St. Croix Bassmaster Opens

38 unforgettable B.A.S.S. tournaments

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After releasing our list of the <a href=
After releasing our list of the 22 greatest B.A.S.S. events of all time, we asked our fans on Facebook and Instagram what event they would never forget. They shared personal stories of Ray Scott, memories of watching historical events in person and where they find inspiration from the tournament trail. The following slides feature those unforgettable moments and the comments of our fans who will always remember them. Thank you to every one who shared their stories with us!
On Instagram grandmakathyf wrote: I have been to two events, but I think it has to be watching the <a href=
On Instagram grandmakathyf wrote: I have been to two events, but I think it has to be watching the 2011 Classic on TV. Brandon Palaniuk came on the stage with that fish whistle and that stole the show. It was his first Classic, and he came in 4th. That is when my husband and I said ” that young man is going to go far,” and he has.
On Facebook Jim Bailey wrote: 1973 Classic! Ray Scott woke me up about 5:00 a.m. to ask if we could bring a few local chapter members with boats to Clark Hill and ride some of the press around the lake. This was in the days the qualifiers did not know the location until they arrived at the lake. They all fished out of identical Rangers and were limited to the amount of tackle they could bring, $10,000 winner take all prize money!
On Facebook Jim Bailey wrote: 1973 Classic! Ray Scott woke me up about 5:00 a.m. to ask if we could bring a few local chapter members with boats to Clark Hill and ride some of the press around the lake. This was in the days the qualifiers did not know the location until they arrived at the lake. They all fished out of identical Rangers and were limited to the amount of tackle they could bring, $10,000 winner take all prize money!
On Facebook Sam Burel wrote:
On Facebook Sam Burel wrote: “1993 Birmingham.. Asked my Late wife to marry me from the weigh-in boat.. Faye said yes and we had 12 good years before cancer took its toll.. We were the 1st to do it at the Classic.. Thanks to you also for allowing it to happen..”
Sadly, we could not find a photo of the proposal, but we hope this photo of Ray Scott riding an elephant at that event will give you an idea of what it was like.
On Instagram anglerchristianthompson wrote: My first open; this year on Toho. I had never fished a tournament with more than 15 boats before, did good enough to cash a check and gain some confidence!
On Instagram anglerchristianthompson wrote: My first open; this year on Toho. I had never fished a tournament with more than 15 boats before, did good enough to cash a check and gain some confidence!
On Facebook Bill McCray wrote: Making top 12 fishing co-angler at Clarks Hill, and fishing the final day with KVD.
On Facebook Bill McCray wrote: Making top 12 fishing co-angler at Clarks Hill, and fishing the final day with KVD.
On Facebook Michael Swirzewski wrote:
On Facebook Michael Swirzewski wrote: “First B.A.S.S. event on the Ct. river. I was a kid, and me and a buddy biked across the Bissell Bridge to the weigh-in. I will never forget seeing the boats, the Bassmasters,& the fish.”
The event was the Conn. Top 100 Divisional, which was won by Roland Martin with 49 pounds 11 ounces.
On Facebook Thad Smith wrote: Easy for me. I got to watch Edwin Evers win 2015 BASSfest!
On Facebook Thad Smith wrote: Easy for me. I got to watch Edwin Evers win 2015 BASSfest!
On Instagram hammerrods wrote: This past 2016 College B.A.S.S. Southern Regional when ICC bass fishing came from 16th on the last day to win the first major event the team had competed in since being established.
On Instagram hammerrods wrote: This past 2016 College B.A.S.S. Southern Regional when ICC bass fishing came from 16th on the last day to win the first major event the team had competed in since being established.
On Facebook Brent Barger wrote: Rick Clunn's 2001 mega bucks win on Douglas Lake, TN.
On Facebook Brent Barger wrote: Rick Clunn’s 2001 mega bucks win on Douglas Lake, TN.
On Facebook Michael Tuvell wrote: 2016 B.A.S.S. Western Regionals at Lake Mead....Utah State Team 1st !
On Facebook Michael Tuvell wrote: 2016 B.A.S.S. Western Regionals at Lake Mead….Utah State Team 1st !
On Facebook Kaoru O'Bryan wrote: When I came in 3rd place at the Lake of the Ozark. When it was the Invitation. I think 1994. It's when Allen Armour won and Guido Hibdon came in 2nd.
On Facebook Kaoru O’Bryan wrote: When I came in 3rd place at the Lake of the Ozark. When it was the Invitation. I think 1994. It’s when Allen Armour won and Guido Hibdon came in 2nd.
On Facebook Crystal Stanley wrote:
On Facebook Crystal Stanley wrote: “Classic 2010 Birmingham, Lay Lake. Thomas Stanley and I wanted our anniversary to be around the same time as the Classic every year so we got married while we were there.”
You might remember this Bassmaster Classic as Kevin VanDam’s third title win.
On Instagram bassattack001 wrote: <a href=
On Instagram bassattack001 wrote: “Takahiro Omori vs Dave Lefebre at Wheeler.”
Lefebre led the tournament Friday and Saturday, but Omori made a powerful comeback.
On Instagram fishingarizona wrote:
On Instagram fishingarizona wrote: “When Fred Roumbanis caught Sugar.”
Sugar is the name Roumbanis gave to his tournament-saving 6 pound, 13 ounce catch during the Bassmaster Elite Series Carolina Clash presented by Evan Williams.
On Instagram andrew_francee wrote: Scott Rooks win on the AR River at the legends tournament in 06!!!
On Instagram andrew_francee wrote: Scott Rooks win on the AR River at the legends tournament in 06!!!
On Instagram kickbass106 wrote: Greg hackney
On Instagram kickbass106 wrote: Greg hackney “Godzilla ain’t got nothing on me right now”
You really have to watch the video to appreciate this one.
On Instagram jer_baird wrote: OBN QUALIFIER in Ontario Canada. These Canadians are good sticks
On Instagram jer_baird wrote: OBN QUALIFIER in Ontario Canada. These Canadians are good sticks
On Instagram rolltidetony wrote: Menendez on Wilson Lake, 5 smallmouth, 29lbs 1 oz.
On Instagram rolltidetony wrote: Menendez on Wilson Lake, 5 smallmouth, 29lbs 1 oz.
On Instagram dalton__2355 wrote: BASSfest on Chickamagua lake 3 years ago!
On Instagram dalton__2355 wrote: BASSfest on Chickamagua lake 3 years ago!
On Instagram fouts1323 wrote: 2013 when Brandon Palaniuk dominated the St. Lawrence River. Especially after the day DQ on the Mississippi. Champions persevere!
On Instagram fouts1323 wrote: 2013 when Brandon Palaniuk dominated the St. Lawrence River. Especially after the day DQ on the Mississippi. Champions persevere!
One of the first tournaments to get more than one mention was the 1998 Classic. On Facebook Jason Spruill wrote: 98 bass master classic in Greensboro NC,,,high rock lake,,,,,, Denny B got one!!!!! and Jeff Seese wrote: Denny Brauer winning the Classic in Greensboro.
One of the first tournaments to get more than one mention was the 1998 Classic.
On Facebook Jason Spruill wrote: 98 bass master classic in Greensboro NC,,,high rock lake,,,,,, Denny B got one!!!!!
and Jeff Seese wrote: Denny Brauer winning the Classic in Greensboro.
On Instagram higs1986 wrote: Timmy Horton's win on Lake Champlain in 2007 where he fished a few hrs on the final day and ate pizza with his family at the ramp waiting for weigh-in!! Dude smashed it awesome moment to know you did everything you could to shut the door on the field!! and bass_meister wrote: Timmy Horton casually destroying everyone on Champlain.
On Instagram higs1986 wrote: Timmy Horton’s win on Lake Champlain in 2007 where he fished a few hrs on the final day and ate pizza with his family at the ramp waiting for weigh-in!! Dude smashed it awesome moment to know you did everything you could to shut the door on the field!!
and bass_meister wrote: Timmy Horton casually destroying everyone on Champlain.
On Instagram c2clawson wrote: A tie between the 1990 Classic when my dad, Rick Clunn, won for the 4th time and his recent win on the St. Johns River #neveraccepthatallyourbestmomentsareinyourpast and donald_mccain wrote: Rick Clunn 4th classic win
On Instagram c2clawson wrote: A tie between the 1990 Classic when my dad, Rick Clunn, won for the 4th time and his recent win on the St. Johns River #neveraccepthatallyourbestmomentsareinyourpast
and donald_mccain wrote: Rick Clunn 4th classic win

On Instagram turqtele wrote: Mean Dean Rojas Lake Toho 2001, and on Facebook Geoffrey Wells agreed: Dean Rojas on TOHO!
On Instagram turqtele wrote: Mean Dean Rojas Lake Toho 2001, and on Facebook Geoffrey Wells agreed: Dean Rojas on TOHO!
On Instagram _chris_scruggs_ wrote: When I picked Skeet Reese to win the classic and he did!! and rock_and_shoal_fantasy wrote: Skeet Reese whacking em on the delta.
On Instagram _chris_scruggs_ wrote: When I picked Skeet Reese to win the classic and he did!!
and rock_and_shoal_fantasy wrote: Skeet Reese whacking em on the delta.
On Facebook Kenny Stuccio wrote: Old school for me......Gotta be the 1988 Megabucks Harris Chain of Lakes. Still gives me the chills when I watch that episode and hear Larry Nixon exclaim,
On Facebook Kenny Stuccio wrote: Old school for me……Gotta be the 1988 Megabucks Harris Chain of Lakes. Still gives me the chills when I watch that episode and hear Larry Nixon exclaim, “OH MY GOSH LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THAT BASS!”
Phillip Keith Little wrote: Larry Nixon – Megabucks
rock_and_shoal_fantasy wrote: Larry Nixon’s domination of the mega bucks
On Facebook Swagger Tackle Co. wrote: Always love watching the pigs these anglers pull out of Lake Falcon! and Kevin Moeller and f_berlangs_33 agreed. Keith Combs took home the trophy at the 2013 Rigid Industries Falcon Slam, but <a href=
On Facebook Swagger Tackle Co. wrote: Always love watching the pigs these anglers pull out of Lake Falcon! and Kevin Moeller and f_berlangs_33 agreed.
Keith Combs took home the trophy at the 2013 Rigid Industries Falcon Slam, but Steve Wright wrote there were several winners at that event.
On Instagram carsonp_11 wrote: 2015 Bassmaster Classic Casey Ashley killed it at Lake Hartwell farmerluke34 wrote: 2015 Bassmaster Classic Lake Hartwell dbo_lacrosse wrote: Easy Casey Ashley's win
On Instagram carsonp_11 wrote: 2015 Bassmaster Classic Casey Ashley killed it at Lake Hartwell
farmerluke34 wrote: 2015 Bassmaster Classic Lake Hartwell
dbo_lacrosse wrote: Easy Casey Ashley’s win
On Instagram donnapashia: Attending our first ever Bass Masters at Grand Lake of the Cherokees, and my better half was pick for the Berkley Cast! the_c.cole wrote: Grand Lake 2013 big_cannon_70 wrote: 2013 Classic at Grand
On Instagram donnapashia: Attending our first ever Bass Masters at Grand Lake of the Cherokees, and my better half was pick for the Berkley Cast!
the_c.cole wrote: Grand Lake 2013
big_cannon_70 wrote: 2013 Classic at Grand
On Facebook Lip Ripper wrote: The St Johns River event was spectacular. I am new to watching fishing. I just started watching this year. And, this was my first tournament that I ever watched and it happened to be in my backyard so I am kind of bias and on Instagram c2clawson wrote: A tie between the 1990 Classic when my dad, Rick CLunn, won for the 4th time and his recent win on the St. Johns River #neveraccepthatallyourbestmomentsareinyourpast
On Facebook Lip Ripper wrote: The St Johns River event was spectacular. I am new to watching fishing. I just started watching this year. And, this was my first tournament that I ever watched and it happened to be in my backyard so I am kind of bias
and on Instagram c2clawson wrote: A tie between the 1990 Classic when my dad, Rick CLunn, won for the 4th time and his recent win on the St. Johns River #neveraccepthatallyourbestmomentsareinyourpast
On Facebook Sam Burel wrote: Ricky Clunn's WIN in Florida this year was AWESOME.. Hadda drive over 2 hours to see last day weigh in and had to park A LONG WAYS away.. I knew guys that came up from Okeechobee cause, short of a DQ, HE WAS GONNA WIN.. Much Love RICKY !!! John Lipe wrote: Clunn's win this year
On Facebook Sam Burel wrote: Ricky Clunn’s WIN in Florida this year was AWESOME.. Hadda drive over 2 hours to see last day weigh in and had to park A LONG WAYS away.. I knew guys that came up from Okeechobee cause, short of a DQ, HE WAS GONNA WIN.. Much Love RICKY !!!
John Lipe wrote: Clunn’s win this year
For many fans, this moment was not only unforgettable but also painful. It's another one you should <a href=
For many fans, this moment was not only unforgettable but also painful. It’s another one you should watch to get the full effect.
On Instagram scottp1966 wrote: When Hank Parker won the 89 Classic because the fish that would have won it for Jim Bitter slipped from his hands and back into the water and Hank said,” I hate it for you buddy.”
rock_and_shoal_fantasy wrote: 1989 classic, Jim bitter losing the winning fish. He lost by 2 oz Oh the heartbreak.
On Facebook the tournament struck a cord and started a conversation.
Jamie Worth wrote: Bitter losing a winning fish while measuring it. Yikes, still kills me.
Andrew Capps: They say he’s been Bitter every since! Lol! We all learned a lesson from his mistake about bumping fish.
Keith Spangler: Yeah I still see that fish goin right back in the lake, then not to long ago I open the live well lid and let one launch straight up and out of the boat, moved us from second to third
On Instagram alexcarlo88 wrote: The one that got me hooked on BASS. Mike Iaconelli winning the classic on the Louisiana Delta.
On Instagram alexcarlo88 wrote: The one that got me hooked on BASS. Mike Iaconelli winning the classic on the Louisiana Delta. “Never give up”
southeastlouisiana_outdoors wrote: 03 classic. Ike’s last cast fish. NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!
codyakfishing wrote: 2003 classic on the delta no doubt! I'll still watch that bassmaster sunday recap to get pumped! #nevergiveup #ikelive basspredatorllc wrote: The 2003 #BassMasterClassic Never Give Up! Hunter Oubre wrote on Facebook: Ike's 03 classic win. Last cast....NEVER GIVE UP!!!! AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
codyakfishing wrote: 2003 classic on the delta no doubt! I’ll still watch that bassmaster sunday recap to get pumped! #nevergiveup #ikelive
basspredatorllc wrote: The 2003 #BassMasterClassic Never Give Up!
Hunter Oubre wrote on Facebook: Ike’s 03 classic win. Last cast….NEVER GIVE UP!!!! AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
On Instagram keepitreal_sdg wrote: The monster bag Edwin Evers had this past #bassmasterclassic ike_ike_ike wrote: Easy Edwin Evers2 domination in the 2016 #bassmasterclassic devinbolser6607 wrote: Classic at Tulsa and Edwin Evers got 29lbs 3 ounces for the win on the last day
On Instagram keepitreal_sdg wrote: The monster bag Edwin Evers had this past #bassmasterclassic
ike_ike_ike wrote: Easy Edwin Evers2 domination in the 2016 #bassmasterclassic
devinbolser6607 wrote: Classic at Tulsa and Edwin Evers got 29lbs 3 ounces for the win on the last day
On Facebook Amy Miller wrote: The 2016 bassmaster! A Oklahoma boy won his first title! He was so proud an we where too! Richard Fitzwater wrote: 2016 Bassmasters Classic.
On Facebook Amy Miller wrote: The 2016 bassmaster! A Oklahoma boy won his first title! He was so proud an we where too!
Richard Fitzwater wrote: 2016 Bassmasters Classic.
On Facebook Kevin Dunkin wrote: I was pulling so hard for Aaron to win that classic but the G.O.A.T KVD got on that wicked jerkbait bite and won by a few ounces... Greg Thompson wrote: 2005 Pgh classic always stands out for me as a good and extremely tough one, and sort really ushered in the KVD era!
On Facebook Kevin Dunkin wrote: I was pulling so hard for Aaron to win that classic but the G.O.A.T KVD got on that wicked jerkbait bite and won by a few ounces…
Greg Thompson wrote: 2005 Pgh classic always stands out for me as a good and extremely tough one, and sort really ushered in the KVD era!
Don Crum wrote: KVD winning the classic in Pittsburgh Frank Malek wrote: KVD winning 3 rivers Pittsburgh Classic 2005, toughest classic ever!!! Jeff Bower wrote: KVD winning in Pittsburgh 3 rivers had to be the toughest classic ever Larry Neal: KVD in Pittsburg
Don Crum wrote: KVD winning the classic in Pittsburgh
Frank Malek wrote: KVD winning 3 rivers Pittsburgh Classic 2005, toughest classic ever!!!
Jeff Bower wrote: KVD winning in Pittsburgh 3 rivers had to be the toughest classic ever
Larry Neal: KVD in Pittsburg
On Facebook Paul Kuchman wrote: Brian Kerchall's classic win should be #1 since he worked his way there! RIP Brian! Andy Thompson Jr. wrote: Bryan Kerchal classic win, love when the underdog gets it done! Jeff Remington responded: sad that a fatal plane crash prevented him from defending his title. Phillip Ben Taylor wrote: Bryan Kerchal's High Rock Classic win. Andrew Capps wrote: He gave millions of us hope.
On Facebook Paul Kuchman wrote: Brian Kerchall’s classic win should be #1 since he worked his way there! RIP Brian!
Andy Thompson Jr. wrote: Bryan Kerchal classic win, love when the underdog gets it done!
Jeff Remington responded: sad that a fatal plane crash prevented him from defending his title.
Phillip Ben Taylor wrote: Bryan Kerchal’s High Rock Classic win.
Andrew Capps wrote: He gave millions of us hope.
On Instagram fishnohio wrote: 1994 Bryan Kerchal Only Federation Angler to ever win The #bassmasterclassic harolddstark wrote: 1994 Kerchal win
On Instagram fishnohio wrote: 1994 Bryan Kerchal Only Federation Angler to ever win The #bassmasterclassic
harolddstark wrote: 1994 Kerchal win
On Instagram jarzig wrote: Ike's elite win on the Delaware, 2014, home town win, tough place to catch'em jackmccann_25 wrote: When Ike won Delaware river brian.levitsky10 wrote: Ike winning Delaware river flwkid2004 wrote: Ike on Delaware river johnhockey11 wrote: Mike Iaconelli Delaware river j1m_cook wrote: Iaconelli on the delaware
On Instagram jarzig wrote: Ike’s elite win on the Delaware, 2014, home town win, tough place to catch’em
jackmccann_25 wrote: When Ike won Delaware river
brian.levitsky10 wrote: Ike winning Delaware river
flwkid2004 wrote: Ike on Delaware river
johnhockey11 wrote: Mike Iaconelli Delaware river
j1m_cook wrote: Iaconelli on the delaware
On Facebook John Pine wrote: Ike winning the Delaware
On Facebook John Pine wrote: Ike winning the Delaware
The second-most mentioned tournament was the 2014 Bassmaster Classic at Lake Guntersville. On Facebook Jonathan Burkett wrote: Randy Howell with a giant bag to win the 2014 Bassmaster Classic! Got to meet Randy when I was 18 years old at a fishersofmen legacy tournament at Guntersville. To be able to come back to that same lake 5 years later and watch him win the bassmasters Classic will be something I will never forget! Mike Pikulinski wrote: Randy Howell winning the classic! It brought many tears to Michaels eyes as well as mine! The comeback was absolutely the best! I never forget Erick picking Michael and I up to go work the classic and told us that Randy had 28 pounds. I said stop playing with me and he said really! Then the people came and wanted to by any lure that color! Great Things happen to Great People! That was the all time Classic Experience................
The second-most mentioned tournament was the 2014 Bassmaster Classic at Lake Guntersville.
On Facebook Jonathan Burkett wrote: Randy Howell with a giant bag to win the 2014 Bassmaster Classic! Got to meet Randy when I was 18 years old at a fishersofmen legacy tournament at Guntersville. To be able to come back to that same lake 5 years later and watch him win the bassmasters Classic will be something I will never forget!
Mike Pikulinski wrote: Randy Howell winning the classic! It brought many tears to Michaels eyes as well as mine! The comeback was absolutely the best! I never forget Erick picking Michael and I up to go work the classic and told us that Randy had 28 pounds. I said stop playing with me and he said really! Then the people came and wanted to by any lure that color! Great Things happen to Great People! That was the all time Classic Experience…………….
On Instagram crankbait78 wrote:
On Instagram crankbait78 wrote: “I got this overwhelming urge…” Randy Howell
sethbrownlee wrote: Randy Howells comeback to win the classic!
nick_sample_3 wrote: When Randy Howell came back from 11 to first on the final day
bigjohn304 wrote: Randy Howell come back win at Lake Guntersville! Enjoyed meeting a lot of fishermen!
dv_shirts_plus: Randy Howell wins Classic in Bham
drew_wallace205: 2014 classic
sagrecyfishing: Randy Howell on the last day of the G-Ville 2014 Classic. That was the first Classic I ever attended!
For kimbermueller it was memorable ofr a different reason: My husband's first Bassmaster Classic in 2014...it was super special because I got to go with him and be there for take offs and weigh ins!! It was amazing.
For kimbermueller it was memorable ofr a different reason: My husband’s first Bassmaster Classic in 2014…it was super special because I got to go with him and be there for take offs and weigh ins!! It was amazing.
The most mentioned event, with 11 comments from our fans, was Takahiro Omori's Bassmaster Classic win. On Facebook David Crum wrote: Takahiro catching 2-5lb'ers with seconds left on Lake Wylie. Ben Nowalk wrote: Takahiro Omori comeback win in the classic Chris Red Fletcher Jr. wrote: Takahiro Omori winning the Classic in the last few minutes, every time i watch that video I get goosebumps!!! Lee Dueland wrote: Tak final second come from behind win. Easily the best. I knew it!! Richard Smith wrote: Takahiro winning on the last cast!!! Epic!!!! Jake DeBin wrote: Tak's Classic
The most mentioned event, with 11 comments from our fans, was Takahiro Omori’s Bassmaster Classic win.
On Facebook David Crum wrote: Takahiro catching 2-5lb’ers with seconds left on Lake Wylie.
Ben Nowalk wrote: Takahiro Omori comeback win in the classic
Chris Red Fletcher Jr. wrote: Takahiro Omori winning the Classic in the last few minutes, every time i watch that video I get goosebumps!!!
Lee Dueland wrote: Tak final second come from behind win. Easily the best. I knew it!!
Richard Smith wrote: Takahiro winning on the last cast!!! Epic!!!!
Jake DeBin wrote: Tak’s Classic
On Instagram tschnebs wrote: Takahiros come from behind victory in the closing minutes of the 2004 Classic kevindame wrote: Takahiro Omori's last second heroics, catching 3 key fish in 3 casts to land him his Classic Victory in 2004.
On Instagram tschnebs wrote: Takahiros come from behind victory in the closing minutes of the 2004 Classic
kevindame wrote: Takahiro Omori’s last second heroics, catching 3 key fish in 3 casts to land him his Classic Victory in 2004. “I KNEW IT!!!
djmjonzun wrote: Takahiro Omori Bassmaster win
mn_bassmaster_03 wrote: Takahiro Omori’s comeback in the 2004 Bassmaster Classic
the_kk_project wrote: 04 classic

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