Sooch’s Classic in 50 shots

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Last goes first in my look at the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro. Champion Edwin Evers and his family follow a procession through the hallways of the BOK Center to his news conference. The family, which suffered years of disappointment in bass fishing's biggest venues, finally get to celebrate a Classic victory. The following 49 pictures lead up to that moment in a rehash through my eyes and iPhone lens.
Last goes first in my look at the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro. Champion Edwin Evers and his family follow a procession through the hallways of the BOK Center to his news conference. The family, which suffered years of disappointment in bass fishing’s biggest venues, finally get to celebrate a Classic victory. The following 49 pictures lead up to that moment in a rehash through my eyes and iPhone lens.
My duties this year at the Classic altered somewhat, as instead of solely writing stories, blogs and editing photo galleries, I was assigned to assist the crew on the new Bassmaster Classic LIVE, which expanded to six hours a day. I did some research, wrote trivia and some graphics, provided updates on blogs and weather and asked our experts questions. Before leaving for the event, I found some interesting facts after asking the anglers to divulge something most people didn’t know about them.
My duties this year at the Classic altered somewhat, as instead of solely writing stories, blogs and editing photo galleries, I was assigned to assist the crew on the new Bassmaster Classic LIVE, which expanded to six hours a day. I did some research, wrote trivia and some graphics, provided updates on blogs and weather and asked our experts questions. Before leaving for the event, I found some interesting facts after asking the anglers to divulge something most people didn’t know about them.
My journey to Tulsa, Okla., to cover my 10th Classic had me stop in Broken Arrow to check out Dick’s Sporting Goods, which sponsored the Classic Expo. Didn’t see any of the Classic competitors buying lures there, like I had in 2013 when Ott DeFoe was photographed stocking up on jerkbaits. Lunch was tasty at recommended Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ, then it was off to the downtown Hyatt Regency to cover the anglers at their first gathering for the Classic. Omen alert -- Evers and Jason Christie walking into the hotel together were the first two people I recognized.
My journey to Tulsa, Okla., to cover my 10th Classic had me stop in Broken Arrow to check out Dick’s Sporting Goods, which sponsored the Classic Expo. Didn’t see any of the Classic competitors buying lures there, like I had in 2013 when Ott DeFoe was photographed stocking up on jerkbaits. Lunch was tasty at recommended Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ, then it was off to the downtown Hyatt Regency to cover the anglers at their first gathering for the Classic. Omen alert — Evers and Jason Christie walking into the hotel together were the first two people I recognized.
After meeting with anglers at the Hyatt Regency, B.A.S.S.’s base of operation, a trip to the BOK Center was in order to get credentials as well as SWAG and bearings. The arena floor was in the early phases of stage production. The Classic weigh-ins are always a visual spectacle, with lights, sounds, explosives and confetti. This is a light-hearted moment between lighting workers.
After meeting with anglers at the Hyatt Regency, B.A.S.S.’s base of operation, a trip to the BOK Center was in order to get credentials as well as SWAG and bearings. The arena floor was in the early phases of stage production. The Classic weigh-ins are always a visual spectacle, with lights, sounds, explosives and confetti. This is a light-hearted moment between lighting workers.
An early alarm (4:15 a.m. but the excitement had several of us awake at 3) was required to drive the 90 miles for Wednesday’s final practice on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, a dress rehearsal for all involved. As defending Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year, Aaron Martens blasted off first while reigning Classic champ Casey Ashley was second. Launch order of the other 53 competitors was drawn randomly for Day 1, and the order reversed on Day 2. Later Wednesday was Night of Champions, where the gathering had the pleasure of hearing both The Natural and The General (Coach Bobby Knight) speak.
An early alarm (4:15 a.m. but the excitement had several of us awake at 3) was required to drive the 90 miles for Wednesday’s final practice on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, a dress rehearsal for all involved. As defending Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year, Aaron Martens blasted off first while reigning Classic champ Casey Ashley was second. Launch order of the other 53 competitors was drawn randomly for Day 1, and the order reversed on Day 2. Later Wednesday was Night of Champions, where the gathering had the pleasure of hearing both The Natural and The General (Coach Bobby Knight) speak.
Thursday was Media Day, and many of the 300 credentialed media members interviewed, photographed and videoed the 55 anglers. Steve Bowman, who directs tournament coverage for Bassmaster.com, had me take photos and detail any “Trinkets, lucky charms and inspirational pieces” the anglers may carry. Brandon Palaniuk protects a fish whistle made famous by Bryan Kerchal, the only B.A.S.S. Nation qualifier to win a Classic. Billy McCaghren might have had the most poignant item this year, a 1990 spinnerbait of the late Ken Cook.
Thursday was Media Day, and many of the 300 credentialed media members interviewed, photographed and videoed the 55 anglers. Steve Bowman, who directs tournament coverage for Bassmaster.com, had me take photos and detail any “Trinkets, lucky charms and inspirational pieces” the anglers may carry. Brandon Palaniuk protects a fish whistle made famous by Bryan Kerchal, the only B.A.S.S. Nation qualifier to win a Classic. Billy McCaghren might have had the most poignant item this year, a 1990 spinnerbait of the late Ken Cook.
This photo of B.A.S.S. Nation champion Albert Collins and his cattle wasn’t taken anywhere near the Classic. Head south 350 miles to Nacogdoches, Texas, to his small ranch, where I visited the two-time Classic qualifier. Collins’ story shows he had his priorities right as he quit bass fishing for nine years to raise his daughters.
This photo of B.A.S.S. Nation champion Albert Collins and his cattle wasn’t taken anywhere near the Classic. Head south 350 miles to Nacogdoches, Texas, to his small ranch, where I visited the two-time Classic qualifier. Collins’ story shows he had his priorities right as he quit bass fishing for nine years to raise his daughters.
Dawn on Day 1 of the Bassmaster Classic has me warm and toasty in the DoubleTree, waiting to head over to the Cox Business Center for LIVE at the B.A.S.S. booth in the Classic Expo. Lake Hartwell in 2015 was the coldest Classic on record and Grand Lake in 2013 was second coldest. I’m glad for all riding on Grand that the event dates were moved back to lessen chances of frigid weather, which also affected attendance last time here.
Dawn on Day 1 of the Bassmaster Classic has me warm and toasty in the DoubleTree, waiting to head over to the Cox Business Center for LIVE at the B.A.S.S. booth in the Classic Expo. Lake Hartwell in 2015 was the coldest Classic on record and Grand Lake in 2013 was second coldest. I’m glad for all riding on Grand that the event dates were moved back to lessen chances of frigid weather, which also affected attendance last time here.
Tommy Sanders, Mark Zona and Elite angler Davy Hite prepare to go on Bassmaster Classic LIVE. Last year, Kevin VanDam provided expert analysis after he didn’t qualify for the Classic for the first time in 24 years. Hite, who’s won a Classic in his 14 appearances, has worked in productions for some time, including the popular Q&A “First Look” segments with anglers coming off the water.
Tommy Sanders, Mark Zona and Elite angler Davy Hite prepare to go on Bassmaster Classic LIVE. Last year, Kevin VanDam provided expert analysis after he didn’t qualify for the Classic for the first time in 24 years. Hite, who’s won a Classic in his 14 appearances, has worked in productions for some time, including the popular Q&A “First Look” segments with anglers coming off the water.
The Expo hall where LIVE originated had only a few booth workers inside early when the webcast began each day at 7:30 a.m. There was a slow but steady increase of people in the huge hall. B.A.S.S. Life members were allowed in early most days, but it didn’t move the sound meter.
The Expo hall where LIVE originated had only a few booth workers inside early when the webcast began each day at 7:30 a.m. There was a slow but steady increase of people in the huge hall. B.A.S.S. Life members were allowed in early most days, but it didn’t move the sound meter.
That needle got buried at times after the Expo doors opened to the general public. LIVE experienced sound issues due to the cacophony of other booths and their audio presentations, which required our switch on Day 2 to handheld mikes.
That needle got buried at times after the Expo doors opened to the general public. LIVE experienced sound issues due to the cacophony of other booths and their audio presentations, which required our switch on Day 2 to handheld mikes.
Thanks to Craig Lamb for taking this shot of me and writing a blog explaining my duties -- I had no idea what he was doing when he started asking questions. I work with Craig and just thought he was asking for his personal knowledge. Duh. I can only say I was focused on my duties, yeah, that’s it, focused.
Thanks to Craig Lamb for taking this shot of me and writing a blog explaining my duties — I had no idea what he was doing when he started asking questions. I work with Craig and just thought he was asking for his personal knowledge. Duh. I can only say I was focused on my duties, yeah, that’s it, focused.
I spoke on LIVE here and there, mostly giving an update on blogs that came in on anglers who didn’t have a cameramen in their boat or were out of cell range. My favorite aspect was asking the pros, Hite and Zona, the deeply technical bass fishing questions, like, ‘How big was that fish?’ No. Another facet was sending reporter Robbie Floyd to the hot angler without a camera (via a screenshot of our BASSTrakk locator) or even to Evers on Day 3.
I spoke on LIVE here and there, mostly giving an update on blogs that came in on anglers who didn’t have a cameramen in their boat or were out of cell range. My favorite aspect was asking the pros, Hite and Zona, the deeply technical bass fishing questions, like, ‘How big was that fish?’ No. Another facet was sending reporter Robbie Floyd to the hot angler without a camera (via a screenshot of our BASSTrakk locator) or even to Evers on Day 3.
After working alongside reporter extraordinaire Steve Wright the first several days of the Classic, we rarely bumped into each other except when he came around LIVE. Here he interviews Cliff Pace, who won the 2013 Classic on Grand Lake, in front of the B.A.S.S. booth screens visitors enjoyed. Wright wrote a blog on Pace’s take of the 2016 version, and he helped set up Pace’s appearance on LIVE
After working alongside reporter extraordinaire Steve Wright the first several days of the Classic, we rarely bumped into each other except when he came around LIVE. Here he interviews Cliff Pace, who won the 2013 Classic on Grand Lake, in front of the B.A.S.S. booth screens visitors enjoyed. Wright wrote a blog on Pace’s take of the 2016 version, and he helped set up Pace’s appearance on LIVE
After LIVE ended at 1:30 p.m. each day of competition, there were several hours before weigh-in to peruse the Expo. Ran in to a few old friends, like California’s Greg Gutierrez, and a new one here, Carl Jocumsen. The Elite angler from Australia played along and tried to mimic his posterboard shot for Millerods. Jocumsen joked that one marketing ploy was telling anyone named Miller that they could get a new personalized rod here. Clever Aussie!
After LIVE ended at 1:30 p.m. each day of competition, there were several hours before weigh-in to peruse the Expo. Ran in to a few old friends, like California’s Greg Gutierrez, and a new one here, Carl Jocumsen. The Elite angler from Australia played along and tried to mimic his posterboard shot for Millerods. Jocumsen joked that one marketing ploy was telling anyone named Miller that they could get a new personalized rod here. Clever Aussie!
Bassmaster might have done better with this head-in-hole photo op with a lunker on its magazine cover. I know I have a pretty big head, but I don’t know anyone outside of Andre the Giant who could even come close to making this look proportional.
Bassmaster might have done better with this head-in-hole photo op with a lunker on its magazine cover. I know I have a pretty big head, but I don’t know anyone outside of Andre the Giant who could even come close to making this look proportional.
At the BOK, this group of volunteers from bass clubs and churches around Cartersville, Ga., certainly don’t look like they’re doing much here other than waiting. But once an angler exits the stage, they jumped into action, escorting each here, there and everywhere in the bowels of the BOK. They also worked other functions during the week, all for zero pay and minimal elbow rubbing, but a little. Several were Fishers of Men and caught my attention.
At the BOK, this group of volunteers from bass clubs and churches around Cartersville, Ga., certainly don’t look like they’re doing much here other than waiting. But once an angler exits the stage, they jumped into action, escorting each here, there and everywhere in the bowels of the BOK. They also worked other functions during the week, all for zero pay and minimal elbow rubbing, but a little. Several were Fishers of Men and caught my attention.
Speaking of bowels, the JM production team is set up here in its edit suite deep inside the BOK. JM has three shows to worry about this year -- 18 hours of LIVE, about 10 hours of weigh-ins and four hours of Classic shows on ESPN2. Tommy Sanders (top left), executive producer Mike McKinnis (bottom left) and Dave Mercer (right) listen as LIVE producer David Lipke gives a rundown of the segments for the LIVE shows.
Speaking of bowels, the JM production team is set up here in its edit suite deep inside the BOK. JM has three shows to worry about this year — 18 hours of LIVE, about 10 hours of weigh-ins and four hours of Classic shows on ESPN2. Tommy Sanders (top left), executive producer Mike McKinnis (bottom left) and Dave Mercer (right) listen as LIVE producer David Lipke gives a rundown of the segments for the LIVE shows.
Another interesting facet was the TV hosts' private interviews with leading anglers. I learned by sitting in on several. Zona, notebook and pen in hand, led these much of the time in the TMZ room - Tommy, Mercer and Zona. Sanders, Hite and Zona were regulars to get the inside scoop on particular lures, tactics and locations. Here Jason Christie spills.
Another interesting facet was the TV hosts’ private interviews with leading anglers. I learned by sitting in on several. Zona, notebook and pen in hand, led these much of the time in the TMZ room – Tommy, Mercer and Zona. Sanders, Hite and Zona were regulars to get the inside scoop on particular lures, tactics and locations. Here Jason Christie spills.
Dave Mercer did triple duty, starting each morning with a 90-mile drive to the Wolf Creek Park launch site in Grove. His hour-or-so blastoff show kept fans warm at the Hard Rock Dock, then he’d drive back to Tulsa and do segments on LIVE (here he interviews Paul Elias). His rest before emceeing the weigh-ins was to concoct and practice lines. Mercer doesn’t have a stable of writers, much less one, for his schtick. He’s memorized most every anglers’ info, and other than key lines, he comes up with comments on the fly.
Dave Mercer did triple duty, starting each morning with a 90-mile drive to the Wolf Creek Park launch site in Grove. His hour-or-so blastoff show kept fans warm at the Hard Rock Dock, then he’d drive back to Tulsa and do segments on LIVE (here he interviews Paul Elias). His rest before emceeing the weigh-ins was to concoct and practice lines. Mercer doesn’t have a stable of writers, much less one, for his schtick. He’s memorized most every anglers’ info, and other than key lines, he comes up with comments on the fly.
LIVE had plenty of visitors, like Duck Dynasty’s John Godwin and Justin Hunter, who with Mountain Man are the only non-Robertson regulars on the record-breaking show. Martin, who is going for his Masters degree, likes his nickname Friar Tuck. Godwin said he’s not real thrilled that the guys on the show often tell him to “stand up,” when, of course, he’s already standing up.
LIVE had plenty of visitors, like Duck Dynasty’s John Godwin and Justin Hunter, who with Mountain Man are the only non-Robertson regulars on the record-breaking show. Martin, who is going for his Masters degree, likes his nickname Friar Tuck. Godwin said he’s not real thrilled that the guys on the show often tell him to “stand up,” when, of course, he’s already standing up.
Great, Wright did get Pace to show up on LIVE. Pace told viewers what he believed was happening in the event and what he thought might happen, and he also gave a rundown on how he won three years earlier. One thing that was neat about Pace’s and other Classic winner’s visit to the Expo was many brought their trophies, which seemed to be in every other booth. Fans took tons of photos of themselves ogling that hardware.
Great, Wright did get Pace to show up on LIVE. Pace told viewers what he believed was happening in the event and what he thought might happen, and he also gave a rundown on how he won three years earlier. One thing that was neat about Pace’s and other Classic winner’s visit to the Expo was many brought their trophies, which seemed to be in every other booth. Fans took tons of photos of themselves ogling that hardware.
Kevin VanDam came on LIVE, alongside Elite Series running mate Davy Hite, and gave his assessment of Grand Lake and why he didn’t make the Day 3 cut. KVD hung around for a second segment to break down conditions and what he thought the contenders were doing.
Kevin VanDam came on LIVE, alongside Elite Series running mate Davy Hite, and gave his assessment of Grand Lake and why he didn’t make the Day 3 cut. KVD hung around for a second segment to break down conditions and what he thought the contenders were doing.
Billy Murray watches some of the LIVE show. Murray was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame at the DoubleTree on Thursday night. In introducing him, good friend Jerry McKinnis joked that it was really Billy, not twin brother Bobby, who won the first Classic in 1971. Billy played along, saying, yes, that was a little known fact until now. We’ll get to the bottom of it in Monday’s Daily Limit.
Billy Murray watches some of the LIVE show. Murray was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame at the DoubleTree on Thursday night. In introducing him, good friend Jerry McKinnis joked that it was really Billy, not twin brother Bobby, who won the first Classic in 1971. Billy played along, saying, yes, that was a little known fact until now. We’ll get to the bottom of it in Monday’s Daily Limit.
Edwin Evers has lots of relatives in Oklahoma. He’s from Talala, and his father-in-law Terry Butcher is one of 21 siblings. Evers said he has family from Canada to Florida, and who knows how many were at Classic venues. His booth had several, including daughter Kylee (center), who brought more family to the LIVE set -- Ashley Flanigan, (left) a cousin, and Jesse Butcher, a niece. They actually ran up to see the BASSTrakk screen over my shoulder.
Edwin Evers has lots of relatives in Oklahoma. He’s from Talala, and his father-in-law Terry Butcher is one of 21 siblings. Evers said he has family from Canada to Florida, and who knows how many were at Classic venues. His booth had several, including daughter Kylee (center), who brought more family to the LIVE set — Ashley Flanigan, (left) a cousin, and Jesse Butcher, a niece. They actually ran up to see the BASSTrakk screen over my shoulder.
Fans at the Expo sure seemed to enjoy the big screen behind the LIVE set. It got downright crowded at times, especially Sunday when Evers was making his run. And that’s without his camera providing much footage of his incredible winning flurry. It was so bad, Steve Bowman had Terry Butcher drive his photo card to a runner who rushed it to a photo editor. The 70-plus images of Evers' epic morning gallery played on LIVE within minutes of it posting on Bassmaster.com.
Fans at the Expo sure seemed to enjoy the big screen behind the LIVE set. It got downright crowded at times, especially Sunday when Evers was making his run. And that’s without his camera providing much footage of his incredible winning flurry. It was so bad, Steve Bowman had Terry Butcher drive his photo card to a runner who rushed it to a photo editor. The 70-plus images of Evers’ epic morning gallery played on LIVE within minutes of it posting on Bassmaster.com.
The show hosts’ fams show up in Karin Zona (from left) Natalie Hite, and Zona twins Jakob and Hunter (I have no idea which one is which. Dad said when they were little he used to dab one with a Sharpie on the arm so he could tell them apart the rest of the day. (JK, that’s Michael from The Office.)
The show hosts’ fams show up in Karin Zona (from left) Natalie Hite, and Zona twins Jakob and Hunter (I have no idea which one is which. Dad said when they were little he used to dab one with a Sharpie on the arm so he could tell them apart the rest of the day. (JK, that’s Michael from The Office.)
Kylee Evers is back with mom, Tuesday, and brother, Kade. They were pretty excited at the prospect of Edwin getting off the schnide and winning his first Classic. Tuesday said yes, a car might be in order for Kylee, who added her parents have often discussed what a Classic title might mean for his career. Hite joked on LIVE that his 1999 title brought financial stability to his wife, Natalie.
Kylee Evers is back with mom, Tuesday, and brother, Kade. They were pretty excited at the prospect of Edwin getting off the schnide and winning his first Classic. Tuesday said yes, a car might be in order for Kylee, who added her parents have often discussed what a Classic title might mean for his career. Hite joked on LIVE that his 1999 title brought financial stability to his wife, Natalie.
Jerry McKinnis was among the very interested observers. He checked in on LIVE numerous times and watched the action intensely. (Funny story: Driving back to Little Rock on Sunday night, Jerry pulled into the gas station lane and made me jump when he got about 6 feet from me and laid on the horn.) We talked a bit, agreeing Evers will be a terrific champion, and headed home, each promising to drive safely.
Jerry McKinnis was among the very interested observers. He checked in on LIVE numerous times and watched the action intensely. (Funny story: Driving back to Little Rock on Sunday night, Jerry pulled into the gas station lane and made me jump when he got about 6 feet from me and laid on the horn.) We talked a bit, agreeing Evers will be a terrific champion, and headed home, each promising to drive safely.
The good-sized crowd lined up to get into the BOK Center on Day 3. Wonder how many Oklahomans watched LIVE, knew what was going to happen and just had to be there? The first folks said they got in line just after noon -- the doors opened to the public at 3 p.m. All the Classic events, from launches, to Expo, to weigh-ins, were free of charge. The line was understandable -- there have been weigh-ins when the arena reached capacity and fans were turned away. Plus they wanted good seats.
The good-sized crowd lined up to get into the BOK Center on Day 3. Wonder how many Oklahomans watched LIVE, knew what was going to happen and just had to be there? The first folks said they got in line just after noon — the doors opened to the public at 3 p.m. All the Classic events, from launches, to Expo, to weigh-ins, were free of charge. The line was understandable — there have been weigh-ins when the arena reached capacity and fans were turned away. Plus they wanted good seats.
A voice near the front of the line said “We’re on our honeymoon.” The crowd parted to show Todd (smiling with black Huk sweatshirt) and wife, Sara, enjoying a round of applause for them. The couple from Butler, Pa., said they arrived in Tulsa on Thursday morning. Their honeymoon plans were altered due to fear of the Zika virus -- Mexico was scrapped but the Classic remained. Sara said she was good with all of it. More in Daily Limit on Monday.
A voice near the front of the line said “We’re on our honeymoon.” The crowd parted to show Todd (smiling with black Huk sweatshirt) and wife, Sara, enjoying a round of applause for them. The couple from Butler, Pa., said they arrived in Tulsa on Thursday morning. Their honeymoon plans were altered due to fear of the Zika virus — Mexico was scrapped but the Classic remained. Sara said she was good with all of it. More in Daily Limit on Monday.
Evers is parked at the furthest point from the stage as the Super Six is announced during Sunday’s final weigh-in. Asked how he felt, Evers simply replied, “Good.” Jason Christie was slightly more favored than Evers, but both Oklahomans were expected to do well on the very familiar waters. Each explained their extensive practice for the championship.
Evers is parked at the furthest point from the stage as the Super Six is announced during Sunday’s final weigh-in. Asked how he felt, Evers simply replied, “Good.” Jason Christie was slightly more favored than Evers, but both Oklahomans were expected to do well on the very familiar waters. Each explained their extensive practice for the championship.
Evers autographs a sign from a young fan that read, “Go Edwin.” And go he did. Talk of a huge bag nearing 25 pounds during LIVE was more than actualized. Evers caught 29-3 to total 60-7 and top two-day leader Jason Christie’s 50-2.
Evers autographs a sign from a young fan that read, “Go Edwin.” And go he did. Talk of a huge bag nearing 25 pounds during LIVE was more than actualized. Evers caught 29-3 to total 60-7 and top two-day leader Jason Christie’s 50-2.
Christie actually looks at peace after realizing he couldn’t catch Evers, his friend and running buddy on the Elite Series. Christie later said he fished clean, that he didn't lose, Edwin had beaten him. He added that he thought Evers deserved the title.
Christie actually looks at peace after realizing he couldn’t catch Evers, his friend and running buddy on the Elite Series. Christie later said he fished clean, that he didn’t lose, Edwin had beaten him. He added that he thought Evers deserved the title.
After Evers weighed in, it was Todd Faircloth’s turn. Christie’s rig was stopped right in front of his smiling family, his daughters telling him “Great job, Dad.” Good friend Jonathan Henry, who has been battling illness, also flew in to surprise Christie. They’re shaking hands here. “All of them smiling,” Christie wrote, “and they knew I wasn’t going to win.”
After Evers weighed in, it was Todd Faircloth’s turn. Christie’s rig was stopped right in front of his smiling family, his daughters telling him “Great job, Dad.” Good friend Jonathan Henry, who has been battling illness, also flew in to surprise Christie. They’re shaking hands here. “All of them smiling,” Christie wrote, “and they knew I wasn’t going to win.”
Turning to the other side of his boat while Mercer spoke with Faircloth, Christie autographed everything handed his way. And he displayed true class in his interviews. He never showed a single crack, ending an interview with optimism that one day he’ll get his Classic.
Turning to the other side of his boat while Mercer spoke with Faircloth, Christie autographed everything handed his way. And he displayed true class in his interviews. He never showed a single crack, ending an interview with optimism that one day he’ll get his Classic.
After Christie weighed, Mercer talks with Evers about his first major title. Evers has been AOY runner-up three times and has a number of Top 6 finishes in Classics.
After Christie weighed, Mercer talks with Evers about his first major title. Evers has been AOY runner-up three times and has a number of Top 6 finishes in Classics.
The GoPro Splash Zone was the place to be if you wanted an up-close experience. Fans who purchased an item at GoPro’s Expo booth received special passes to not just watch the Classic, but be a part of it. I leaned on the carpet there, where the anglers had all walked and dripped for three days, and yes it did smell like fish.
The GoPro Splash Zone was the place to be if you wanted an up-close experience. Fans who purchased an item at GoPro’s Expo booth received special passes to not just watch the Classic, but be a part of it. I leaned on the carpet there, where the anglers had all walked and dripped for three days, and yes it did smell like fish.
The heavy hardware goes up as Evers performs the traditional hoist. You all know what’s next? Of course you do.
The heavy hardware goes up as Evers performs the traditional hoist. You all know what’s next? Of course you do.
The confetti shower. I knew it was coming but it startled me worse than McKinnis’ truck horn, mostly because I was only feet away from the initial blast.
The confetti shower. I knew it was coming but it startled me worse than McKinnis’ truck horn, mostly because I was only feet away from the initial blast.
Then it was click, click, click away as the colored confetti and smoke blew like a volcano.
Then it was click, click, click away as the colored confetti and smoke blew like a volcano.
Evers offers fair-photo opportunities to all sides of the BOK. (Wonder if the Classic show folks teach/advise each of the Super Six the best celebration practices.)
Evers offers fair-photo opportunities to all sides of the BOK. (Wonder if the Classic show folks teach/advise each of the Super Six the best celebration practices.)
Evers has long dreamed of this moment. In the past he’s said his wife, Tuesday, has had to put up with his grumpy attitudes during bad runs -- and probably after close calls at winning a title. This should make things pretty hunky-dory in Talala for some time.
Evers has long dreamed of this moment. In the past he’s said his wife, Tuesday, has had to put up with his grumpy attitudes during bad runs — and probably after close calls at winning a title. This should make things pretty hunky-dory in Talala for some time.
It’s not that Evers hasn’t won his share of events. This was his 11th B.A.S.S. victory, and the $300,000 prize lifted him into third place among the all-time money earners.
It’s not that Evers hasn’t won his share of events. This was his 11th B.A.S.S. victory, and the $300,000 prize lifted him into third place among the all-time money earners.
Evers’ victory choked me up. Seeing him get near major titles so many times yet leave disappointed played a part in shedding a tear of joy when he finally broke through in such an enormous way.
Evers’ victory choked me up. Seeing him get near major titles so many times yet leave disappointed played a part in shedding a tear of joy when he finally broke through in such an enormous way.
Let’s back away some as the thicker wave of white and silvery confetti nearly obscures Evers. It might have taken him 15 appearances, but he won a Classic.
Let’s back away some as the thicker wave of white and silvery confetti nearly obscures Evers. It might have taken him 15 appearances, but he won a Classic.
After seeing many of his peers get this shower, Evers had to be relieved, even though he said it might take some time to sink in. “It hasn’t quite hit me yet. I don’t know when it will. But I know 29 pounds on the last day of the Classic is big.” Yeah, what he said.
After seeing many of his peers get this shower, Evers had to be relieved, even though he said it might take some time to sink in. “It hasn’t quite hit me yet. I don’t know when it will. But I know 29 pounds on the last day of the Classic is big.” Yeah, what he said.
A couple days after the Classic, J.D. Blackburn posted this shot of me at that weigh-in, writing, “You can’t teach work ethic!” Thanks J.D. I was just trying to frame Evers with the Classic logo. J.D. comes back telling me the headfirst slide was also impressive. There’s no way I -- wait, is that a path showing I might in fact have … ? Naw. I ask why he wasn’t focused on Evers. “Floor shook.” Alright, man, just click next and tell me it wasn’t worth it.
A couple days after the Classic, J.D. Blackburn posted this shot of me at that weigh-in, writing, “You can’t teach work ethic!” Thanks J.D. I was just trying to frame Evers with the Classic logo. J.D. comes back telling me the headfirst slide was also impressive. There’s no way I — wait, is that a path showing I might in fact have … ? Naw. I ask why he wasn’t focused on Evers. “Floor shook.” Alright, man, just click next and tell me it wasn’t worth it.
Congrats Edwin Evers, 2016 Bassmaster Classic champion.
Congrats Edwin Evers, 2016 Bassmaster Classic champion.