Bassmaster Classic: Great moments

The Classic is the most prestigious, most watched, most exciting, most heavily anticipated, most publicized and the most lucrative tournament of all. It is simply the most important contest in competitive fishing.

2005 Bassmaster Classic: Clunn comeback

"I wasn't always fishing to win, and that was a direct departure from previous years," Clunn said. "I was going for quality fish instead of using my knowledge, and I just wasn't having fun."

2001 Bassmaster Classic: Chaotic year

"I have been totally shocked at the magnitude of what winning the Classic has meant." VanDam says. "Without a doubt, bass fishing is far more mainstream than ever before."

2001 Bassmaster Classic: Déjà vu

With air temperatures pushing the century mark each day and steamy water temperatures above 90 degrees, few bass experts believed the Classic's weight record would fall in the vast Louisiana Delta … except Hite, that is.

2001 Bassmaster Classic: Practice

Thanks to torrential rains in Louisiana and Texas from Tropical Storm Allison, the 45 Classic contenders didn't find the cooperative fish they were looking for during their six days of prefishing.

2001 Bassmaster Classic: VanDam wins

After all, he's considered one of bassing's greatest competitors, but the elusive Classic crown had always been missing from his trophy case.

2001 Bassmaster Classic: Storm brewing

Tropical Storm Barry is moving slowly toward the Big Easy with sustained winds of 40 mph. As a result, an official Tropical Storm Watch has been posted for the southeastern portion of Louisiana, which includes the Classic fishing waters.

2001 Bassmaster Classic: VanDam 1st

On Friday, the Kalamazoo, Mich., pro took a giant step toward filling a key gap in his otherwise immaculate resume by moving into his first place after a rough and tumble Day 2 at the 31st BASS Masters Classic.

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