Lake Chatuge: Bring home a trophy!

During the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship, we got a special behind-the-scenes look at the tournament and the Expo through the eyes of Black Velvet.
During the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship, we got a special behind-the-scenes look at the tournament and the Expo through the eyes of Black Velvet.
Fans started the day by playing a special version of cornhole, or beanbag toss, made for Bassmaster tournaments.
Fans started the day by playing a special version of cornhole, or beanbag toss, made for Bassmaster tournaments.
“Bring Home a Trophy” is the motto for Black Velvet, and the theme resonated throughout the Bassmaster Elite Series venue, for both fans and the professional anglers.
Outside fans waited patiently to meet Elite Series anglers.
Outside fans waited patiently to meet Elite Series anglers.
Chuck and Deena were the bartenders in the Black Velvet tent. They’re from Hiawassee, Ga. “We’re celebrating life today,” said Deena. “It’s too short not to enjoy every day. We’ve really enjoyed meeting the fans.”
Chuck and Deena were the bartenders in the Black Velvet tent. They’re from Hiawassee, Ga. “We’re celebrating life today,” said Deena. “It’s too short not to enjoy every day. We’ve really enjoyed meeting the fans.”
As fans drifted into the Black Velvet tent, Chuck and Deena were happy to talk whisky and fishing too.
As fans drifted into the Black Velvet tent, Chuck and Deena were happy to talk whisky and fishing too.
Fans 21 years of age and over got a free taste of Black Velvet, a floating keychain and bag for carrying other goodies from the Expo.
Fans 21 years of age and over got a free taste of Black Velvet, a floating keychain and bag for carrying other goodies from the Expo.
This trophy, with a leaping bass on top, was a great reminder of Black Velvet’s commitment to fishing.
This trophy, with a leaping bass on top, was a great reminder of Black Velvet’s commitment to fishing.
Nearby in a different booth, Bassmaster anglers and sponsors could get their own taste of Black Velvet.
Nearby in a different booth, Bassmaster anglers and sponsors could get their own taste of Black Velvet.
It was a hot day, so whisky on ice was a good combination.
It was a hot day, so whisky on ice was a good combination.
Meanwhile, over at the Bassmaster media trailer, several bottles of Black Velvet were readied for the winning anglers.
Meanwhile, over at the Bassmaster media trailer, several bottles of Black Velvet were readied for the winning anglers.
<em>B.A.S.S. Times</em> editor Bryan Brasher had no problem sharing his workspace with the prize bottles.
B.A.S.S. Times editor Bryan Brasher had no problem sharing his workspace with the prize bottles.
Outside, fans continued playing cornhole. This one looks like a winner!
Outside, fans continued playing cornhole. This one looks like a winner!
On the Bassmaster stage, trophies and other prizes awaited the winners.
On the Bassmaster stage, trophies and other prizes awaited the winners.
That’s Jake Whitaker, the brand new Bassmaster Rookie of the Year.
That’s Jake Whitaker, the brand new Bassmaster Rookie of the Year.
James Elam won the three-day tournament on Lake Chatuge.
James Elam won the three-day tournament on Lake Chatuge.
And Justin Lucas won the much coveted title of Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year.
And Justin Lucas won the much coveted title of Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year.
After all the festivities had ended, the Bassmaster.com crew went to relax at a restaurant called, appropriately, Unwind. Even the servers there were decked out in Black Velvet shirts.
After all the festivities had ended, the Bassmaster.com crew went to relax at a restaurant called, appropriately, Unwind. Even the servers there were decked out in Black Velvet shirts.
They too bought into the concept of “Bring Home a Trophy.”
They too bought into the concept of “Bring Home a Trophy.”