2008 Champion's Choice Registration

With careers on the line and Oneida Lake being the last tournament of the 2008 Elite Series season, the updated points bulletin board was a mandatory stop for most of the Elite Series contenders.

Jeremy Starks, Greg Hackney and Stephen Browning sign up as competitors in the final Elite Series tournament of the year, the Champion’s Choice on Oneida Lake in Syracuse, N.Y.

Todd Faircloth registers for the Champion’s Choice as the current leader in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year point standings. Faircloth has a narrow 21-point lead on Kevin VanDam.

Co-anglers line up outside registration on the eve of the Champion’s Choice. This group of co-anglers will be the last to fish an Elite Series event. There will be no co-anglers after the end of the 2008 Elite Series season.

As Todd Faircloth found out, when you’re the leader for the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title going into the last tournament, not only do you get a premium parking spot in Angler Alley, but lots of attention from fans and industry media.

Dave Wolak visits with BASS fishing fans in Angler Alley before the anglers meeting begins. Wolak grew up fishing the Finger Lake region in New York, and has an intimate knowledge of Oneida Lake.

Todd Faircloth signs the cap of one of his youngest fans in Angler Alley.

In Angler Alley, fishing fans get to pick the brains of the Elite Series pros. Dean Rojas spent several minutes helping these two young fishermen understand how to catch more fish on Oneida Lake.

Casey Ashley signed autographs in Angler Alley after registration. Ashley admits he stumbled at the last Elite Series tournament on Lake Erie, and that he needs a strong finish on Oneida Lake to qualify for the 2009 Bassmaster Classic.

Jim Murray Jr. spent time in Angler Alley to re-spool new line on his spinning reels.

Only Kevin Short carries a pink Sharpie amongst the Elite Series pros. Short adds a little of his favorite color to the graphics on the side of Chris Lanes boat.

BASS Tournament Director Trip Weldon gives the field of competitors a briefing on the particulars of the Champion’s Choice on Lake Oneida.

Morizo Shimizu and Skeet Reese visit before the anglers meeting for the Champion’s Choice on Oneida Lake presented by Ramada Worldwide.

Kevin VanDam, who is gunning for Todd Faircloth in the race for the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title, signs an autograph for Tim Wertz.

Charles Heavener (left) along with his wife Jan Heavener, a WBT pro, visit with local host Ramada Inn owner Tony Mangano and his daughter Julianna. Ramada Worldwide is the presenting sponsor for the Champion’s Choice.

Jamie Wilkinson, senior director of event operations and business development with ESPN Outdoors, visits with Skeet Reese, Chris Lane and Ish Monroe before the anglers meeting.

Marcos Marucelli (left) gathers autographs from Elite Series pros. Marcos fished as a co-angler in every Bassmaster Elite Series event in 2008.

James Niggemeyer takes the line from three reels at once, saving time while readying his gear for the Champion’s Choice on Oneida Lake.

Mark Davis (left) and Guy Eaker look over the details of a map of Oneida Lake.

Kevin VanDam readies his gear for the Champion’s Choice while hanging out with his sons, Jackson and Nicholas.

Gary Klein readies gear for the first day of competition on Oneida Lake. A friend of Klein’s crafted this handmade line carrier to help Klein manage large spools of line. Zell Rowland, a close friend of Klein also has a copy.

Russ Lane and Marty Stone visit before the anglers meeting and do a little bait swapping.

Rick Morris hops down from his boat in Angler Alley to pose with Marge Curtis while Marie Colorito takes their photo.

Russ Lane answers questions John Henthon and Dan Peck have about the superlight E 21 rods they picked up from Lane’s boat deck.

Bill Lowen signs an autograph card and hands it to Alex Roberts while his dad Chuck Roberts gives him one of the best views of Angler Alley.

Ken Cook takes time to talk to Josh Simmons and sign his hat as Patrick Warner and his mother look on.

Hayley and Samantha Bell talk to Byron Velvick and have him autograph their photo frames in Angler Alley.