James Overstreet’s top 150 of 2016

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The 2016 Bassmaster season began on the shoreline of Grand Lake in Oklahoma, for Day One of the 2016 Bassmaster Classic. <BR> <BR><i>Editor's Note: We asked B.A.S.S. photographer James Overstreet to share a few of his favorite pictures with us. Here is a photographic journey through the major B.A.S.S. events of 2016 brought to you by the one and only JO.</i>
The 2016 Bassmaster season began on the shoreline of Grand Lake in Oklahoma, for Day One of the 2016 Bassmaster Classic.
Editor’s Note: We asked B.A.S.S. photographer James Overstreet to share a few of his favorite pictures with us. Here is a photographic journey through the major B.A.S.S. events of 2016 brought to you by the one and only JO.
<h4>GEICO Bassmaster Classic on Grand Lake O' The Cherokees</h4>Every morning hundreds of fans gathered along the shoreline to view the morning launch.
GEICO Bassmaster Classic on Grand Lake O’ The CherokeesEvery morning hundreds of fans gathered along the shoreline to view the morning launch.
The 2016 Classic would become a battle between two Oklahoma fishing legends, Edwin Evers...
The 2016 Classic would become a battle between two Oklahoma fishing legends, Edwin Evers…
...and Jason Christie.
…and Jason Christie.
Each vying for bass fishing's biggest prize and a world championship.
Each vying for bass fishing’s biggest prize and a world championship.
Only the final day before the morning launch, Edwin Evers eyes his friend turned arch-nemesis, Jason Christie.
Only the final day before the morning launch, Edwin Evers eyes his friend turned arch-nemesis, Jason Christie.
For three days Christie was followed by a literal flotilla of boats...
For three days Christie was followed by a literal flotilla of boats…
...their occupants wanting to get a closer look at how he would attack Grand Lake.
…their occupants wanting to get a closer look at how he would attack Grand Lake.
And though they may have meant well, there were times it was difficult for Christie to move about in his fishing areas.
And though they may have meant well, there were times it was difficult for Christie to move about in his fishing areas.
But Christie's primary pattern, fishing pockets off the main lake with a spinnerbait still paid off. He went into the final day of fishing with nearly a 6-pound lead over Evers.
But Christie’s primary pattern, fishing pockets off the main lake with a spinnerbait still paid off. He went into the final day of fishing with nearly a 6-pound lead over Evers.
On the final day he made one last stop near the launch area...
On the final day he made one last stop near the launch area…
...making one last cull...
…making one last cull…
...before running to the boat ramp and the 90-mile drive to the final weigh in, in Tulsa.
…before running to the boat ramp and the 90-mile drive to the final weigh in, in Tulsa.
Evers and Christie were the last two contenders to weigh in, Evers carried his fish to the scales first. The hometown crowd erupted when Evers' weight was announced by Bassmaster emcee Dave Mercer.
Evers and Christie were the last two contenders to weigh in, Evers carried his fish to the scales first. The hometown crowd erupted when Evers’ weight was announced by Bassmaster emcee Dave Mercer.
On the final day of the Classic, Evers caught an astounding 29 pounds, 3 ounces of Grand Lake bass.
On the final day of the Classic, Evers caught an astounding 29 pounds, 3 ounces of Grand Lake bass.
After taking a formidable lead, Evers got a close look at the only bag of fish that could derail his charge. Jason Christie was carrying his fish to the scales.
After taking a formidable lead, Evers got a close look at the only bag of fish that could derail his charge. Jason Christie was carrying his fish to the scales.
Both Evers and Christie watch the scales in the final moments before Christie's weight was determined. But the incredible final day Evers had put together was way too much to overcome.
Both Evers and Christie watch the scales in the final moments before Christie’s weight was determined. But the incredible final day Evers had put together was way too much to overcome.
When the final tally was figured, Evers margin of victory over Christie was 10 pounds, 2 ounces. Edwin Evers was the 2016 Bassmaster Classic champion.
When the final tally was figured, Evers margin of victory over Christie was 10 pounds, 2 ounces. Edwin Evers was the 2016 Bassmaster Classic champion.
<h4>2016 Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River presented by Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels</h4>Adrian Avena backs his boat into the water to begin Day One of the first Bassmaster Elite Series event of the year, held on the St. John's River in Florida.
2016 Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River presented by Dick Cepek Tires & WheelsAdrian Avena backs his boat into the water to begin Day One of the first Bassmaster Elite Series event of the year, held on the St. John’s River in Florida.
Sight fishing was the dominate pattern and angler's crowded into the more popular flats in Lake George that held spawning bass.
Sight fishing was the dominate pattern and angler’s crowded into the more popular flats in Lake George that held spawning bass.
Shaw Grigsby was sight fishing too, but intermittent rain hampered everybody's efforts to see fish on beds.
Shaw Grigsby was sight fishing too, but intermittent rain hampered everybody’s efforts to see fish on beds.
Rain showers and cloudy conditions held throughout most of the tournament.
Rain showers and cloudy conditions held throughout most of the tournament.
With push pole in hand, Drew Benton works away across a flat looking for spawning beds.
With push pole in hand, Drew Benton works away across a flat looking for spawning beds.
The Florida native, and Elite Series rookie started the season with a 4th place finish on St. Johns, and would go on to become the 2016 Elite Series Rookie of the Year.
The Florida native, and Elite Series rookie started the season with a 4th place finish on St. Johns, and would go on to become the 2016 Elite Series Rookie of the Year.
On the flats, angler's were primarily searching out bass that had cleared holes in the eel grass to make their spawing beds.
On the flats, angler’s were primarily searching out bass that had cleared holes in the eel grass to make their spawing beds.
Randy Allen was one of many angler's that stuck with that pattern.
Randy Allen was one of many angler’s that stuck with that pattern.
Greg Hackney had made the decision to avoid the crowds and had an area to himself.
Greg Hackney had made the decision to avoid the crowds and had an area to himself.
It was a strategy that would propel him to 2nd place in the standings going into the final day of fishing.
It was a strategy that would propel him to 2nd place in the standings going into the final day of fishing.
His Day 3 bag of fish was anchored by an 8-pounder...
His Day 3 bag of fish was anchored by an 8-pounder…
...he caught early in the day. But what he didn't know, the legendary Rick Clunn was having an incredible day of fishing, and would bring 31 pounds, 7 ounces to the scales to take the lead.
…he caught early in the day. But what he didn’t know, the legendary Rick Clunn was having an incredible day of fishing, and would bring 31 pounds, 7 ounces to the scales to take the lead.
On the final day Hackney moved to a canal he had been saving and hadn't fished.
On the final day Hackney moved to a canal he had been saving and hadn’t fished.
During practice, he had found several fish in the canal on beds, but felt there was no way it would up for four days. His strategy of saving that canal for the final day paid off with several key fish, including this one.
During practice, he had found several fish in the canal on beds, but felt there was no way it would up for four days. His strategy of saving that canal for the final day paid off with several key fish, including this one.
At the end of the day it would come down to Hackney and Clunn, the last two anglers to weigh their fish.
At the end of the day it would come down to Hackney and Clunn, the last two anglers to weigh their fish.
Despite all his considerable professional fishing accomplishments, Clunn had never won an Elite Series event. At 69-years-old the legend added to his legacy.
Despite all his considerable professional fishing accomplishments, Clunn had never won an Elite Series event. At 69-years-old the legend added to his legacy.
While speaking of his victory on-stage he left with this quote,
While speaking of his victory on-stage he left with this quote, “Never accept that all your accomplishments are in the past.”
<h4>2016 Huk Performance Fishing Bassmaster Elite at Winyah Bay presented by GoRVing</h4>The next stop of the season was held on South Carolina's, Winyah Bay, a sprawling playing field that found the leaders making 90-mile runs to their fishing area.
2016 Huk Performance Fishing Bassmaster Elite at Winyah Bay presented by GoRVingThe next stop of the season was held on South Carolina’s, Winyah Bay, a sprawling playing field that found the leaders making 90-mile runs to their fishing area.
Brett Hite was one of those making the long run to get to his fish.
Brett Hite was one of those making the long run to get to his fish.
Hite's long run resulted in a narrow lead going into the final day of fishing.
Hite’s long run resulted in a narrow lead going into the final day of fishing.
He had used a bladed jig to build his lead, but the area he was fishing was small...
He had used a bladed jig to build his lead, but the area he was fishing was small…
...and didn't quite hold up on the final day. Hite would finish second to Britt Myers by 4 ounces.
…and didn’t quite hold up on the final day. Hite would finish second to Britt Myers by 4 ounces.
<h4>Bassmaster Elite at Bull Shoals/Norfork</h4> There was a bit of early fog that developed on Day 1, as the Elite Series moved to Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes in Arkansas.
Bassmaster Elite at Bull Shoals/Norfork
There was a bit of early fog that developed on Day 1, as the Elite Series moved to Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes in Arkansas.
This tournament featured a unique format, anglers two days on Bull Shoals and two days on Norfork. Matt Herren took the first day lead while fishing on Bull Shoals.
This tournament featured a unique format, anglers two days on Bull Shoals and two days on Norfork. Matt Herren took the first day lead while fishing on Bull Shoals.
Herren made a long run north and put together 17 pounds on Day 1.
Herren made a long run north and put together 17 pounds on Day 1.
Despite a 2nd place finish the last time the Elite Series visited Bull Shoals, Britt Myers was unable to carry the momentum of his win at Winyah Bay, and missed the cut.
Despite a 2nd place finish the last time the Elite Series visited Bull Shoals, Britt Myers was unable to carry the momentum of his win at Winyah Bay, and missed the cut.
After three days of fishing and a steady climb to the top of the leaderboard, Randall Tharp held a narrow 6-ounce lead going into the final day held on Norfork.
After three days of fishing and a steady climb to the top of the leaderboard, Randall Tharp held a narrow 6-ounce lead going into the final day held on Norfork.
Tharp stuck with flipping and pitching a jig all day, and caught his largest keeper in final five minutes of the tournament. While the fish was still being lowered into the bottom of the boat...
Tharp stuck with flipping and pitching a jig all day, and caught his largest keeper in final five minutes of the tournament. While the fish was still being lowered into the bottom of the boat…
...Tharp began to celebrate...
…Tharp began to celebrate…
...his last-minute fortune.
…his last-minute fortune.
Tharp gave us one last look at the fish that would decide the tournament...
Tharp gave us one last look at the fish that would decide the tournament…
...and took home his first Elite Series trophy.
…and took home his first Elite Series trophy.
<h4>2016 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Elite at Wheeler Lake</h4>From there the Elite Series moved to Decatur, Alabama and Wheeler Lake. Timmy Horton spent some of his first day fishing close to barges that were moored near downtown.
2016 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Elite at Wheeler LakeFrom there the Elite Series moved to Decatur, Alabama and Wheeler Lake. Timmy Horton spent some of his first day fishing close to barges that were moored near downtown.
Britt Myers shows us the anatomy of...
Britt Myers shows us the anatomy of…
...a long cast...
…a long cast…
...with a deep-diving crankbait.
…with a deep-diving crankbait.
Gerald Swindle had trolling motor trouble during the first day, luckily he was able to meet his wife LeAnn at a remote ramp with a new one.
Gerald Swindle had trolling motor trouble during the first day, luckily he was able to meet his wife LeAnn at a remote ramp with a new one.
After failing to qualify for the 2015 Bassmaster Classic and missing the Classic cut in 2016, Kevin VanDam was back on a TVA lake where he had done so good in the past.
After failing to qualify for the 2015 Bassmaster Classic and missing the Classic cut in 2016, Kevin VanDam was back on a TVA lake where he had done so good in the past.
But he would finish in 67th place on Wheeler, and there were grumblings that his reign was over.
But he would finish in 67th place on Wheeler, and there were grumblings that his reign was over.
Alabama's Randy Howell was in 3rd place after two days of fishing...
Alabama’s Randy Howell was in 3rd place after two days of fishing…
...but he and the rest of the field would have to contend...
…but he and the rest of the field would have to contend…
...with a charge from Takahiro Omori.
…with a charge from Takahiro Omori.
While many of the leaders fished the main lake, John Crews moved into contention by...
While many of the leaders fished the main lake, John Crews moved into contention by…
..catching his fish in the clearer water in the back of a feeder creek.
..catching his fish in the clearer water in the back of a feeder creek.
Crews used a stealth approach in the back of the small creek...
Crews used a stealth approach in the back of the small creek…
...primarily counting on a topwater bait.
…primarily counting on a topwater bait.
But the 25 pound, 3 ounce bag of fish Takahiro Omori caught on the final day was too much for the field to overcome.
But the 25 pound, 3 ounce bag of fish Takahiro Omori caught on the final day was too much for the field to overcome.
Omori holds his first Elite Series trophy and a flag from his homeland of Japan. Written on the flag in Japanese was an encouraging message to the people of Japan that were victims of a devastating earthquake.
Omori holds his first Elite Series trophy and a flag from his homeland of Japan. Written on the flag in Japanese was an encouraging message to the people of Japan that were victims of a devastating earthquake.
<h4> A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend </h4>It was at Toledo Bend that Kevin VanDam would serve notice, the rumors of his demise had been greatly exaggerated.
A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend It was at Toledo Bend that Kevin VanDam would serve notice, the rumors of his demise had been greatly exaggerated.
And he would do it by culling fish such as this one...
And he would do it by culling fish such as this one…
...predominately power fishing his way to heavy...
…predominately power fishing his way to heavy…
...limits each day. He took the lead on Day 1 with 29 pounds, 5 ounces, and went on to win wire-to-wire.
…limits each day. He took the lead on Day 1 with 29 pounds, 5 ounces, and went on to win wire-to-wire.
One of his few deviations from the deep-cranking onslaught he used on the bass in Toledo Bend, was a shad spawn happening early in the morning.
One of his few deviations from the deep-cranking onslaught he used on the bass in Toledo Bend, was a shad spawn happening early in the morning.
On Day 3 he started his day along a giant seawall, keying on the shad spawn.
On Day 3 he started his day along a giant seawall, keying on the shad spawn.
He caught this fish early on a topwater bait...
He caught this fish early on a topwater bait…
...one that everybody viewing Bassmaster Live would witness.
…one that everybody viewing Bassmaster Live would witness.
He only spent a few minutes on the shad spawn...
He only spent a few minutes on the shad spawn…
...before making a run and breaking out his cranking rod.
…before making a run and breaking out his cranking rod.
Later that morning he would connect with the largest fish he caught during the tournament...
Later that morning he would connect with the largest fish he caught during the tournament…
...one that when it surfaced, he would look up and simply say,
…one that when it surfaced, he would look up and simply say, “Biggun.”
The fight VanDam had with this fish was being recorded by another giant of the sport many people may not have known, cameraman Rick Mason.
The fight VanDam had with this fish was being recorded by another giant of the sport many people may not have known, cameraman Rick Mason.
As VanDam moved to the back of the boat...
As VanDam moved to the back of the boat…
...during this battle that would last for some time...
…during this battle that would last for some time…
...Rick Mason, just as he had done for 17 years, was there capturing the action for Bassmaster television.
…Rick Mason, just as he had done for 17 years, was there capturing the action for Bassmaster television.
Mason would pass away later in 2016.
Mason would pass away later in 2016.
VanDam added over 21 pounds of fish to his total on the final day.
VanDam added over 21 pounds of fish to his total on the final day.
After handing his final bag of fish to B.A.S.S. Tournament Director Trip Weldon, VanDam celebrated with a fist pump.
After handing his final bag of fish to B.A.S.S. Tournament Director Trip Weldon, VanDam celebrated with a fist pump.
He held up his best fish of the day for the crowd to see, and finished the tournament with a total weight of 96 pounds, 2 ounces.
He held up his best fish of the day for the crowd to see, and finished the tournament with a total weight of 96 pounds, 2 ounces.
After being awarded the champion's trophy, VanDam was swarmed by the media and spectators.
After being awarded the champion’s trophy, VanDam was swarmed by the media and spectators.
<h4> 2016 GEICO Bassmaster BASSfest presented by Choctaw Casino Resort </h4>J. Todd Tucker fishes some of the massive rocks scattered along Lake Texoma, site of the 2016 version of BASSfest.
2016 GEICO Bassmaster BASSfest presented by Choctaw Casino Resort J. Todd Tucker fishes some of the massive rocks scattered along Lake Texoma, site of the 2016 version of BASSfest.
The water level was high on Texoma, and much of the fishing took place in flooded shoreline cover. Chris Zaldain, fishing flooded willow trees, caught this fish on Day 2.
The water level was high on Texoma, and much of the fishing took place in flooded shoreline cover. Chris Zaldain, fishing flooded willow trees, caught this fish on Day 2.
Gerald Swindle began his rise to the top of the Angler of the Year point's standings at Texoma.
Gerald Swindle began his rise to the top of the Angler of the Year point’s standings at Texoma.
He would find a 3rd place finish here.
He would find a 3rd place finish here.
The Marshals program continued to be a big success in 2016, many of the Marshal's took photos of fish catches during the year and contributed them to the Bassmaster blog.
The Marshals program continued to be a big success in 2016, many of the Marshal’s took photos of fish catches during the year and contributed them to the Bassmaster blog.
There were some very hot days at Texoma, Gerald Swindle long ago figured out this trick to cool his head before a run in the boat.
There were some very hot days at Texoma, Gerald Swindle long ago figured out this trick to cool his head before a run in the boat.
Casey Ashley caught 20 pounds, 1 ounce on Day 1 and took the early lead.
Casey Ashley caught 20 pounds, 1 ounce on Day 1 and took the early lead.
Another hot day was brewing on the final day at Lake Texoma.
Another hot day was brewing on the final day at Lake Texoma.
The bushes giveth and taketh away. Swindle failed to get a few out of the heavy cover on Day 4.
The bushes giveth and taketh away. Swindle failed to get a few out of the heavy cover on Day 4.
Regardless, he kept grinding away...
Regardless, he kept grinding away…
...but still looking for his first Elite Series win. His strong 3rd place finish would keep him atop the AOY point's standings.
…but still looking for his first Elite Series win. His strong 3rd place finish would keep him atop the AOY point’s standings.
Greg Hackney brings his bag of fish to the scales during the final weigh in at BASSfest on Lake Texoma.
Greg Hackney brings his bag of fish to the scales during the final weigh in at BASSfest on Lake Texoma.
Hackney had started the final day in 3rd place...
Hackney had started the final day in 3rd place…
...but his 17 pound, 15 ounce limit propelled him to the win...
…but his 17 pound, 15 ounce limit propelled him to the win…
...over a charging Brandon Card. Card weighed 21 pounds, 2 ounces earlier in the weigh in to move from 6th to 2nd place.
…over a charging Brandon Card. Card weighed 21 pounds, 2 ounces earlier in the weigh in to move from 6th to 2nd place.
<h4> Busch Beer Bassmaster Elite at Cayuga Lake </h4>The Elite Series then moved north to Cayuga Lake in New York.
Busch Beer Bassmaster Elite at Cayuga Lake The Elite Series then moved north to Cayuga Lake in New York.
Mike Iaconelli came out of the gate fast on Day 1...
Mike Iaconelli came out of the gate fast on Day 1…
...and luckily for folks at home he had a Bassmaster Live camera in the boat with him.
…and luckily for folks at home he had a Bassmaster Live camera in the boat with him.
Viewers got to enjoy a clinic by Iaconelli most of the morning...
Viewers got to enjoy a clinic by Iaconelli most of the morning…
...as he caught fish after fish from on what he described was a
…as he caught fish after fish from on what he described was a “magic day.”
And yes, he went 'Ike' several times during the day.
And yes, he went ‘Ike’ several times during the day.
Ike handled so many fish on Day 1 his hands were left tattered and torn.
Ike handled so many fish on Day 1 his hands were left tattered and torn.
But Iaconelli wasn't the only competitor that had found an incredible school of fish. Brett Hite was fishing close by, and caught so many fish on the first day...
But Iaconelli wasn’t the only competitor that had found an incredible school of fish. Brett Hite was fishing close by, and caught so many fish on the first day…
...he quit fishing late in the morning.
…he quit fishing late in the morning.
Within sight of Brett Hite, Jordan Lee was making his move up the leaderboard.
Within sight of Brett Hite, Jordan Lee was making his move up the leaderboard.
Brett Hite looks out into the crowd while waiting to weigh his fish on the final day at Cayuga Lake.
Brett Hite looks out into the crowd while waiting to weigh his fish on the final day at Cayuga Lake.
The last two standing at Cayuga was former Carhartt College National Champion Jordan Lee, and Kevin VanDam.
The last two standing at Cayuga was former Carhartt College National Champion Jordan Lee, and Kevin VanDam.
After winning the last regular Elite Series event at Toledo Bend, VanDam would leave Cayuga with another trophy and 2 victories in three events.
After winning the last regular Elite Series event at Toledo Bend, VanDam would leave Cayuga with another trophy and 2 victories in three events.
<h4> 2016 Bassmaster Classic Bracket </h4>The next stop on the schedule was the Bassmaster Classic Bracket on the Niagara River. Utilizing a unique format, the field was comprised of the Top 8 finishers from the Elite Series event on Cayuga Lake, in a bracket style competition for a Bassmaster Classic birth.
2016 Bassmaster Classic Bracket The next stop on the schedule was the Bassmaster Classic Bracket on the Niagara River. Utilizing a unique format, the field was comprised of the Top 8 finishers from the Elite Series event on Cayuga Lake, in a bracket style competition for a Bassmaster Classic birth.
The head-to-head matches had it all, tension, drama, rallies, trash talk, bewildering decisions, and thrilling finishes.
The head-to-head matches had it all, tension, drama, rallies, trash talk, bewildering decisions, and thrilling finishes.
It featured some of the stars of the sport, including the final pairing of Brett Hite -vs- Kevin VanDam.
It featured some of the stars of the sport, including the final pairing of Brett Hite -vs- Kevin VanDam.
VanDam spent most of in typical KVD fashion, moving about the playing field from one end to the other.
VanDam spent most of in typical KVD fashion, moving about the playing field from one end to the other.
His key pattern would be targeting smallmouth in the Niagara River with his signature series Strike King jerkbait, mixed in with occasional finesse baits, primarily a tube.
His key pattern would be targeting smallmouth in the Niagara River with his signature series Strike King jerkbait, mixed in with occasional finesse baits, primarily a tube.
Brett Hite spent the entire tournament fishing a dropshot on piers under the last bridge before the Niagara River reaches Niagara Falls.
Brett Hite spent the entire tournament fishing a dropshot on piers under the last bridge before the Niagara River reaches Niagara Falls.
It was on the Niagara River that KVD would win an unprecedented third Elite Series title in a single season, and a ticket to the Bassmaster Classic.
It was on the Niagara River that KVD would win an unprecedented third Elite Series title in a single season, and a ticket to the Bassmaster Classic.
<h4> Bassmaster Elite at Potomac River presented by Econo Lodge </h4>In August the Elite Series moved to the Potomac River.
Bassmaster Elite at Potomac River presented by Econo Lodge In August the Elite Series moved to the Potomac River.
Most of the field spent their time fishing the acres of vegetation off the main river channel.
Most of the field spent their time fishing the acres of vegetation off the main river channel.
West Coast angler's Brent Erhler and Justin Lucas stayed atop the leaderboard the entire event.
West Coast angler’s Brent Erhler and Justin Lucas stayed atop the leaderboard the entire event.
Erhler used a bladed swim jig in one key area...
Erhler used a bladed swim jig in one key area…
...to move into 2nd place on Day 1.
…to move into 2nd place on Day 1.
He remained in 2nd place each of the first three days, unable to move ahead of Justin Lucas.
He remained in 2nd place each of the first three days, unable to move ahead of Justin Lucas.
Ehrler's best opportunity to move ahead of Lucas came on Day 3, when Lucas weighed his smallest limit, 12 pounds, 15 ounces.
Ehrler’s best opportunity to move ahead of Lucas came on Day 3, when Lucas weighed his smallest limit, 12 pounds, 15 ounces.
But Erhler couldn't capitalize, losing key fish early in the day that kept him in 2nd place.
But Erhler couldn’t capitalize, losing key fish early in the day that kept him in 2nd place.
Justin Lucas took the lead on Day 1 on the Potomac and won wire-to-wire...
Justin Lucas took the lead on Day 1 on the Potomac and won wire-to-wire…
...giving him his second Elite Series victory.
…giving him his second Elite Series victory.
<h4> Plano Bassmaster Elite at the Mississippi River presented by Favorite Fishing </h4>During the 2016 season the Elite Series visited the Mississippi River in LaCrosse, Wi., for the third time. Ott DeFoe had made the decision during practice to spend his time in a well known community hole.
Plano Bassmaster Elite at the Mississippi River presented by Favorite Fishing During the 2016 season the Elite Series visited the Mississippi River in LaCrosse, Wi., for the third time. Ott DeFoe had made the decision during practice to spend his time in a well known community hole.
His fishing area featured a large spillway just off the main river channel.
His fishing area featured a large spillway just off the main river channel.
The area was also near the launch area, and several spectators would attend the morning launch, then drive to the spillway to watch Defoe fish.
The area was also near the launch area, and several spectators would attend the morning launch, then drive to the spillway to watch Defoe fish.
DeFoe worked his way back and forth along the spillway...
DeFoe worked his way back and forth along the spillway…
...but it was on the ends of the spillway where he caught the majority of his fish.
…but it was on the ends of the spillway where he caught the majority of his fish.
DeFoe made the short run to the spillway each day just after sunrise...
DeFoe made the short run to the spillway each day just after sunrise…
...where both smallmouth...
…where both smallmouth…
..and largemouth lived.
..and largemouth lived.
DeFoe's mixed bags of bass earned him the win with a final tally of 63 pounds, 10 ounces. Minnesota's Seth Feider was considered somewhat of a pre-tournament favorite, and needed a strong finish to qualify for the final event of the year. Feider finished 2nd with 62 pounds, 7 ounces.
DeFoe’s mixed bags of bass earned him the win with a final tally of 63 pounds, 10 ounces. Minnesota’s Seth Feider was considered somewhat of a pre-tournament favorite, and needed a strong finish to qualify for the final event of the year. Feider finished 2nd with 62 pounds, 7 ounces.
<h4> 2016 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship </h4>A few days later at the Toyota Angler of the Year Championship, held on Mille Lacs Lake in his home state of Minnesota, Seth Feider would flex his local knowledge muscle and dominate the three-day event.
2016 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship A few days later at the Toyota Angler of the Year Championship, held on Mille Lacs Lake in his home state of Minnesota, Seth Feider would flex his local knowledge muscle and dominate the three-day event.
Feider had predicted it would take an astounding 78 pounds of smallmouth in three days to win on Mille Lacs.
Feider had predicted it would take an astounding 78 pounds of smallmouth in three days to win on Mille Lacs.
It was obvious after the first day of fishing it could be he that would attain that lofty goal...
It was obvious after the first day of fishing it could be he that would attain that lofty goal…
...as he put one huge smallmouth after the next...
…as he put one huge smallmouth after the next…
...into the boat. And once again the late Rick Mason was there to capture the magic on-camera.
…into the boat. And once again the late Rick Mason was there to capture the magic on-camera.
Feider held off the field, fought the wind and waves...
Feider held off the field, fought the wind and waves…
...and dominated with a three day total of 76 pounds, 5 ounces.
…and dominated with a three day total of 76 pounds, 5 ounces.
But this final stop was a tournament within a tournament. The Top 50 anglers from this season where there to decide 2016 Bassmaster Angler of the Year. Gerald Swindle had entered the tournament with the lead.
But this final stop was a tournament within a tournament. The Top 50 anglers from this season where there to decide 2016 Bassmaster Angler of the Year. Gerald Swindle had entered the tournament with the lead.
But Swindle had struggled mightily the first two days. Of the 50 angler's in the field, Swindle found himself in 49th place going into the final day. But as he began to pull his fish from the live well during the final weigh in, it was obvious Swindle had once again rallied.
But Swindle had struggled mightily the first two days. Of the 50 angler’s in the field, Swindle found himself in 49th place going into the final day. But as he began to pull his fish from the live well during the final weigh in, it was obvious Swindle had once again rallied.
Swindle caught 22 pounds on the last day, easily his heaviest limit of the tournament. It was more than enough weight to insure Swindle would keep his AOY lead over 2nd place challenger Keith Combs.
Swindle caught 22 pounds on the last day, easily his heaviest limit of the tournament. It was more than enough weight to insure Swindle would keep his AOY lead over 2nd place challenger Keith Combs.
As it usually is, the Angler of the Year title is a grind full of ups and down for the eventual champion. Gerald Swindle's wife, LeAnn had been with him every step of the season...launching his boat, making his lunches, providing support in so many different ways.
As it usually is, the Angler of the Year title is a grind full of ups and down for the eventual champion. Gerald Swindle’s wife, LeAnn had been with him every step of the season…launching his boat, making his lunches, providing support in so many different ways.
To conclude the long season, Gerald and LeAnn Swindle celebrated the victory together, Gerald Swindle was our 2016 Bassmaster Angler of the Year. This was his second AOY title.
To conclude the long season, Gerald and LeAnn Swindle celebrated the victory together, Gerald Swindle was our 2016 Bassmaster Angler of the Year. This was his second AOY title.
And the sun settled below the water's surface and another year on the Bassmaster Elite Series.
And the sun settled below the water’s surface and another year on the Bassmaster Elite Series.