Skeet Reese did not have a "Skeet Reese" kind of year in 2011. His finish at the Bassmaster Classic was nothing to write home about, and his standing in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year race was the worst of his career. That said, no one has any doubts about his ability to turn things around and win the Toyota Trucks All-Star week competition.
Reese is a Ferrari in a field of Fords, Chevys and, of course, Toyotas. If intensity is a virtue (and it certainly is at times), then no one is more virtuous. From 2003 through 2010, he finished in the Top 10 of the AOY race each season, winning it all in 2007. In the same stretch, he finished in the top 14 at the Classic five times, winning in 2009.
Along the way, Reese picked up a legion of fans who made him an All-Star. Now, with nothing to lose and $100,000 and some salvation after a tough year on the line, expect him to make the most of the opportunity and repay the vote of confidence given to him by his many fans.
"It's really gratifying to be voted in," Reese said. "It means a lot after a tough season, and I appreciate all the support my fans have shown me throughout my career."
With all his success, Reese hardly needs a list of credentials, but here they are:
• Reese is third on the all-time money list with more than $2.5 million.
• He's one of four anglers to have won the Classic and AOY, earned more than $1 million and weighed more than 100 pounds in a tournament.
• He's the only four-time member of the Century Club (100 pounds in a tournament).
• His eight consecutive Top 10 finishes in the AOY race (2003-10) is fourth best all-time.
• He has the fourth longest consecutive limit streak in B.A.S.S. history (42).
• He has the seventh highest bassing average in Elite history at 4.7877.
• In 2010, he had the best Elite Series regular season in history, averaging 264.5 points per event.
| Name: | Skeet Reese |
| Nicknames: | Skeet, of course |
| Hometown: | Auburn, Calif. |
| Age: | 42 |
| 2011 AOY rank: | 54th (voted in by the fans) |
| B.A.S.S. events: | 163 |
| B.A.S.S. earnings: | $2,510,553.64 |
| B.A.S.S. wins: | 6 |
| Classic appearances: | 12 |
| Classic wins | 1 (2009) |
| AOY titles: | 1 (2007) |
| Strengths: | Extraordinarily versatile; absolutely driven |
| Weaknesses: | Deep cranking (which could hurt him at Lake Jordan) |