For just the third time in the tournament’s storied history, the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic will be coming to Texas. The eyes of Texas — and the world — will be watching March 19-21, 2021 as the Super Bowl of Professional Bass Fishing heads to Fort Worth with fishing taking place at Lake Ray Roberts in nearby Denton.
Photo: Visit Fort Worth
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Downtown Fort Worth will be on full display during the 2021 Classic, hosted by the Fort Worth Sports Commission and Visit Fort Worth.
Photo: Visit Fort Worth
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And everyone will most definitely partake in the local BBQ.
Photo: Visit Fort Worth
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And visit some of the the amazing places in Fort Worth.
Photo: Visit Fort Worth
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Including their amazing Water Gardens.
Photo: Visit Fort Worth
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But when it's time to weigh the fish, everyone will head to the brand-new Dickies Arena for the weigh-ins, and nearby Will Rogers Memorial Center for the massive Classic Expo.
Photo: Visit Fort Worth
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Lake Ray Roberts is familiar to some of the Elite Series anglers who fished there during the 2016 Toyota Texas Fest.
Photo: James Overstreet
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A perennial contender on Bassmaster Magazine’s annual 100 Best Bass Lakes list, Lake Ray Roberts was ranked 15th in the Central Region for 2019, and historically, has appeared in the Top 10 multiple years.
Photo: James Overstreet
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In a state known for producing big bags, Lake Ray Roberts continues to shine. Tournaments on this 29,350-acre reservoir regularly require anglers to average at least 5-pounders to win.
Photo: James Overstreet
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The 2021 Classic in Fort Worth will be covered live and streamed on Bassmaster.com, ESPN3 and the ESPN app, and five hours of original programming will be aired on ESPN2 and the Pursuit Channel following the event.
Photo: James Overstreet
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Chris Zaldain has fond memories here.
Photo: James Overstreet
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In 2016 he caught the big bass at Toyota Texas Fest and won a brand new Tundra.
Photo: James Overstreet
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Other Elites like Brandon Palaniuk (in the red boat) would love another shot at victory on Ray Roberts.
Photo: James Overstreet
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Scott Martin is fishing the Bassmaster Opens this year in hopes of qualifying for the Classic. He fished the 2016 Texas Fest event as well.
Photo: James Overstreet
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But the guy who most wants to get back to Lake Ray Roberts ...
Photo: James Overstreet
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... is Matt Herren. He won the 2016 Toyota Texas Fest with 51 pounds, 12 ounces and will be an instant favorite if he qualifies through the Elite Series.
Photo: James Overstreet
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With his recent success on Ray Roberts, Matt Herren will be working as hard as he can to qualify for the 2021 Classic. We can't wait to see the anglers tackle this exciting new venue.
Photo: James Overstreet
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