10 best who haven’t won a Classic

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Everybody knows that the GEICO Bassmaster Classic is the sport’s greatest championship. It establishes careers, creates celebrities and lays the groundwork of legend. But the Classic isn’t always fair, and it can be cruel to those who want, need or even deserve it most. <p><em>Captions: Ken Duke</em>
Everybody knows that the GEICO Bassmaster Classic is the sport’s greatest championship. It establishes careers, creates celebrities and lays the groundwork of legend. But the Classic isn’t always fair, and it can be cruel to those who want, need or even deserve it most.

Captions: Ken Duke

In the early days of the Classic, a common lament – even in the pages of <em>Bassmaster</em> Magazine – was that the stars of the sport never won. Pioneers like Bill Dance, Roland Martin and Tom Mann came close, but lost to the likes of Don Butler, Rayo Breckenridge and Jack Hains. It wasn’t until the back-to-back wins of Rick Clunn in 1976 and ’77 that the Classic was revealed as a star maker rather than just a big dollar tournament.
In the early days of the Classic, a common lament – even in the pages of Bassmaster Magazine – was that the stars of the sport never won. Pioneers like Bill Dance, Roland Martin and Tom Mann came close, but lost to the likes of Don Butler, Rayo Breckenridge and Jack Hains. It wasn’t until the back-to-back wins of Rick Clunn in 1976 and ’77 that the Classic was revealed as a star maker rather than just a big dollar tournament.
With 46 Classics now in the books, many of the all-time greats have found their place in the spotlight and claimed a championship trophy, but a few notables have been denied. In the process, some have been recognized as much for falling short on the biggest stage as for their accomplishments. Here are the 10 best bass anglers who have never won a Bassmaster Classic – at least not yet. Four of them will be competing this year.
With 46 Classics now in the books, many of the all-time greats have found their place in the spotlight and claimed a championship trophy, but a few notables have been denied. In the process, some have been recognized as much for falling short on the biggest stage as for their accomplishments. Here are the 10 best bass anglers who have never won a Bassmaster Classic – at least not yet. Four of them will be competing this year.
<b>10. Gerald Swindle</b> <p>AOYs - 2 <br>B.A.S.S. wins - 1 <br>Classic appearances - 15 <br>Best finish - Third in 2005
10. Gerald Swindle

AOYs – 2
B.A.S.S. wins – 1
Classic appearances – 15
Best finish – Third in 2005

Swindle just completed the best year of his career, becoming the oldest angler ever to win Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year honors. It was his second AOY title. As a result, he has the respect of everyone in the sport, but to really cash in you need the Classic. That’s what makes you a household name.
Swindle just completed the best year of his career, becoming the oldest angler ever to win Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year honors. It was his second AOY title. As a result, he has the respect of everyone in the sport, but to really cash in you need the Classic. That’s what makes you a household name.
The G-Man’s best Classic performance came in 2005 on Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers where fishing was historically tough. He lost by just over a pound. Swindle is terrifically versatile, but his “junk fishing” style lends itself to tough fisheries at tough times.
The G-Man’s best Classic performance came in 2005 on Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers where fishing was historically tough. He lost by just over a pound. Swindle is terrifically versatile, but his “junk fishing” style lends itself to tough fisheries at tough times.
<b>9. Zell Rowland</b> <p>AOYs - 0 <br>B.A.S.S. wins - 5 <br>Classic appearances - 16 <br>Best finish - Fourth in 1991
9. Zell Rowland

AOYs – 0
B.A.S.S. wins – 5
Classic appearances – 16
Best finish – Fourth in 1991

After ESPN’s Greatest Angler Debate in 2005, I polled the top five finishers (Rick Clunn, Roland Martin, Bill Dance, Denny Brauer and Kevin VanDam) to ask who they thought was the very best at specific bass fishing techniques. Answers were all over the board. The only unanimous response was Zell Rowland as the best topwater angler.
After ESPN’s Greatest Angler Debate in 2005, I polled the top five finishers (Rick Clunn, Roland Martin, Bill Dance, Denny Brauer and Kevin VanDam) to ask who they thought was the very best at specific bass fishing techniques. Answers were all over the board. The only unanimous response was Zell Rowland as the best topwater angler.
In 16 Classic attempts, Rowland’s best finish was fourth in 1991 on the Chesapeake Bay, but that doesn’t begin to tell the story of how close he came to winning. Rowland led the tournament for the first two days before slipping in the final round and opening the door for Ken Cook. Rowland posted three other Top 10 finishes, but never came as close to winning as he did in 1991.
In 16 Classic attempts, Rowland’s best finish was fourth in 1991 on the Chesapeake Bay, but that doesn’t begin to tell the story of how close he came to winning. Rowland led the tournament for the first two days before slipping in the final round and opening the door for Ken Cook. Rowland posted three other Top 10 finishes, but never came as close to winning as he did in 1991.
<b>8. Tommy Biffle</b> <p>AOYs - 0 <br>B.A.S.S. wins - 7 <br>Classic appearances - 19 <br>Best finish - Second in 1990 and 1994
8. Tommy Biffle

AOYs – 0
B.A.S.S. wins – 7
Classic appearances – 19
Best finish – Second in 1990 and 1994

If you think Aaron Martens is “always the bridesmaid, never the bride” with his four runner-up finishes in the Bassmaster Classic, what about Tommy Biffle? Biffle has two second place finishes in the Classic and three in FLW’s Forrest Wood Cup? How’s that for close but no cigar?
If you think Aaron Martens is “always the bridesmaid, never the bride” with his four runner-up finishes in the Bassmaster Classic, what about Tommy Biffle? Biffle has two second place finishes in the Classic and three in FLW’s Forrest Wood Cup? How’s that for close but no cigar?
Biffle’s closest brush with Classic immortality came in 1990 when he led for the first two days of the tournament on the James River. Going into the final round, his 6-pound, 10-ounce lead seemed insurmountable, but that’s when Rick Clunn found “the zone.” In the greatest comeback in Classic history, Clunn charged from 10th place – nearly 10 pounds off the lead – to first, winning his fourth championship. Biffle was also the runner-up to Bryan Kerchal in 1994.
Biffle’s closest brush with Classic immortality came in 1990 when he led for the first two days of the tournament on the James River. Going into the final round, his 6-pound, 10-ounce lead seemed insurmountable, but that’s when Rick Clunn found “the zone.” In the greatest comeback in Classic history, Clunn charged from 10th place – nearly 10 pounds off the lead – to first, winning his fourth championship. Biffle was also the runner-up to Bryan Kerchal in 1994.
<b>7. Greg Hackney</b> <p>AOYs - 1 <br>B.A.S.S. wins - 4 <br>Classic appearances - 13 <br>Best finish - Fifth in 2008
7. Greg Hackney

AOYs – 1
B.A.S.S. wins – 4
Classic appearances – 13
Best finish – Fifth in 2008

Hackney will make history with a Classic win, becoming the first angler ever to win Angler of the Year on both the B.A.S.S. and FLW circuits as well as the championship event on both tours. Others have come close to such a grand slam, but no one’s done it and Hackney is easily the angler with the greatest chance of getting it done.
Hackney will make history with a Classic win, becoming the first angler ever to win Angler of the Year on both the B.A.S.S. and FLW circuits as well as the championship event on both tours. Others have come close to such a grand slam, but no one’s done it and Hackney is easily the angler with the greatest chance of getting it done.
Hackney was fifth in 2008 and 10th in 2016 — the only times he’s cracked the Top 10. In 2013 on Grand Lake, he finished 13th, which is his next best finish in a dozen appearances. He’s in his prime as a pro angler and would love to be the first to claim all four of the sport’s major titles.
Hackney was fifth in 2008 and 10th in 2016 — the only times he’s cracked the Top 10. In 2013 on Grand Lake, he finished 13th, which is his next best finish in a dozen appearances. He’s in his prime as a pro angler and would love to be the first to claim all four of the sport’s major titles.
<b>6. Shaw Grigsby</b> <p>AOYs - 0 <br>B.A.S.S. wins - 9 <br>Classic appearances - 15 <br>Best finish - Second in 1993
6. Shaw Grigsby

AOYs – 0
B.A.S.S. wins – 9
Classic appearances – 15
Best finish – Second in 1993

Grigsby has done absolutely everything you can do in the world of bass fishing except win a major title – Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year or the Classic – and he’s come maddeningly close to doing both. In 1995, he lost the AOY title to Mark Davis at the last event of the season. And in 1993 he finished second in the Classic to David Fritts on Alabama’s Lake Logan Martin.
Grigsby has done absolutely everything you can do in the world of bass fishing except win a major title – Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year or the Classic – and he’s come maddeningly close to doing both. In 1995, he lost the AOY title to Mark Davis at the last event of the season. And in 1993 he finished second in the Classic to David Fritts on Alabama’s Lake Logan Martin.
But the 2000 Classic on Lake Michigan was actually Grigsby’s best shot at Classic victory. In 1993, he was nearly 8 pounds behind Fritts, but in 2000 he trailed Woo Daves by less than 3 1/2. In Classic terms, that’s just a fish here or there over the course of three days. But that’s how close and how fickle the Classic can be.
But the 2000 Classic on Lake Michigan was actually Grigsby’s best shot at Classic victory. In 1993, he was nearly 8 pounds behind Fritts, but in 2000 he trailed Woo Daves by less than 3 1/2. In Classic terms, that’s just a fish here or there over the course of three days. But that’s how close and how fickle the Classic can be.
<b>5. Jimmy Houston</b> <p>AOYs - 2 <br>B.A.S.S. wins - 2 <br>Classic appearances - 15 <br>Best finish - Seventh in 1978
5. Jimmy Houston

AOYs – 2
B.A.S.S. wins – 2
Classic appearances – 15
Best finish – Seventh in 1978

Houston accomplished a great deal in his pro career, claiming two AOY titles and a pair of B.A.S.S. tournament victories, but he never really made a run at the Classic. His best finish was a distant seventh in 1978 on Mississippi’s Ross Barnett Reservoir.
Houston accomplished a great deal in his pro career, claiming two AOY titles and a pair of B.A.S.S. tournament victories, but he never really made a run at the Classic. His best finish was a distant seventh in 1978 on Mississippi’s Ross Barnett Reservoir.
But the man who put fish-kissing on the map doesn’t get his due as a tournament pro. Houston is one of the best anglers ever to pick up a spinnerbait, and certainly one of the finest casters ever to draw breath. That he didn’t fare better on fishing's grandest stage probably cost him some of the competition respect he deserves. He’ll have to settle for being one of the world’s best-known and best-loved anglers through his popular television show.
But the man who put fish-kissing on the map doesn’t get his due as a tournament pro. Houston is one of the best anglers ever to pick up a spinnerbait, and certainly one of the finest casters ever to draw breath. That he didn’t fare better on fishing’s grandest stage probably cost him some of the competition respect he deserves. He’ll have to settle for being one of the world’s best-known and best-loved anglers through his popular television show.
<b>4. Bill Dance</b> <p>AOYs - 3 <br>B.A.S.S. wins - 7 <br>Classic appearances - 8 <br>Best finish - Second in 1973
4. Bill Dance

AOYs – 3
B.A.S.S. wins – 7
Classic appearances – 8
Best finish – Second in 1973

Bass fishing’s first superstar may have come along too early for his own good. Dance made winning look easy in the early days, but the real money wasn’t in tournaments then – it was in TV. Dance retired at 40 to pursue a career on television where he has led the pack for more than 40 years.
Bass fishing’s first superstar may have come along too early for his own good. Dance made winning look easy in the early days, but the real money wasn’t in tournaments then – it was in TV. Dance retired at 40 to pursue a career on television where he has led the pack for more than 40 years.
His best chance at a Classic title came in 1973 on Clarks Hill Reservoir out of South Carolina. Though he was able to make up most of a huge deficit on Day 3, he fell nearly 4 pounds short to give Rayo Breckenridge the win. First place paid $15,000 – winner take all. Breckenridge, an Arkansas farmer, used much of that money for a medical procedure to save his wife’s eyesight. He never won another B.A.S.S event.
His best chance at a Classic title came in 1973 on Clarks Hill Reservoir out of South Carolina. Though he was able to make up most of a huge deficit on Day 3, he fell nearly 4 pounds short to give Rayo Breckenridge the win. First place paid $15,000 – winner take all. Breckenridge, an Arkansas farmer, used much of that money for a medical procedure to save his wife’s eyesight. He never won another B.A.S.S event.
<b>3. Aaron Martens</b> <p>AOYs - 3 <br>B.A.S.S. wins - 8 <br>Classic appearances - 17 <br>Best finish - Second in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2011
3. Aaron Martens

AOYs – 3
B.A.S.S. wins – 8
Classic appearances – 17
Best finish – Second in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2011

If you follow professional bass fishing, you know that Aaron Martens has finished second in the Classic four times and was twice runner-up to Kevin VanDam. A Classic win is all he needs to cement his spot on the short list of all-time greats. So far, it’s eluded him.
If you follow professional bass fishing, you know that Aaron Martens has finished second in the Classic four times and was twice runner-up to Kevin VanDam. A Classic win is all he needs to cement his spot on the short list of all-time greats. So far, it’s eluded him.
Though he’s finished second four times, only twice were the finishes close enough to hurt. In 2004, Takahiro Omori pulled off some last minute heroics on Lake Wylie to snag the victory, and in 2005 VanDam edged Martens by just 6 ounces on Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers in the toughest Classic in history. To make things even tighter, Martens may have had the winning fish in his boat on the final day but released it because he wasn’t certain it would reach the length limit of 12 inches.
Though he’s finished second four times, only twice were the finishes close enough to hurt. In 2004, Takahiro Omori pulled off some last minute heroics on Lake Wylie to snag the victory, and in 2005 VanDam edged Martens by just 6 ounces on Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers in the toughest Classic in history. To make things even tighter, Martens may have had the winning fish in his boat on the final day but released it because he wasn’t certain it would reach the length limit of 12 inches.
<b>2. Gary Klein</b> <p>AOYs - 2 <br>B.A.S.S. wins - 8 <br>Classic appearances - 30 <br>Best finish - Second in 2003
2. Gary Klein

AOYs – 2
B.A.S.S. wins – 8
Classic appearances – 30
Best finish – Second in 2003

With 30 Classic appearances in his career, Klein has the mark for most trips without a win. He’s also one of just two anglers to qualify for the Classic in every decade of its existence (Paul Elias is the other). Klein’s been close several times and likely would have won more than one Classic but for key lost fish or an unpredictable lock operator.
With 30 Classic appearances in his career, Klein has the mark for most trips without a win. He’s also one of just two anglers to qualify for the Classic in every decade of its existence (Paul Elias is the other). Klein’s been close several times and likely would have won more than one Classic but for key lost fish or an unpredictable lock operator.
In 2003, it looked as though Klein might finally taste Classic victory. He was a huge fan favorite on the Louisiana Delta and Day 2 leader Michael Iaconelli was struggling in the final round. Ike’s last minute catch and cry of “Never give up!” made him a star and denied Klein the championship millions of fishing fans still want for him.
In 2003, it looked as though Klein might finally taste Classic victory. He was a huge fan favorite on the Louisiana Delta and Day 2 leader Michael Iaconelli was struggling in the final round. Ike’s last minute catch and cry of “Never give up!” made him a star and denied Klein the championship millions of fishing fans still want for him.
<b>1. Roland Martin</b> <p>AOYs - 9 <br>B.A.S.S. wins - 19 <br>Classic appearances - 25 <br>Best finish - Second in 1980
1. Roland Martin

AOYs – 9
B.A.S.S. wins – 19
Classic appearances – 25
Best finish – Second in 1980

The “Great American Fisherman” is on everybody’s short list for BOAT (Best of All-Time). The only jewel missing from his crown is the Classic. He came closest in 1980, when Bo Dowden won at the Thousand Islands in New York.
The “Great American Fisherman” is on everybody’s short list for BOAT (Best of All-Time). The only jewel missing from his crown is the Classic. He came closest in 1980, when Bo Dowden won at the Thousand Islands in New York.
Martin still counts the final round of that tournament among his greatest professional regrets. He knew of a spot that held a big bass but failed to check it until late on Day 3. When he pulled into the area and came up empty, another angler told him he was too late; someone else had caught the lunker. Of course, it was Bo Dowden and the bass proved to be the largest of the entire Classic – creating just enough of a swing in weight to seal Martin’s fate.
Martin still counts the final round of that tournament among his greatest professional regrets. He knew of a spot that held a big bass but failed to check it until late on Day 3. When he pulled into the area and came up empty, another angler told him he was too late; someone else had caught the lunker. Of course, it was Bo Dowden and the bass proved to be the largest of the entire Classic – creating just enough of a swing in weight to seal Martin’s fate.