The best to never win

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Gerald Swindle (here with the late Kevin Oldham at the 2011 Bassmaster Classic), has been a fan favorite and the top choice as “best angler who never won a B.A.S.S. event,” until his Southern Open win this year.
Gerald Swindle (here with the late Kevin Oldham at the 2011 Bassmaster Classic), has been a fan favorite and the top choice as “best angler who never won a B.A.S.S. event,” until his Southern Open win this year.
After Swindle’s win, David Walker became the obvious first choice. After coming close several times, he won on Wheeler Lake.
After Swindle’s win, David Walker became the obvious first choice. After coming close several times, he won on Wheeler Lake.
<p> Rick Morris has finished second twice, including a runner-up finish at the 2006 Bassmaster Classic.</p>
Rick Morris has finished second twice, including a runner-up finish at the 2006 Bassmaster Classic.
Also an experienced angler, Bernie Schultz has been to the Classic eight times.
Also an experienced angler, Bernie Schultz has been to the Classic eight times.
<p>  </p> <p> Rookie of the Year Ott DeFoe has finished in the Top Ten in roughly a third of this year’s events.</p>
 

Rookie of the Year Ott DeFoe has finished in the Top Ten in roughly a third of this year’s events.

Keith Combs was runner-up as Rookie of the Year for 2011, and earned better than $9,000 per entry.
Keith Combs was runner-up as Rookie of the Year for 2011, and earned better than $9,000 per entry.
2010’s Rookie of the Year, Bradley Roy,  has yet to win a B.A.S.S. event.
2010’s Rookie of the Year, Bradley Roy,  has yet to win a B.A.S.S. event.
Maybe the third time’s a charm for Greg Vinson. The 2012 Bassmaster Classic will be Vinson’s second; he’s also finished second in B.A.S.S. events – twice. 
Maybe the third time’s a charm for Greg Vinson. The 2012 Bassmaster Classic will be Vinson’s second; he’s also finished second in B.A.S.S. events – twice. 
Like Vinson, Keith Poche is also headed to the 2012 Classic. He has four Top Ten finishes under his belt.
Like Vinson, Keith Poche is also headed to the 2012 Classic. He has four Top Ten finishes under his belt.
Matt Herren has been to three Bassmaster Classics, has a couple runner-up finishes, but no B.A.S.S. event wins.
Matt Herren has been to three Bassmaster Classics, has a couple runner-up finishes, but no B.A.S.S. event wins.
Bill Lowen sports a similar record to Herren, but luckily for Lowen he’s making a fourth trip to the Classic in 2012.
Bill Lowen sports a similar record to Herren, but luckily for Lowen he’s making a fourth trip to the Classic in 2012.
With 123 B.A.S.S. events behind him, Brian Snowden has finished in the Top Ten in 13 of those events. He did not qualify for the 2012 Classic.
With 123 B.A.S.S. events behind him, Brian Snowden has finished in the Top Ten in 13 of those events. He did not qualify for the 2012 Classic.
Dustin Wilks has 12 Top Ten finishes in his 117 total B.A.S.S. events. However, unlike Snowden, Wilks did qualify to fish in the next Bassmaster Classic.
Dustin Wilks has 12 Top Ten finishes in his 117 total B.A.S.S. events. However, unlike Snowden, Wilks did qualify to fish in the next Bassmaster Classic.
Jason Quinn may just be the best angler never to win a B.A.S.S. event, with 22 Top Ten and four second-place finishes to his name, and over $800,000 in prize money. The 2012 Bassmaster Classic will be his sixth.
Jason Quinn may just be the best angler never to win a B.A.S.S. event, with 22 Top Ten and four second-place finishes to his name, and over $800,000 in prize money. The 2012 Bassmaster Classic will be his sixth.