BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — It was a little like déjà vu when Shane Powell and Jordan Lee stood on the stage on the final day of the 2013 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Classic Bracket.
Two best friends, two teammates from Auburn’s collegiate fishing team, two anglers who want more than anything to compete in the Bassmaster Classic.
Last year, it was Matt Lee vs. Jordan Lee.
This year, it was Shane Powell vs. Jordan Lee.
In 2012, Matt Lee won. He went on to compete in the 2013 Bassmaster Classic.
In 2013, Jordan Lee won. He will compete in the 2014 Classic.
In both instances, one friend and teammate was left standing without a Classic invitation, but in full support of the winner.
Matt Lee, Jordan Lee and Shane Powell participated in a live B.A.S.S. Twitter chat yesterday. Fans asked the trio a variety of questions; read below to see what they had to say. And see photos of their visit here.
Keep up with Twitter chats, tournament news and bass fishing advice by following B.A.S.S. on Twitter at @BASS_Nation.
Fans, thanks for joining us for the #basschat! @JLeefishing @wmattlee and @SPowell1124 are ready to take your questions! @AuburnBass
Glad to be here today for the #basschat! I’m ready to answer your questions.
Thank you @BASS_nation for having me! I’m glad to be here!
Twitter chat has officially started, ask away!
The @auburnbass team is in the house looking forward to the #basschat. pic.twitter.com/aPGDNRzb57
@wmattlee if you could fish only 1 bait/lure for the rest of your life what would you choose?
A Booyah Pad Crasher. Throwing a frog has to be my favorite way to fish!
This is a question @vtbasser will want answered. Dogs or cats?
I’ve never had a dog, so I guess I’m a cat person. I had one blind cat named Allie!
Dogs.
I’m definitely a dog person. We have a chocolate lab named Nessie that’s like a half sibling.
@JLeefishing What song are you going to use as your 2014 Bassmaster Classic entrance song?
Not sure yet. Some type of rap song. I’m working on a few.
@JLeefishing Do you feel more confident about the Classic because it’s on your home waters of Guntersville?
Yes, I do. I’ve spent a lot of time on that lake. It’s definitely not a foreign water to me in February.
Matt, what has the last year taught you that you can pass on to @JLeefishing and @SPowell1124?
Cherish every moment. Even though it’s cliche, it’s also very true.
Justin Atkins @JATKINSFISHING
@JLeefishing would you rather catch bass on a padcrasher frog or a big weight?
My favorite way to catch them is on a big weight, out of the back of your Z20.
Justin Atkins @JATKINSFISHING
@SPowell1124 I still have your net, any chance I can get it autographed?
Absolutely.
When is the first scouting mission to Guntersville? @JLeefishing
I fish there about every weekend – no matter what.
I can’t really have a strategy. A lot in this tournament will have to do w/ the weather & how far along the fish are.
I’m scouting tomorrow but @JLeefishing isn’t going to ask me where to fish!
Hammer Fishing Rods @HammerRods
Did any of you have the opportunity to compete in high school?
Not on a team but fished weekend series, BFLs and club tournaments.
I played baseball, my brother fished on the junior team. I think he had a big advantage because of that.
When I was in 9th and 10th grade, I fished a junior club. We didn’t have a high school team.
I am home sick so please offer a War Eagle to all present.
War Eagle, buddy!
War Eagle, man!
You’re not sick (from the girls at the office!). War Eagle!
@wmattlee @JLeefishing What’s the best fishing method is to catch 5+ pounders on Jordan and Mitchell?
It varies between lakes. Sometimes you can catch them on a spoon if they won’t come back to the surface.
I haven’t figured out how to do that, but be patient and wait for them to come up again.
@wmattlee @JLeefishing Best bait for schooling bass that receive a lot of pressure and just swirl on most topwater baits?
Throw a weightless fluke and burn it through the water column.
I wish I knew! Maybe try making as many casts as possible. Current is always key on those lakes.
@SPowell1124 what’s your favorite type of lure?
Norman DD22 in a splatterback color.
@wmattlee , if you were going to give your brother one piece of advice for fishing the upcoming Classic, what would it be?
Don’t fold like a cheap lawn chair. One piece of advice: Catch 15 of the biggest fish of your life!
The Lees’ parents, Leigh and Bruce, are at the BASS hq for the #basschat! pic.twitter.com/PVBrX7ZTvD
Who from the @AuburnBass will be in your shoes next year #wareagle
It’s a shootout between Brandon Worthey and @hammerstickD4
@BenCurry7, Brandon Worthey, and @hammerstickD4.
Garrett Roberts, Ben Curry and @hammerstickD4
@JLeefishing @SPowell1124 I’ll be around AU soon and want to get on a big bag. Where do I need to go?
Don Logan’s pond! Give him a shout!
1716 is a good place to start. 😉
1716 Or Quixotes. We’ll get on a big bag together.
Whats y’all’s favorite way to catch em out deep?
Ounce weight with a 6 inch basstrix.
On an A-Rig in February on Kentucky Lake.
With you, @ZParkerfishing on a 1-ounce football jig on Guntersville.
What’s the best advice for younger fishermen who want to follow in the footsteps of you guys?
Just keep fishing every chance you get! And don’t let anything get in your way (girls included!).
First, get an education. Then, be on the water as much as possible. Fish a bunch of different lakes.
Fish as much as possible. Fish as many tournaments as you can.
When I was younger, I fished a tournament every weekend.
Justin Atkins @JATKINSFISHING
@JLeefishing if you had to give up fishing, what hobby would you choose to take its place?
Rodeo clown.
Justin Atkins @JATKINSFISHING
I was thinking you looked more like a golf caddy
A golf caddy that does the Cat Daddy.
Brad Rutherford @bradrutherford
Who would win a fist between y’all three?
Probably @jleefishing. He has more stamina than @spowell1124 and me combined!
Me. You know I’ve got the guns
Me, because I’ve got a 20 pound advantage on both of them!
Hah. 40 pounds at least.
I’m the only one who didn’t pick myself!
Brad Rutherford @bradrutherford
@JLeefishing does anyone call you daddy since you are going to the classic?
No, not yet. But, I’m expecting it.
@wmattlee best boat for a college student budget?
A flat-bottom with a 50-horse and top-notch graphs.
How many times do you think you’ll fish Guntersville before the cutoff in January? @JLeefishing
I’ll probably fish it 10 or 15 times before January. But, that’s not scouting – just fun fishing.
@wmattlee How many frogs have you caught on a frog? Haha
Only with you!
What are your plans after graduation?
Working for my parents in a garage door company. Fishing the @BASS_nation Opens.
I’m moving to Mexico to be a guide on El Salto. 🙂 I wish.
From Leigh Lee (mom of Lees): “You’re not moving home.” 🙂
What does Auburn’s success the last two years in the bracket say about the Auburn fishing team?
That they are the best!!! #wareagle
It says that @AuburnBass is one of the best schools to attend if you are serious about fishing.
It’s pretty tough to put into words. There’s better odds that the world will end tomorrow than for that to happen twice!
What are your favorite lakes to fish?
Lake Eufaula and anything on the Coosa River.
I went to Lake Falcon one time, and I’d like to go back!
Lake Falcon because I’ve never been there. Just heard stories.
If you could fish any lake in the world, what would it be?
Lake St. Clair – I’ve never fished for smallmouth like that.
Lake Guntersville. It’s always ranked one of the top lakes in the nation. So many memories there.
El Salto.
@JLeefishing Can you do all of us college guys a favor and kick some A**!
I’m going to do my best brother!
@JLeefishing @wmattlee how do y’all catch big largemouth in the winter months?
Xr50s and Xr75s. I caught an 11-pounder at Guntersville on the Xr75. Toledo gold is the best color.
I use a 1/2-ounce @booyahfishing targeting deeper rock.
I really struggle deciding between crickets and worms. Any advice?
Can’t go wrong with crickets! Catches mega sized bream!
Shut up.
@wmattlee @JLeefishing thanks for answering all my questions. And Jordan best of luck in fishing the classic this year
Thank you for asking them!
Finishing up the Twitter chat — with @SPowell1124 pic.twitter.com/i8LQAEs1En
Thank you for your questions, fans! We appreciate @wmattlee @JLeefishing and @SPowell1124 joining us today
Hope everyone has a great day! Thank you all for joining. WDE.
Thanks everyone for the questions! Hopefully I’ll have the opportunity to do this again.
Thank you all for your questions! Looking forward to seeing all of you in Birmingham at the 2014 Classic!! War Eagle