2009 Bassmaster Classic: Practice Day, Gary Klein

In this photo gallery, you'll find on-the-water images of Gary Klein as he practices for the 2009 Bassmaster Classic on the Red River, near Shreveport, Louisiana.

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Gary Klein sits on the front of his boat on Wednesday before the final practice day for the 39th Bassmaster Classic.
Gary Klein sits on the front of his boat on Wednesday before the final practice day for the 39th Bassmaster Classic.
Klein's fished 26 Classics and never won. It's a BASS record.
Klein’s fished 26 Classics and never won. It’s a BASS record.
Shortly after takeoff, Klein stops at his first spot and puts six set-ups on his front deck.
Shortly after takeoff, Klein stops at his first spot and puts six set-ups on his front deck.
Klein spent most of Wednesday looking for water that would hold up if there are spectator boats following him on competition days.
Klein spent most of Wednesday looking for water that would hold up if there are spectator boats following him on competition days.
There were seven duck blinds within sight of Klein's first stop.
There were seven duck blinds within sight of Klein’s first stop.
Klein can remember in great detail the multiple near misses he's had in Classics past.
Klein can remember in great detail the multiple near misses he’s had in Classics past.
He stayed in his first spot for the first two hours of the day and had two bites.
He stayed in his first spot for the first two hours of the day and had two bites.
Klein's second spot looked a lot like his first. In fact, most of the Red River looks like other parts of the Red River.
Klein’s second spot looked a lot like his first. In fact, most of the Red River looks like other parts of the Red River.
Most anglers are saying that the Classic will fish small. The first angler Klein ran into on Wednesday was Boyd Duckett.
Most anglers are saying that the Classic will fish small. The first angler Klein ran into on Wednesday was Boyd Duckett.
This is one of roughly 20 nutrias he fished around in Wednesday's practice.
This is one of roughly 20 nutrias he fished around in Wednesday’s practice.
Klein has a long, dated history on the Red River, but he said this tractor has been in the same spot since the first tournament on the body of water.
Klein has a long, dated history on the Red River, but he said this tractor has been in the same spot since the first tournament on the body of water.
His third spot gave a new look, but had similar, slow results.
His third spot gave a new look, but had similar, slow results.
This spot gives a whole new meaning to the term
This spot gives a whole new meaning to the term “junk fishing.”
Every time he sees a decoy on the water and can reach it, Klein throws it in the livewell and sends it to his duck hunting nephews in California.
Every time he sees a decoy on the water and can reach it, Klein throws it in the livewell and sends it to his duck hunting nephews in California.
Most of the places Klein practiced in on Wednesday were hard to get into. He had to shut down the big motor and troll his way through 12 inches of water to get to this oxbow.
Most of the places Klein practiced in on Wednesday were hard to get into. He had to shut down the big motor and troll his way through 12 inches of water to get to this oxbow.
Not all of Klein's practice time was spent on the bank.
Not all of Klein’s practice time was spent on the bank.
He didn't mess with his baits much on Wednesday, but would occasionally try a new color or variation of what he was throwing.
He didn’t mess with his baits much on Wednesday, but would occasionally try a new color or variation of what he was throwing.
Klein believes that the hat will one day, maybe Sunday, say Classic champion.
Klein believes that the hat will one day, maybe Sunday, say Classic champion.
Klein startled this nutria and it made a run for it.
Klein startled this nutria and it made a run for it.
This is one of the few times Klein wasn't flipping on the final practice day.
This is one of the few times Klein wasn’t flipping on the final practice day.
In his last spot of the day, Klein saw Bobby Lane. Lane said he had nine bites and broke off an 8-pounder.
In his last spot of the day, Klein saw Bobby Lane. Lane said he had nine bites and broke off an 8-pounder.
Boats were due back at the dock at 3:30 p.m. (CT), just like they will be when the tournament starts on Friday. Klein had a slow final practice but he said it helped him eliminate certain parts of the river.
Boats were due back at the dock at 3:30 p.m. (CT), just like they will be when the tournament starts on Friday. Klein had a slow final practice but he said it helped him eliminate certain parts of the river.