On Saturday Aug. 8, Alabama became the first state to hold a Bassmaster state level qualifying event for the 2021 Bassmaster Classic Kayak Championship. The event was hosted by the Lake Guntersville Chamber of Commerce.
Forty-three anglers showed for the event which was made up largely of Alabama residents with several Tennessee anglers sprinkled in to brave the tough heat and humidity. The anglers took part in a marathon, 10-hour event for a chance to win a spot for the Classic and big prize money.
Randall Wallace of Alabama, Chris Marks of Alabama and Steve Owens of Tennesse got on good fish early as the sky grew brighter and went back and forth all morning for the top spot on the Tourney X Leaderboard.
When the day was done, Randall Wallace walked away with the win after a solid 95.75 inches of bass anchored by a 22.25-inch largemouth which would also win him big bass for the day. Wallace took home a nice payout of $1,406 for his win and an additional $430 big bass.
Second place Chris Marks was awarded $949, third place Steve Owens $668, fourth place Jim Clark of Alabama $494 and fifth place Brandon Strock of Tennesse won the last qualifying place. All five anglers are now qualified for the 2021 BASSMASTER Classic Kayak Championship (to be named later).
“It was a challenging yet rewarding experience, directing the first event of this kind,” said director Jimmy Skinner. He went on to add that the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Anglers will have a full trail series for the 2021 season. Assisting Skinner with the series are Jessie Halverson and Daniel Perry.
On behalf of kayakers across the state of Alabama, thank you to Bassmaster for giving us the opportunity to help grow our sport to the next level.
