Elites fall in step with offseason

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The 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series season ended nearly four months ago at the St. Lawrence River, so we decided to catch up to see what the guys have been up to as they await the Feb. 10 start to the 2022 season.
The 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series season ended nearly four months ago at the St. Lawrence River, so we decided to catch up to see what the guys have been up to as they await the Feb. 10 start to the 2022 season.
With activity from A to Z, let’s start with a look-in on Matt Arey, who admits his off-the-charts obsession, like a lot of Elites, is deer hunting. He got his wife excited in late October when he brought down “Slit,” texting her his appreciation that she allowed him the morning hunt by taking their girls to school. Thinking his season might be over, she texted back an image of celebration.
With activity from A to Z, let’s start with a look-in on Matt Arey, who admits his off-the-charts obsession, like a lot of Elites, is deer hunting. He got his wife excited in late October when he brought down “Slit,” texting her his appreciation that she allowed him the morning hunt by taking their girls to school. Thinking his season might be over, she texted back an image of celebration.
Of course, he was only tagged out in North Carolina. The hunting continued through December when he put this beast down in Georgia, his first in that state.
Of course, he was only tagged out in North Carolina. The hunting continued through December when he put this beast down in Georgia, his first in that state.
Brad Whatley went out of Texas for a November hunt in Kansas, where he slapped a tag on this brute. Whatley also posted a video of a successful hunt with his daughter, from silence in the stand to a search in the dark, saying, “It doesn’t get any better than this for me. She and I will never forget this day!”
Brad Whatley went out of Texas for a November hunt in Kansas, where he slapped a tag on this brute. Whatley also posted a video of a successful hunt with his daughter, from silence in the stand to a search in the dark, saying, “It doesn’t get any better than this for me. She and I will never forget this day!”
Jamie Hartman’s passion for deer hunting has been chronicled on Bassmaster.com, and this year was no different, except the addition of some facial hair. “What’s better than the craziness of the rut?” he posted. “I’m loving my downtime this season if you can’t tell … Let’s keep this streak of good luck running through 2022!”
Jamie Hartman’s passion for deer hunting has been chronicled on Bassmaster.com, and this year was no different, except the addition of some facial hair. “What’s better than the craziness of the rut?” he posted. “I’m loving my downtime this season if you can’t tell … Let’s keep this streak of good luck running through 2022!”
Gerald Swindle is a well-known deer addict — he’s even been featured on a hunting show. Like fishing the Elites, he travels the country during deer season with wife, LeAnn, who’s quite the shot herself. “I shot this deer last Sunday morning in Illinois the day after Lulu shot hers. It took me eight days to find him.” Before or after you shot him?
Gerald Swindle is a well-known deer addict — he’s even been featured on a hunting show. Like fishing the Elites, he travels the country during deer season with wife, LeAnn, who’s quite the shot herself. “I shot this deer last Sunday morning in Illinois the day after Lulu shot hers. It took me eight days to find him.” Before or after you shot him?
Cody Huff, a former College B.A.S.S. qualifier to the Classic who qualified for the Elites through the Basspro.com Opens this year, tagged out in Missouri with an old bruiser in mid-November. My, what tines you have!
Cody Huff, a former College B.A.S.S. qualifier to the Classic who qualified for the Elites through the Basspro.com Opens this year, tagged out in Missouri with an old bruiser in mid-November. My, what tines you have!
One doesn’t necessarily have to get it done themselves to enjoy a great hunt. Clark Wendlandt recently posted that his “good friend, Jack Marshall from Florida, shot this great buck at our Texas ranch this weekend!”
One doesn’t necessarily have to get it done themselves to enjoy a great hunt. Clark Wendlandt recently posted that his “good friend, Jack Marshall from Florida, shot this great buck at our Texas ranch this weekend!”
Stetson Blaylock and family wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, among other posts reporting on duck hunts, including a fruitful one with a new puppy that did great. And then he and son, Kei, had a dream deer hunt. “Sometimes you just get ‘lucky.’ Sat in the stand for about one minute when this one made a deadly mistake! I’m so proud of you Kei!” Yeah, that’s special.
Stetson Blaylock and family wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, among other posts reporting on duck hunts, including a fruitful one with a new puppy that did great. And then he and son, Kei, had a dream deer hunt. “Sometimes you just get ‘lucky.’ Sat in the stand for about one minute when this one made a deadly mistake! I’m so proud of you Kei!” Yeah, that’s special.
How about some bird hunting? Drew Benton enjoyed a “little Saturday afternoon dove hunt with my buddy.”
How about some bird hunting? Drew Benton enjoyed a “little Saturday afternoon dove hunt with my buddy.”
Up in Minnesota, Austin Felix (left) and his crew got it done on opening day of the pheasant season. “It took all day but we managed to get our four-man limit. All public birds.”
Up in Minnesota, Austin Felix (left) and his crew got it done on opening day of the pheasant season. “It took all day but we managed to get our four-man limit. All public birds.”
Matt Robertson was On’ Em with Seth Feider, calling their duck hunting truly awesome. Well, it looks OK compared to another Feider outing.
Matt Robertson was On’ Em with Seth Feider, calling their duck hunting truly awesome. Well, it looks OK compared to another Feider outing.
Feider, adding to his facial hair game, was just getting started on his duck hunts. Feider posted, “Had a few decent hunts the last few days to end the Minnesota duck season. Good times with the boys! Bout to head west and get after it!”
Feider, adding to his facial hair game, was just getting started on his duck hunts. Feider posted, “Had a few decent hunts the last few days to end the Minnesota duck season. Good times with the boys! Bout to head west and get after it!”
Back home in Canada after an Elite season in which he won his first event, Jeff Gustafson was quick with the brakes when mamma and her baby bears decided to cross the road.
Back home in Canada after an Elite season in which he won his first event, Jeff Gustafson was quick with the brakes when mamma and her baby bears decided to cross the road.
There were some Elite cubs brought into the world in the past months. Brandon Card was among the proud new pappas. “Our sweet baby boy, Davis Timothy Card, was born yesterday,” Card posted on Sept. 22 with wife, Kelly. “What a precious gift from God. We are so blessed.”
There were some Elite cubs brought into the world in the past months. Brandon Card was among the proud new pappas. “Our sweet baby boy, Davis Timothy Card, was born yesterday,” Card posted on Sept. 22 with wife, Kelly. “What a precious gift from God. We are so blessed.”
Drew Cook and wife, Jenny, were proud to announce the birth of Finley James in late September, and their little pumpkin is bringing them immense joy. “We are soaking up all the snuggles from our sweet little boy,” she posted. “I’ve looked forward to being a mama my entire life but this far exceeds all of my expectations! Dew is killing his new role as a Dad too!”
Drew Cook and wife, Jenny, were proud to announce the birth of Finley James in late September, and their little pumpkin is bringing them immense joy. “We are soaking up all the snuggles from our sweet little boy,” she posted. “I’ve looked forward to being a mama my entire life but this far exceeds all of my expectations! Dew is killing his new role as a Dad too!”
Micah Frazier called his wife, Anna, a super woman as they made it home the day after she gave their son, Huck, a little sister. Tenley Jo was born on Oct. 15. There must be something in the water down in Georgia.
Micah Frazier called his wife, Anna, a super woman as they made it home the day after she gave their son, Huck, a little sister. Tenley Jo was born on Oct. 15. There must be something in the water down in Georgia.
Micah’s brother and fellow Elite pro Marc Frazier, wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving after announcing, with a popper full of pink confetti, he and wife, Madeline, were expecting their second child, a baby girl. Hey, that’s copying his older brother.
Micah’s brother and fellow Elite pro Marc Frazier, wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving after announcing, with a popper full of pink confetti, he and wife, Madeline, were expecting their second child, a baby girl. Hey, that’s copying his older brother.
Jesse Tacoronte, who took a medical hardship last year, will be back and with a new perspective — as a grandfather. “There are no words that I can write to express how I feel about Jordon,” he posted. “While I remember holding Cody and feeling the love for him, holding your son’s son takes it to a whole other level! I was always told you'd love your grandkids but this feeling is ridiculous!”
Jesse Tacoronte, who took a medical hardship last year, will be back and with a new perspective — as a grandfather. “There are no words that I can write to express how I feel about Jordon,” he posted. “While I remember holding Cody and feeling the love for him, holding your son’s son takes it to a whole other level! I was always told you’d love your grandkids but this feeling is ridiculous!”
“Girl dad!” is how Carl Jocumsen revealed that he and Kayla will be bringing a girl into the world. “So excited to meet little baby Joc in a few months. Counting my blessings every day.” They also offer huge thanks to TNT Fireworks for the cool reveal gift.
“Girl dad!” is how Carl Jocumsen revealed that he and Kayla will be bringing a girl into the world. “So excited to meet little baby Joc in a few months. Counting my blessings every day.” They also offer huge thanks to TNT Fireworks for the cool reveal gift.
There were several marriages in the offseason. Shane and Shelby LeHew got hitched in early September. For his 33rd birthday Dec. 3, Shelby posted: “Happy Birthday to my husband. Still feels weird calling you that. Thank you for being my person. The one who belts out Cody Johnson songs straight to Alanis Morissette songs with me while driving … No one has nothin’ on you.” Oh, we do now.
There were several marriages in the offseason. Shane and Shelby LeHew got hitched in early September. For his 33rd birthday Dec. 3, Shelby posted: “Happy Birthday to my husband. Still feels weird calling you that. Thank you for being my person. The one who belts out Cody Johnson songs straight to Alanis Morissette songs with me while driving … No one has nothin’ on you.” Oh, we do now.
Lake Fork champ Lee Livesay tied the knot a week or so after LeHew, and he and Taren toured some spectacular natural sites like Jenny Lake in the Grand Teton National Park …
Lake Fork champ Lee Livesay tied the knot a week or so after LeHew, and he and Taren toured some spectacular natural sites like Jenny Lake in the Grand Teton National Park …
And took this shot of the Grand Prismatic Spring, among scenic views. Lee posted they went from shirt sleeves to snow in less than an hour as they traveled over the Continental Divide.
And took this shot of the Grand Prismatic Spring, among scenic views. Lee posted they went from shirt sleeves to snow in less than an hour as they traveled over the Continental Divide.
Greg DiPalma celebrated purchasing a home with Kellye DuVilla. “Can’t be getting married without a home,” was the post. They have already booked a Hawaiian honeymoon.
Greg DiPalma celebrated purchasing a home with Kellye DuVilla. “Can’t be getting married without a home,” was the post. They have already booked a Hawaiian honeymoon.
Clent Davis, recovering from shoulder surgery that cut his 2021 season, celebrated an anniversary. “Happy nine years to my amazing wife! I can’t thank you enough every day for putting up with me.” Sounds like the rehabilitation was tough. All healed up, Davis was tickled to death to finally get this buck in Illinois, and that came before daughter Kayt, serving as noisy spotter, picked out a doe he shot for dinner in Alabama.
Clent Davis, recovering from shoulder surgery that cut his 2021 season, celebrated an anniversary. “Happy nine years to my amazing wife! I can’t thank you enough every day for putting up with me.” Sounds like the rehabilitation was tough. All healed up, Davis was tickled to death to finally get this buck in Illinois, and that came before daughter Kayt, serving as noisy spotter, picked out a doe he shot for dinner in Alabama.
Like father, like daughter for Brandon Lester. “While I was giving my Phoenix Boats a bath yesterday, Shiloh went and got her fishing rod out of my shop and said, ‘I’m going to catch a fishy out of that bucket daddy!’ Y’all know I was all for it. I must be doing something right.” His mom, Kim Clay Dyer, had to comment. “I remember a little white haired boy that used to cast for hours upon hours into buckets and jars!”
Like father, like daughter for Brandon Lester. “While I was giving my Phoenix Boats a bath yesterday, Shiloh went and got her fishing rod out of my shop and said, ‘I’m going to catch a fishy out of that bucket daddy!’ Y’all know I was all for it. I must be doing something right.” His mom, Kim Clay Dyer, had to comment. “I remember a little white haired boy that used to cast for hours upon hours into buckets and jars!”
Chad and Melanie Pipkens can relate to the cuteness of children, what with Emerie taking her wagon out to fish. Little Pip also experienced her first tailgate. Say, those Spartans are doing pretty well.
Chad and Melanie Pipkens can relate to the cuteness of children, what with Emerie taking her wagon out to fish. Little Pip also experienced her first tailgate. Say, those Spartans are doing pretty well.
Brock Mosley, wife, Leslie, and daughters Millie James and Gradi Lynn, wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving from their Collinsville, Miss., home.
Brock Mosley, wife, Leslie, and daughters Millie James and Gradi Lynn, wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving from their Collinsville, Miss., home.
Bill Lowen and son, Fischer, did the same as they wage battle with a wishbone. Both would enjoy Bill winning another Elite, like he did last year on Pickwick.
Bill Lowen and son, Fischer, did the same as they wage battle with a wishbone. Both would enjoy Bill winning another Elite, like he did last year on Pickwick.
It’s always the big sisters. Matt Arey’s girls, Reese and Wren, have differing ideas how to get into the Christmas spirit. “Anyone else’s family go from Thanksgiving to Christmas in four hours flat the second all your guests leave?” Arey posted. “When big sis said to lil sis ‘Come here I have a cool dress up idea to get in the ‘spirit,’ she didn’t look impressed with the part she had to play when they came out.” On Dasher and Dancer.
It’s always the big sisters. Matt Arey’s girls, Reese and Wren, have differing ideas how to get into the Christmas spirit. “Anyone else’s family go from Thanksgiving to Christmas in four hours flat the second all your guests leave?” Arey posted. “When big sis said to lil sis ‘Come here I have a cool dress up idea to get in the ‘spirit,’ she didn’t look impressed with the part she had to play when they came out.” On Dasher and Dancer.
Up in Wisconsin, Bob Downey has a great Christmas tree connection. “We made the annual trip to my Grandpa’s backyard tree farm. The saplings start out in 5 gallon buckets at the cabin and eventually make their way into our home. He puts in a lot of work to get one ready to harvest each year. Got a sneak peak at next year’s tree too — pretty good crop coming in!”
Up in Wisconsin, Bob Downey has a great Christmas tree connection. “We made the annual trip to my Grandpa’s backyard tree farm. The saplings start out in 5 gallon buckets at the cabin and eventually make their way into our home. He puts in a lot of work to get one ready to harvest each year. Got a sneak peak at next year’s tree too — pretty good crop coming in!”
Jake and Haley Whitaker took in a NASCAR race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. “If you’re not first, you’re last,” Jake posted.
Jake and Haley Whitaker took in a NASCAR race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. “If you’re not first, you’re last,” Jake posted.
Taking in other sports was common. After being surrounded by family for his induction into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, Jay Yelas and wife, Jill, enjoyed Oregon State’s parent’s weekend with daughter, Bethany. Go Beavers!
Taking in other sports was common. After being surrounded by family for his induction into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, Jay Yelas and wife, Jill, enjoyed Oregon State’s parent’s weekend with daughter, Bethany. Go Beavers!
It was double duty for the Hackney family at Honey Brake Gun Club. The family ran from Hurricane Ida’s wrath in southern Louisiana. “Happy birthday and hurricane vacation!” Greg Hackney posted. “Thanks to Honey Brake killing two birds with one stone! We celebrated Drew Hackney’s 21st birthday and vacated hurricane central.”
It was double duty for the Hackney family at Honey Brake Gun Club. The family ran from Hurricane Ida’s wrath in southern Louisiana. “Happy birthday and hurricane vacation!” Greg Hackney posted. “Thanks to Honey Brake killing two birds with one stone! We celebrated Drew Hackney’s 21st birthday and vacated hurricane central.”
It's certain the Hackneys came home to a major cleanup operation. A number of Elites helped out how they could, like Brock Mosley heading down to Raceland to help Elite running mate Tyler Rivet do some sweaty roof work to get neighbors, including a bunch of first responders, in the dry.
It’s certain the Hackneys came home to a major cleanup operation. A number of Elites helped out how they could, like Brock Mosley heading down to Raceland to help Elite running mate Tyler Rivet do some sweaty roof work to get neighbors, including a bunch of first responders, in the dry.
Jason Christie took time to address his college basketball team. “Always great to speak with different schools and teams, but especially when it’s one I used to be a part of. Thanks to my alma mater, Northeastern State University, for having me! Good luck this season!”
Jason Christie took time to address his college basketball team. “Always great to speak with different schools and teams, but especially when it’s one I used to be a part of. Thanks to my alma mater, Northeastern State University, for having me! Good luck this season!”
Fellow Oklahoman Luke Palmer also got some work down on the farm. “If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it! Or at least that’s what my cows thought when they broke down the fence to get to the hay,” Palmer posted. He also posted about how he should wear his Gill fishing bibs the next time he has to go retrieve a lost calf. “Lil sucker peed all over me when I carried him back on my four wheeler. At least he is safe and sound.”
Fellow Oklahoman Luke Palmer also got some work down on the farm. “If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it! Or at least that’s what my cows thought when they broke down the fence to get to the hay,” Palmer posted. He also posted about how he should wear his Gill fishing bibs the next time he has to go retrieve a lost calf. “Lil sucker peed all over me when I carried him back on my four wheeler. At least he is safe and sound.”
Like many Elites, Justin Atkins put in some offseason work in his garage. “Getting some shelves built so I can open up a little more space in my shop and hopefully be organized for once in my life,” he posted.
Like many Elites, Justin Atkins put in some offseason work in his garage. “Getting some shelves built so I can open up a little more space in my shop and hopefully be organized for once in my life,” he posted.
Others, like Brandon Palaniuk, got far away from the Elite grind once the season ended. “Did some exploring with Tiffanie,” he posted. “The 294-foot waterfall was pretty awesome to stand under.”
Others, like Brandon Palaniuk, got far away from the Elite grind once the season ended. “Did some exploring with Tiffanie,” he posted. “The 294-foot waterfall was pretty awesome to stand under.”
The Palaniuks’ fall was busy. There were elk hunts with Carl Jocumsen, then an epic trip to Costa Rica with Tiffanie, including ziplining and, of course, some deep sea fishing. “Sashimi anyone?” Palaniuk posted. “Had a good time with the crew from Wetass Sportfishing chasing down massive pods of yellowfin tuna.”
The Palaniuks’ fall was busy. There were elk hunts with Carl Jocumsen, then an epic trip to Costa Rica with Tiffanie, including ziplining and, of course, some deep sea fishing. “Sashimi anyone?” Palaniuk posted. “Had a good time with the crew from Wetass Sportfishing chasing down massive pods of yellowfin tuna.”
Bernie Schultz landed a sizable fish during the offseason as well.
Bernie Schultz landed a sizable fish during the offseason as well. “Caught less than two weeks ago with my oldest son, Daniel, near Crystal River, Fla — using a Shimano World Diver jerkbait on 10-pound Power Pro Super Slick braid and 30-pound fluoro leader. A true tank of a snook!”
Bryan Schmitt, a 2021 Elite winner, runs charters out Maryland, letting young son, Dylan, help in the business of putting clients on fish. “For those wondering how the day turned out when we had Captain Dylan at the helm, we caught ‘em,” Schmitt posted. “Captain Dylan is putting us on the fish this morning! It’s in his blood.”
Bryan Schmitt, a 2021 Elite winner, runs charters out Maryland, letting young son, Dylan, help in the business of putting clients on fish. “For those wondering how the day turned out when we had Captain Dylan at the helm, we caught ‘em,” Schmitt posted. “Captain Dylan is putting us on the fish this morning! It’s in his blood.”
Scott Martin had a blast with Vice Versa fishing out Islamorada, Fla., and nonprofit Fish With a Hero, which focuses on PTSD therapy. “Had an amazing time the last few days giving back to the ones who fought for our freedoms,” Martin posted. “These veterans are the fabric of our county and we were so happy to see them smiling and enjoying the outdoors.”
Scott Martin had a blast with Vice Versa fishing out Islamorada, Fla., and nonprofit Fish With a Hero, which focuses on PTSD therapy. “Had an amazing time the last few days giving back to the ones who fought for our freedoms,” Martin posted. “These veterans are the fabric of our county and we were so happy to see them smiling and enjoying the outdoors.”
Keith Combs and wife, Jennifer, got a little taste of salt too. They hooked into some bull redfish with friend Derek Kurkyndall’s Patriot Guide Service out of Port O’Connor, Texas. “I highly recommend you look him up if you’re looking for some great saltwater action!”
Keith Combs and wife, Jennifer, got a little taste of salt too. They hooked into some bull redfish with friend Derek Kurkyndall’s Patriot Guide Service out of Port O’Connor, Texas. “I highly recommend you look him up if you’re looking for some great saltwater action!”
Combs kept his hand in bass, teaming with Shaine Campbell to win the Techron Texas Shootout on Sam Rayburn. They brought in three fish going 19.90 pounds to win the $60,000 purse, including a $10,000 Skeeter bonus.
Combs kept his hand in bass, teaming with Shaine Campbell to win the Techron Texas Shootout on Sam Rayburn. They brought in three fish going 19.90 pounds to win the $60,000 purse, including a $10,000 Skeeter bonus.
Brandon Card rocked to a fourth with Austin Wike in the final event of the 2021 Rock Outdoors Team Tournament Trail.
Brandon Card rocked to a fourth with Austin Wike in the final event of the 2021 Rock Outdoors Team Tournament Trail.
Others like Skylar Hamilton and Hunter Shryock just got together to yank on a few on Hamilton’s home pond. “I’m glad it showed out. We caught a few!” Hamilton said. Shyrock said he had a blast. “Little chilly but the bite was fun! Got a trophy too for the first annual lil bubs derby — a win is win.”
Others like Skylar Hamilton and Hunter Shryock just got together to yank on a few on Hamilton’s home pond. “I’m glad it showed out. We caught a few!” Hamilton said. Shyrock said he had a blast. “Little chilly but the bite was fun! Got a trophy too for the first annual lil bubs derby — a win is win.”
Cory Johnston, who got off the B.A.S.S. schneide by winning the St. Lawrence Open, hooked up with Mark Zona to tape a show. “Had an incredible day on the water taping a Zona show for next season,” Johnston posted. “Who would of thought we were going to catch them so good right in downtown Detroit?”
Cory Johnston, who got off the B.A.S.S. schneide by winning the St. Lawrence Open, hooked up with Mark Zona to tape a show. “Had an incredible day on the water taping a Zona show for next season,” Johnston posted. “Who would of thought we were going to catch them so good right in downtown Detroit?”
Like Johnston, Wes Logan was digging the media spotlight after a season in which he won on his home waters of Neely Henry. “A dream come true! Such an honor to be featured on the cover of Bassmaster <em>B.A.S.S. Times</em>,” he posted. “I can remember growing up it being one of my favorite things to read and to think I’m on the cover of it now is incredible.”
Like Johnston, Wes Logan was digging the media spotlight after a season in which he won on his home waters of Neely Henry. “A dream come true! Such an honor to be featured on the cover of Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Times,” he posted. “I can remember growing up it being one of my favorite things to read and to think I’m on the cover of it now is incredible.”
John Crews said hello to an old friend when Mike Iaconelli announced his would accept his invitation to return to the Elite Series. “Mike is Backonelli to the Bassmaster Elites. Congratulations on qualifying for anything you could want to fish. Welcome back to the Elites, bro!”
John Crews said hello to an old friend when Mike Iaconelli announced his would accept his invitation to return to the Elite Series. “Mike is Backonelli to the Bassmaster Elites. Congratulations on qualifying for anything you could want to fish. Welcome back to the Elites, bro!”
Crews also lost an old friend, as did the bass fishing world, when Aaron Martens died in early November of brain cancer. “Don’t know what to say,” Crews posted. “I can’t believe Aaron is gone. I absolutely loved this guy. He loved life and was the best natural bass angler I’ve ever met. We had some amazing times together over the years. Went to Spain together for a week as part of Eurobass, worked out together many times (see pic), and had plenty of beers together. I also donated many times to tournaments where he took my money. Rest In Peace, Aaron. May God bless Lesley and his family during this time.”
Crews also lost an old friend, as did the bass fishing world, when Aaron Martens died in early November of brain cancer. “Don’t know what to say,” Crews posted. “I can’t believe Aaron is gone. I absolutely loved this guy. He loved life and was the best natural bass angler I’ve ever met. We had some amazing times together over the years. Went to Spain together for a week as part of Eurobass, worked out together many times (see pic), and had plenty of beers together. I also donated many times to tournaments where he took my money. Rest In Peace, Aaron. May God bless Lesley and his family during this time.”
Most every Elite posted about Martens, the three-time B.A.S.S. Angler of the year. “Heartbroken today. Not enough words can be written to say my love and respect for A-Mart,” David Mullins posted, along with a photo of Martens hand-feeding a squirrel. “Met Aaron in 2001 at a boat ramp on Douglas Lake ... fast forward to 2014 and we are traveling together fishing the Bassmaster Elite series. I wouldn’t be doing what I am today without Aaron and Lesley Martens. Always thankful for their support and encouragement. Love ya, bro.”
Most every Elite posted about Martens, the three-time B.A.S.S. Angler of the year. “Heartbroken today. Not enough words can be written to say my love and respect for A-Mart,” David Mullins posted, along with a photo of Martens hand-feeding a squirrel. “Met Aaron in 2001 at a boat ramp on Douglas Lake … fast forward to 2014 and we are traveling together fishing the Bassmaster Elite series. I wouldn’t be doing what I am today without Aaron and Lesley Martens. Always thankful for their support and encouragement. Love ya, bro.”
Chris Zaldain hustled to make pins in Marten’s honor, and he handed them out at the Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter in Port Aransas, Texas.
Chris Zaldain hustled to make pins in Marten’s honor, and he handed them out at the Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter in Port Aransas, Texas.
It might just have been karma that Zaldain teamed with Capt. Ryan Rickard to win the event. Like Martens and his four runner-up finishes in Bassmaster Classics, Rickard had been a bridesmaid 17 times in redfish events. “Driving home from the gulf and I’m still seeing RED,” Zaldain posted. “What an absolute blast wrecking bigs yesterday in the Skeeter SX240. The redfish world synced nicely with the bass stage and hopefully we shared the stoke with you all. I will be back!!”
It might just have been karma that Zaldain teamed with Capt. Ryan Rickard to win the event. Like Martens and his four runner-up finishes in Bassmaster Classics, Rickard had been a bridesmaid 17 times in redfish events. “Driving home from the gulf and I’m still seeing RED,” Zaldain posted. “What an absolute blast wrecking bigs yesterday in the Skeeter SX240. The redfish world synced nicely with the bass stage and hopefully we shared the stoke with you all. I will be back!!”
Derek Hudnall rallied from deep in the 10-team field to finish second in the Redfish Cup, winning a set of lithium batteries. “Night out celebrating first- and second-place finishes … Yep, Chris Zaldain got me again! Congrats, brother!”
Derek Hudnall rallied from deep in the 10-team field to finish second in the Redfish Cup, winning a set of lithium batteries. “Night out celebrating first- and second-place finishes … Yep, Chris Zaldain got me again! Congrats, brother!”
Patrick Walters, who also fished the Redfish tournament, relaxes on a getaway with wife, Emily, right around Thanksgiving, and he seemed to have forgotten his razor. “The only thing that could make this weekend better would be for Patrick Walters to shave that thing off his face…” she posted. Hmm, what do ya’ll think?
Patrick Walters, who also fished the Redfish tournament, relaxes on a getaway with wife, Emily, right around Thanksgiving, and he seemed to have forgotten his razor. “The only thing that could make this weekend better would be for Patrick Walters to shave that thing off his face…” she posted. Hmm, what do ya’ll think?
Matt Herren was another also-ran in the Redfish event. He brought in some big redfish — that looks like an over — but he went away dreaming of bass. “The past couple of weeks chasing redfish in Texas and Louisiana has been a lot of fun, but I’m ready to get my Skeeter FXR rigged and get back on the water chasing some bass!”
Matt Herren was another also-ran in the Redfish event. He brought in some big redfish — that looks like an over — but he went away dreaming of bass. “The past couple of weeks chasing redfish in Texas and Louisiana has been a lot of fun, but I’m ready to get my Skeeter FXR rigged and get back on the water chasing some bass!”
Josh Stracner is on board with that thought. The 2021 Elite Rookie of the Year is itching to get the 2022 season started. “After nearly four months without a boat and only fished a few times, the wait is finally over!” he posted. “My new Phoenix Boats has arrived. Time to get busy rigging and do some much needed fishing!” Most of the Elites are in the same boat, but there are distractions.
Josh Stracner is on board with that thought. The 2021 Elite Rookie of the Year is itching to get the 2022 season started. “After nearly four months without a boat and only fished a few times, the wait is finally over!” he posted. “My new Phoenix Boats has arrived. Time to get busy rigging and do some much needed fishing!” Most of the Elites are in the same boat, but there are distractions.
Pat Schlapper wants to get after them, but he gave an Elite version of cosplay. “We are channeling our inner Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton for the season four premier of Yellowstone! Anyone else tuning in? And yes ... that is a Bassmaster Classic belt buckle.” That’s the goal.
Pat Schlapper wants to get after them, but he gave an Elite version of cosplay. “We are channeling our inner Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton for the season four premier of Yellowstone! Anyone else tuning in? And yes … that is a Bassmaster Classic belt buckle.” That’s the goal.
Jason Christie posted the prevalent feeling among the anglers who’ve been off the trail four months and can’t wait for February’s opener. “Trying to find the fast forward button. The season can’t get here quick enough.”
Jason Christie posted the prevalent feeling among the anglers who’ve been off the trail four months and can’t wait for February’s opener. “Trying to find the fast forward button. The season can’t get here quick enough.”