Elites’ favorite moments of 2017

A few Bassmater Elite Series anglers share their favorite moments from 2017. 

John Crews

I had a lot of great moments, but I had one instance where I really felt like there was some divine intervention to getting the bite I needed. It is all on video starting just before the 4-minute mark. I just got chill bumps watching it again.

Cliff Pirch

There’s a video on my Facebook page, and it’s one of my favorite moments of 2017. Its on April 30 from Ross Barnett, and it was a late day 5-pounder – a must-have bass to make the cut in the last spot.

Brent Chapman

Mason (my son) caught a 12-pound, 8-ounce giant in February 2017. I was filming ProVsJoe on the other side of the lake when he came over to show us his catch. Whether it’s for bass, crappie or saltwater fish … we are definitely a “fishing family.” 

Jesse Tacoronte

It had to be Okeechobee for me. The first day was a total flop, I should have weighed in around 24 pounds but instead weighed in only 10.12 pounds. I was sitting at 78th. I went out the second day and weighed in 28.4 and jumped 71 places. It was my highlight for the season and only my second Elite event, but more importantly it was the only event my mom, 76 years old, and dad, 80, could attend. I did not disappoint.  Made them proud!

John Murray

My favorite is sharing my win at Toledo Bend with my family. As Don Barone wrote two years earlier (and I didn’t believe) – winning an Elite with my son present was incredible!

Hunter Shryock

Hunter qualified for the Bassmaster Elite Series this year, and his video detailing his final tournament sums up his favorite moment.

B.A.S.S. asked contributors, staff and anglers to reflect on their favorite moments of 2017. You can read more of them here