Inside the 2013 Toyota Texas Bass Classic

The Toyota Texas Bass Classic is a no-entry fee, $100,000 tournament that raises funds for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Very much a festival, the tournament also includes a huge BBQ competition and top-notch country music concerts each day.

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Terry Scroggins, Tommy Biffle and Bobby Lane were three of the many Bassmaster Elite Series pro anglers that competed at this year’s Toyota Texas Bass Classic.
Terry Scroggins, Tommy Biffle and Bobby Lane were three of the many Bassmaster Elite Series pro anglers that competed at this year’s Toyota Texas Bass Classic.
Gerald Swindle joked that he planned to throw a jig, a jig or a jig on Lake Conroe. His plan worked well enough for a Top 20 finish.
Gerald Swindle joked that he planned to throw a jig, a jig or a jig on Lake Conroe. His plan worked well enough for a Top 20 finish.
A beanbag toss board decorated with the Toyota Fishing Team logo sits near a 2014 Toyota Tundra on display for fishing fans and concert attendees to see.
A beanbag toss board decorated with the Toyota Fishing Team logo sits near a 2014 Toyota Tundra on display for fishing fans and concert attendees to see.
A good looking “Blue Ribbon Metallic” colored 2014 Tundra sits proudly displayed under a Texas flag.
A good looking “Blue Ribbon Metallic” colored 2014 Tundra sits proudly displayed under a Texas flag.
Michael Iaconelli had good reason to yell, “It’s a giant!” when he hooked this Conroe beast.
Michael Iaconelli had good reason to yell, “It’s a giant!” when he hooked this Conroe beast.
Water sprays from a big bass Kevin VanDam caught on Day One.
Water sprays from a big bass Kevin VanDam caught on Day One.
A 2014 Toyota Tundra circles a 4Runner at the fan-friendly Toyota Drive Center.
A 2014 Toyota Tundra circles a 4Runner at the fan-friendly Toyota Drive Center.
Katie Scallan of Gulf States Toyota plays a major role in organizing TTBC, but she took a moment to visit with a Chihuahua named “Chesney” between weigh-in and the Eli Young Band concert.
Katie Scallan of Gulf States Toyota plays a major role in organizing TTBC, but she took a moment to visit with a Chihuahua named “Chesney” between weigh-in and the Eli Young Band concert.
Lake Conroe always seems to provide stunning sunrises in the east Texas sky.
Lake Conroe always seems to provide stunning sunrises in the east Texas sky.
An Iaconelli banner blows in the wind at the Toyota consumer booth while the Texas flag can be seen in the background.
An Iaconelli banner blows in the wind at the Toyota consumer booth while the Texas flag can be seen in the background.
Big crowds greet anglers and country music fans each day.
Big crowds greet anglers and country music fans each day.
KVD hooked his middle finger with a giant Mustad treble hook on Saturday. He flagged down his Toyota and Quantum teammate Gerald Swindle to pull out the hook — and “Dr. Swindle” graciously succeeded.
KVD hooked his middle finger with a giant Mustad treble hook on Saturday. He flagged down his Toyota and Quantum teammate Gerald Swindle to pull out the hook — and “Dr. Swindle” graciously succeeded.
KVD’s primary tools for taking on Conroe included a long 7’ 10” model# TKVD7105MB rod, paired with his beloved 5.3:1 Quantum Cranking Classic reel, and a deep diving Strike King 6XD.
KVD’s primary tools for taking on Conroe included a long 7’ 10” model# TKVD7105MB rod, paired with his beloved 5.3:1 Quantum Cranking Classic reel, and a deep diving Strike King 6XD.
Team Toyota’s Kevin VanDam and Terry Scroggins talk shop after weigh-in.
Team Toyota’s Kevin VanDam and Terry Scroggins talk shop after weigh-in.
KVD holds up a big keeper for fans under a Texas flag in front of a huge Saturday night weigh-in crowd.
KVD holds up a big keeper for fans under a Texas flag in front of a huge Saturday night weigh-in crowd.
Known for top hits like “A Woman Like You,” “Love Like Crazy” and “I Drive Your Truck” — Lee Brice was much-loved by Toyota Texas Bass Classic fans on Saturday afternoon prior to weigh-in.
Known for top hits like “A Woman Like You,” “Love Like Crazy” and “I Drive Your Truck” — Lee Brice was much-loved by Toyota Texas Bass Classic fans on Saturday afternoon prior to weigh-in.
Veteran tournament angler Matt Reed has fished in 127 B.A.S.S. tournaments; he received a warm welcome as he spoke to his home state fans at the Toyota Texas Bass Classic.
Veteran tournament angler Matt Reed has fished in 127 B.A.S.S. tournaments; he received a warm welcome as he spoke to his home state fans at the Toyota Texas Bass Classic.
Texas Parks and Wildlife employees added oxygen to livewells containing big bass as they waited in line for weigh-in.
Texas Parks and Wildlife employees added oxygen to livewells containing big bass as they waited in line for weigh-in.
Robin Myers of Katy, Texas, proudly took home the Grand Champion trophy among the 53 teams that entered the famed Toyota Texas Bass Classic BBQ cook-off.
Robin Myers of Katy, Texas, proudly took home the Grand Champion trophy among the 53 teams that entered the famed Toyota Texas Bass Classic BBQ cook-off.
The Tundras of Gerald Swindle, Kelly Jordon and Mike Iaconelli sit lined-up before weigh-in.
The Tundras of Gerald Swindle, Kelly Jordon and Mike Iaconelli sit lined-up before weigh-in.
Gulf States Toyota donated $250,000 to Texas Parks and Wildlife with money raised from the TTBC. Those dollars are used to connect families to fishing through the Neighborhood Fishin’ Program.
Gulf States Toyota donated $250,000 to Texas Parks and Wildlife with money raised from the TTBC. Those dollars are used to connect families to fishing through the Neighborhood Fishin’ Program.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Keith Combs of Texas became the only 2-time winner of the Toyota Texas Bass Classic.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Keith Combs of Texas became the only 2-time winner of the Toyota Texas Bass Classic.
Keith Combs carried the 2013 Toyota Texas Bass Classic trophy home in the Tundra he uses to pull his boat.
Keith Combs carried the 2013 Toyota Texas Bass Classic trophy home in the Tundra he uses to pull his boat.