Big Show sits on the threshold of something very big in the sport of bass fishing. He's made runs at the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title (third in 2005, fourth in 2007, ninth in 2008 and sixth this year), the Bassmaster Classic (fourth in 2006 and seventh in 2007), the single-day catch record (his 44-4 is just 14 ounces less than Dean Rojas' record, and he had the fish on to beat it) and the tournament weight record (his 132-4 is only four ounces off Paul Elias' winning weight of 132-8).
Scroggins was the fourth fastest in BASS history to the $1 million mark — he got there in just 87 tournaments — and his 41-day limit streak is the fifth longest in history.
So, with his name written all over the margins of the record book, it's high time the affable Floridian carved out some territory of his own … at the inaugural Toyota Trucks All-Star Week.
"I like the format of the tournaments," Scroggins offered. "With the AOY race complete, there's no pressure to pick up any points. We can go out there, have some fun and go for the win."
A win at All-Star Week is worth $100K, and that would be welcome in any angler's bank account. Scroggins' plan to collect that check sounds a lot like his strategy for the regular season — survive and advance.
"I've never fished Lake Jordan," he said, "but I know it's full of big spotted bass. If I'm going to have a chance to win, I've got to survive that and get to the (Alabama) River. I have some experience there (44th in a Tour event in 2003 and 19th at the Open Championship in 2005), and I love fishing rivers. They change so much so fast that it may not be much of an advantage to have fished the postseason last year."
| Name: | Terry Scroggins |
| Nicknames: | Big Show |
| Hometown: | San Mateo, Fla. |
| Age: | 42 |
| 2011 AOY rank: | 6th |
| B.A.S.S. events: | 134 |
| B.A.S.S. earnings: | $1,027,513.00 |
| B.A.S.S. wins: | 5 |
| Classic appearances: | 8 |
| Classic wins | 0 |
| AOY titles: | 0 |
| Strengths: | Carolina rigging; flipping and pitching; shallow vegetation; attitude |
| Weaknesses: | Deep, clear water |