contender in any big tournament, and there’s none bigger than the Classic. I think he wins it all then follows up with the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year title.
Another great choice: Cory Johnston is on fire right now and has plenty of momentum heading into the Classic. But then, same goes for Tucker Smith.
Bucket B: Schmitt
Bucket B has an interesting mix of ’Scopers and shallow-water power fishermen. I really wanted to pick John Cox. He’s done well here before and he’s got that winning gene. But I’m going with Bryan Schmitt because I’ve felt like he’s flown under the radar through all the pre-Classic hubbub, yet he’s just as lethal as Cox. He also wins like Cox. That’s a big deal because not every pro has a track record of closing on big tournaments. Schmitt finished runner-up to Jeff Gustafson in the last Classic on Knoxville. I think this is the year he gets it done.
Another great choice: Cox is a good pick. I’m eyeing the weather forecast, and even though it’s early in the season, there are some warm days (and nights) coming up. The warmer, the better for Cox. Also, Brandon Lester is one of the biggest favorites in this event. He’s a great pick, too.
Bucket C: Lowen
I heard through the bass fishing grapevine that Bill Lowen had a dream he’s going to win the Classic. He had a similar dream before he won the 2025 Elite Series event on the St. Johns River. That makes my pick a whole lot easier. Give me the river rat from Indiana.
Another great choice: If you’re leaning toward largemouth getting the win, Brock Mosely is another great pick. He’s still feeling the sting of a near miss at Martin, and he’ll be hungry for redemption. If you think smallmouth are the ticket, consider Cooper Gallant.
Bucket D: Anaya
Dang … I wasn’t going to pick Fisher Anaya. I thought any young guy like him wouldn’t be able to handle the pressure. Then he went out and delivered an unbelievable performance to win his second-ever Elite Series event. He’s got the Big Mo. Lil Gills is gonna catch ’em.
Another great choice: Word must be out on Dylan Nutt. More than 20% of fantasy players had picked him as of the morning of March 3. I can’t argue with them. Nutt is a Tennessee River stud.
Bucket E: Trim
My first instinct was to pick Laker Howell. I actually did pick him. Then I changed. I mean, the kid won an Open and an EQ last year, and I think “Classic champion” is a trait that is passed down genetically. But I have a feeling about Nick Trim. I think he’s going to have a big event. Maybe he doesn’t win, but I could see him in the Super Six. And wouldn’t we all love to see a Nation guy get there?
Another great choice: Howell, of course. Also, don’t sleep on Casey Scanlon. He’s got a ton of pro-level experience and could find a pattern that mimics springtime fishing in the Ozarks where he lives.
Falcon Rods Bassmaster Drain the Lake Challenge
• Brandon Lester, Fayetteville, Tenn.
• Easton Fothergill, Grand Rapids, Minn.
• Bryan Schmitt, Deale, Md.
• Jay Przekurat, Plover, Wis.
• Lee Livesay, Longview, Texas
• Trey McKinney, Carbondale, Ill.
• Tripp Berlinsky, Saint Cloud, Fla.
• Laker Howell, Guntersville, Ala.
