Without a doubt, 2016 ranks among the most memorable of the Bassmaster Elite Series seasons … for many reasons. Not only did it provide many exciting moments, there were some unexpected surprises as well.
It was a season filled with emotion — some good, some bad. And now that it’s over, here are some of the things that stood out to me.
The Good
The year started with a bang when Edwin Evers shocked the fishing world by catching nearly 30 pounds of Grand Lake largemouth on the final day of the Bassmaster Classic. Talk about come-from-behind wins!
Just when everyone thought Jason Christie would glide to an easy victory, Evers stunned us all with his record-breaking, final-day catch.
Although the news traveled fast, something many people didn’t realize is that those two are roommates on the tour. How’s that for brotherly love?!
Next was Rick Clunn winning the Elite Series opener on the St. Johns River. By catching more than 80 pounds of bass over four days, the 70-year-old veteran bested local favorites Terry Scroggins and Cliff Prince, while edging out runner-up Greg Hackney for the title. It was an emotional win, not only for Clunn and his family, but for his fellow competitors and many fans.
Never before have I seen so many rally around one guy to win. It was truly amazing.
There were other great moments, too. Like Britt Myers winning his first major title after so many years of trying. One of the more understated pros on tour, Britt is truly a good guy, deserving of the win. And he did it in his home state with all of his many friends and family members watching.
Then there was ICAST — our sport’s biggest trade show — where I had the privilege of helping my sponsors introduce their newest products. Rapala, Raymarine, Shimano, Fuji, Power-Pole, Hildebrandt and Yamamoto all have great new offerings. The experience reminded me how diverse and meaningful my role is as a professional angler.
And of course, there was Gerald Swindle winning his second Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year title … in dramatic fashion no less.
After fishing solidly throughout the entire season, it looked like he might let the title slip away after a poor Day 1 showing at the yearend championship. Day 2 didn’t go much better, as Swindle sank to 49th in the 50-man field.
Finally, on Day 3, he collected himself and brought 22 pounds of Mille Lacs smallmouth to the scales — thus securing his second AOY title. It was an emotion-packed ceremony for all involved.
The Bad
In January, we lost one of our most celebrated anglers. Ken Cook’s untimely passing left the entire fishing community in shock. Friend and mentor, I had the privilege of competing with Ken for many years. My deepest sympathies to Tammy and the boys.
Then there was Greg Hackney’s plight. After establishing a commanding lead in the Elite Series points race, it looked like Hackney was unstoppable. A second AOY title was sure to be his. Unfortunately, fate had another plan.
There were other misfortunes, too. Like Chris Lane battling back from a terrible start to the season — securing what appeared to be another qualification to the Bassmaster Classic — only to have it stripped away on the final day of the AOY Championship. The same was true for Fred Roumbanis and several others … guys I consider friends and compatriots. I share in their pain.
For me, this ranks as my worst season in the history of the Bassmaster Elite Series. I finished 100th out of a 108-man field. Terrible!
What’s worse is that I’m not really sure how it happened. The schedule looked so promising — all shallow water venues throughout. I thought I couldn’t fail. But somehow, time after time, I encountered obstacles that proved insurmountable.
The entire season seemed like an exercise in futility. Perhaps I tried too hard. Coming off such a great year in 2015 (when I qualified for the Classic), it goes to show you how quickly things can change and how truly humbling this sport can be.
Fortunately, there’s always next year!