Classic Entrances

It’s a ride perched in the boat that anglers spend their entire seasons trying to repeat. Photographer James Overstreet gives us a glimpse of some hard-to-forget Classic arena arrivals.

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<p> Grizzled veterans coaching young rookies through their first Bassmaster Classic appearance often give grizzled advice: "Just remember son, it's just another tournament." Rookies repeat the advice on media day and in advance stories leading up to the Classic. It goes right out the window, though, the second a first-time Classic qualifier enters the weigh-in arena. It's a ride perched in the boat that anglers spend their entire seasons trying to repeat. The entrance, made in front of a throng of clapping, sometimes screaming, fans accompanied by blaring music, is one of the many things that sets the Classic apart. James Overstreet gives us a glimpse of some of those entries in this unique look at hard-to-forget Classic arena arrivals.</p>
Grizzled veterans coaching young rookies through their first Bassmaster Classic appearance often give grizzled advice: “Just remember son, it’s just another tournament.” Rookies repeat the advice on media day and in advance stories leading up to the Classic. It goes right out the window, though, the second a first-time Classic qualifier enters the weigh-in arena. It’s a ride perched in the boat that anglers spend their entire seasons trying to repeat. The entrance, made in front of a throng of clapping, sometimes screaming, fans accompanied by blaring music, is one of the many things that sets the Classic apart. James Overstreet gives us a glimpse of some of those entries in this unique look at hard-to-forget Classic arena arrivals.
Trip Weldon, tournament director of the Bassmaster Classic, hasn’t made the ride around the arena floor. But in 2009, he made a special entrance dressed as Elvis. Thankfully Elvis left the building and the real Trip Weldon returned in time for the first fish to hit the scales.
Trip Weldon, tournament director of the Bassmaster Classic, hasn’t made the ride around the arena floor. But in 2009, he made a special entrance dressed as Elvis. Thankfully Elvis left the building and the real Trip Weldon returned in time for the first fish to hit the scales.
In 2009, anglers entered the arena by passing through a bigger-than-life image of themselves cast on a wall of smoke, like this one of Kenyon Hill.
In 2009, anglers entered the arena by passing through a bigger-than-life image of themselves cast on a wall of smoke, like this one of Kenyon Hill.
Aaron Martens always has a smile on his face, but he was downright giddy at the sight of fans holding Evinrude Thundersticks during the 2008 Classic.
Aaron Martens always has a smile on his face, but he was downright giddy at the sight of fans holding Evinrude Thundersticks during the 2008 Classic.
Alton Jones gives a confident thumbs up on his way into the arena during the 2008 Classic on Lake Hartwell, which he won.
Alton Jones gives a confident thumbs up on his way into the arena during the 2008 Classic on Lake Hartwell, which he won.
Bobby Lane pumps a fist high during his first Classic in 2008 on Lake Hartwell. As Rookie of the Year, he finished fourth in the Classic.
Bobby Lane pumps a fist high during his first Classic in 2008 on Lake Hartwell. As Rookie of the Year, he finished fourth in the Classic.
Gerald Swindle always does things with flair, and it was no different in 2008 when he jumped up on the stage with a big fish slinging water.
Gerald Swindle always does things with flair, and it was no different in 2008 when he jumped up on the stage with a big fish slinging water.
Kevin VanDam had just two Classic wins when this shot was taken in 2008, but he was still at the top of his game. He finished third in that event.
Kevin VanDam had just two Classic wins when this shot was taken in 2008, but he was still at the top of his game. He finished third in that event.
Cliff Pace rarely shows emotion, but he was all excitement on the final day of the 2008 Classic. He almost won that event but fell short to Alton Jones.
Cliff Pace rarely shows emotion, but he was all excitement on the final day of the 2008 Classic. He almost won that event but fell short to Alton Jones.
Greg Hackney was a big favorite on the Red River, causing a huge stir among the home crowd in Shreveport, La.
Greg Hackney was a big favorite on the Red River, causing a huge stir among the home crowd in Shreveport, La.
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Today’s Classic anglers often say, “If I can’t win, I at least want to make the Super Six.” That’s the final six on the last day of the Classic, like this star-studded crew in 2009.

Skeet Reese enters the CenturyLink Center with arms outstretched, moments before he would place the winning stringer on the scales in 2009.
Skeet Reese enters the CenturyLink Center with arms outstretched, moments before he would place the winning stringer on the scales in 2009.
Gerald Swindle enters the arena with Kevin Oldham, a fireman from Chicago who was fighting cancer. Oldham later lost his battle, but his presence with Swindle created an emotional moment for the entire crowd.
Gerald Swindle enters the arena with Kevin Oldham, a fireman from Chicago who was fighting cancer. Oldham later lost his battle, but his presence with Swindle created an emotional moment for the entire crowd.
Kevin VanDam enters the arena in 2011, knowing that he had the Classic all sewn up. The crowd knew it, too.
Kevin VanDam enters the arena in 2011, knowing that he had the Classic all sewn up. The crowd knew it, too.
Scott Rook jumped on the stage with a big bag of bass on the final day of the 2011 Classic. He weighed in close to 20 pounds that day, but finished in 7th place.
Scott Rook jumped on the stage with a big bag of bass on the final day of the 2011 Classic. He weighed in close to 20 pounds that day, but finished in 7th place.