Classic Winners and Losers

This album features images from both current and past winners of the Bassmaster Classic.

Posted on
Roland Martin qualified 25 times, finishing second once and fourth three times, but despite his nine Angler of the Year titles, his resume still lacks a Classic crown.
Roland Martin qualified 25 times, finishing second once and fourth three times, but despite his nine Angler of the Year titles, his resume still lacks a Classic crown.
In 11 past attempts, Aaron Martens has finished second three times, earning him the less-than-desirable nickname
In 11 past attempts, Aaron Martens has finished second three times, earning him the less-than-desirable nickname “Deuce.”
It's hard to imagine, but Bill Dance's career might have catapulted even further if he hadn't lost a fish late in the 1973 Classic.
It’s hard to imagine, but Bill Dance’s career might have catapulted even further if he hadn’t lost a fish late in the 1973 Classic.
Fishing great Jimmy Houston never won a Classic.
Fishing great Jimmy Houston never won a Classic.
Rick Clunn's winning percentage (4 of 31) in the Classic is more than four times his winning percentage in all other events.
Rick Clunn’s winning percentage (4 of 31) in the Classic is more than four times his winning percentage in all other events.
2005 Classic champ Kevin VanDam hands off the trophy to Luke Clausen, who broke the heaviest Classic weight record in 2006 with 56-2 on the Kissimmee Chain in Florida.
2005 Classic champ Kevin VanDam hands off the trophy to Luke Clausen, who broke the heaviest Classic weight record in 2006 with 56-2 on the Kissimmee Chain in Florida.
Bryan Kerchal bounced back from a last-place finish in 1993 to claim victory in '94.
Bryan Kerchal bounced back from a last-place finish in 1993 to claim victory in ’94.
Bobby Murray is the only angler to win the Classic title on his first attempt, then go on to win it again in a later year.
Bobby Murray is the only angler to win the Classic title on his first attempt, then go on to win it again in a later year.
The weather factor: In 1999 in New Orleans, Davy Hite dealt with crippling heat to catch 55 pounds of Delta bass.
The weather factor: In 1999 in New Orleans, Davy Hite dealt with crippling heat to catch 55 pounds of Delta bass.
Each of the superstars have their own ways of coping. Skeet Reese
Each of the superstars have their own ways of coping. Skeet Reese “meditates” to music in his truck or, as seen here, at the launch site.