Suchan’s 48 pictures of 48th Classic

The B.A.S.S. shield flies high on the video screens inside the Bon Secours Wellness Center in Greenville, S.C., host site for the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. Mike Suchan has covered bass fishing’s pinnacle event since 2007, and they keep getting better. Here’s his look back at the past week.
The B.A.S.S. shield flies high on the video screens inside the Bon Secours Wellness Center in Greenville, S.C., host site for the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. Mike Suchan has covered bass fishing’s pinnacle event since 2007, and they keep getting better. Here’s his look back at the past week.
The 52 anglers had been practicing on Lake Hartwell near Anderson, S.C., since Friday, March 9, but the first big Classic event is the Night of Champions after Wednesday's final day of practice. Here, Bassmaster TV host Mark Zona takes a photo with reigning Toyota Angler of the Year and his girlfriend, Tiffanie McCall, after interviewing them for a live red carpet web cast. Palaniuk spoke of rising from humble beginnings to make his mark in the bass fishing world, and several times he imitated and poked fun at Jordan Lee and his explanation of how he won the 2017 Classic with only 12 fish.
The 52 anglers had been practicing on Lake Hartwell near Anderson, S.C., since Friday, March 9, but the first big Classic event is the Night of Champions after Wednesday’s final day of practice. Here, Bassmaster TV host Mark Zona takes a photo with reigning Toyota Angler of the Year and his girlfriend, Tiffanie McCall, after interviewing them for a live red carpet web cast. Palaniuk spoke of rising from humble beginnings to make his mark in the bass fishing world, and several times he imitated and poked fun at Jordan Lee and his explanation of how he won the 2017 Classic with only 12 fish.
Seth Feider, making his first Classic qualification, was proud to bring his mother, Anne, to the banquet and general all-around celebration of the sport. His wife was home and expected to give birth to their first child any day. And let’s stop the talk of a mullet. Feider’s hair just “flows” and is simply tucked behind his ears. On a video he posted to Facebook, Feider did shave racing stripes into his sideburns, saying they’d make him run faster on the water and were good for an “extra 4 pounds.” Feider finished 18th.
Seth Feider, making his first Classic qualification, was proud to bring his mother, Anne, to the banquet and general all-around celebration of the sport. His wife was home and expected to give birth to their first child any day. And let’s stop the talk of a mullet. Feider’s hair just “flows” and is simply tucked behind his ears. On a video he posted to Facebook, Feider did shave racing stripes into his sideburns, saying they’d make him run faster on the water and were good for an “extra 4 pounds.” Feider finished 18th.
On the eve of competition was Thursday’s Media Day, where James Overstreet captures Bobby Lane and Brent Erhler sharing a lighter moment. Both men have contended for Classic titles, including Ehrler last year and Lane the last time on Lake Hartwell. Lane missed the cut and Ehrler finished second, 1 pound, 1 ounce from winning.
On the eve of competition was Thursday’s Media Day, where James Overstreet captures Bobby Lane and Brent Erhler sharing a lighter moment. Both men have contended for Classic titles, including Ehrler last year and Lane the last time on Lake Hartwell. Lane missed the cut and Ehrler finished second, 1 pound, 1 ounce from winning.
Sure, they all dream of winning, but just getting there is also a pretty big deal. There are only hundreds among the millions of anglers who can say they’ve qualified for a Classic, and these two join that class and are notable table mates at that. At 19, college qualifier Jacob Foutz (left) is only the fourth teenager to fish a Classic, and he would have become the youngest to win. He finished 39th. Marty Giddens, 58, the oldest in the field at Hartwell, would have supplanted the oldest winner had he won. He finished 48th. Both said the experience was extra special.
Sure, they all dream of winning, but just getting there is also a pretty big deal. There are only hundreds among the millions of anglers who can say they’ve qualified for a Classic, and these two join that class and are notable table mates at that. At 19, college qualifier Jacob Foutz (left) is only the fourth teenager to fish a Classic, and he would have become the youngest to win. He finished 39th. Marty Giddens, 58, the oldest in the field at Hartwell, would have supplanted the oldest winner had he won. He finished 48th. Both said the experience was extra special.
Across the hall in the TD Convention Center was the Classic Outdoors Expo presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. Here a crew sets up their booth in the 250,000 square feet of floor space. That venue, along with the launches at Green Pond Landing and the weigh-ins at Bon Secours, helped draw 143,323 total attendance to the 2018 Classic, a record. It topped the previous best of 137,000 at Shreveport in 2009, which was held in the middle of Mardi Gras.
Across the hall in the TD Convention Center was the Classic Outdoors Expo presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. Here a crew sets up their booth in the 250,000 square feet of floor space. That venue, along with the launches at Green Pond Landing and the weigh-ins at Bon Secours, helped draw 143,323 total attendance to the 2018 Classic, a record. It topped the previous best of 137,000 at Shreveport in 2009, which was held in the middle of Mardi Gras.
Tommy Sanders, Mark Zona and Davy Hite make their way through folks setting up booths at the Expo, stopping to visit with a select few. The longtime Bassmaster TV crew members were joined last year by Hite, a Classic champ and two-time Angler of the Year. They’re tag-teaming Bassmaster TV shows on ESPN2 and for the latest phenomena to hook bass fishing fans, Bassmaster LIVE.
Tommy Sanders, Mark Zona and Davy Hite make their way through folks setting up booths at the Expo, stopping to visit with a select few. The longtime Bassmaster TV crew members were joined last year by Hite, a Classic champ and two-time Angler of the Year. They’re tag-teaming Bassmaster TV shows on ESPN2 and for the latest phenomena to hook bass fishing fans, Bassmaster LIVE.
Dave Mercer is also part of the LIVE crew, and here he was heard loud and clear rehearsing for his duties as weigh-in emcee. Just putting on the shows requires hundreds of outside professionals along with all of the staff at B.A.S.S.
Dave Mercer is also part of the LIVE crew, and here he was heard loud and clear rehearsing for his duties as weigh-in emcee. Just putting on the shows requires hundreds of outside professionals along with all of the staff at B.A.S.S.
The War Room was brought back for 2018, and it’s where a lot of work was conducted on the live shows as well as weigh-in shows. At front left is B.A.S.S. Social Media editor Sara Frye-Sobolewski. In the back row, cameraman Ben Oliver works on editing video while graphics editor Bruce Cash works on designs that will adorn the video screens in the arena. IT manager Julius Morgan (front right) works to make sure everything electronic keeps working and help put out any fires.
The War Room was brought back for 2018, and it’s where a lot of work was conducted on the live shows as well as weigh-in shows. At front left is B.A.S.S. Social Media editor Sara Frye-Sobolewski. In the back row, cameraman Ben Oliver works on editing video while graphics editor Bruce Cash works on designs that will adorn the video screens in the arena. IT manager Julius Morgan (front right) works to make sure everything electronic keeps working and help put out any fires.
Working this recycled B.A.S.S. set are Ronnie Moore and Mike Suchan, who assist the LIVE crew. (Hi Mom, that's me!) At the Classic they also were called upon for morning Facebook Live shows as well as the Toyota Midday Reports on Facebook Live.
Working this recycled B.A.S.S. set are Ronnie Moore and Mike Suchan, who assist the LIVE crew. (Hi Mom, that’s me!) At the Classic they also were called upon for morning Facebook Live shows as well as the Toyota Midday Reports on Facebook Live.
Inside the Bon Secours, David Ittner of Yamaha organizes fatheads of the Team Yamaha anglers to give to their families. There were a variety of sponsor activations during the weigh-ins. B.A.S.S. and the anglers all realize the sport wouldn't be where it was without all those to back them with their sponsorship dollars.
Inside the Bon Secours, David Ittner of Yamaha organizes fatheads of the Team Yamaha anglers to give to their families. There were a variety of sponsor activations during the weigh-ins. B.A.S.S. and the anglers all realize the sport wouldn’t be where it was without all those to back them with their sponsorship dollars.
Fans, including some lined up for hours, enter the arena to find seats for the daily weigh-ins. The Classic show rivals concerts in lighting and sound.
Fans, including some lined up for hours, enter the arena to find seats for the daily weigh-ins. The Classic show rivals concerts in lighting and sound.
The GEICO Gecko is a popular photo get for many visitors, like these guys from West Virginia, even though they agreed a 27/0 hook through its back might elicit a topwater bite from a great white.
The GEICO Gecko is a popular photo get for many visitors, like these guys from West Virginia, even though they agreed a 27/0 hook through its back might elicit a topwater bite from a great white.
As the fans arrive and settle in, anglers like Edwin Evers bag their fish. The anglers ride in their boats around the arena floor, stop to jump on stage with Mercer and get their fish weighed. Evers, who won the Classic in 2016, finished 12th.
As the fans arrive and settle in, anglers like Edwin Evers bag their fish. The anglers ride in their boats around the arena floor, stop to jump on stage with Mercer and get their fish weighed. Evers, who won the Classic in 2016, finished 12th.
Jacob Wheeler is a young angler who was expected to do well on Lake Hartwell. He finished seventh to take home $21,500.
Jacob Wheeler is a young angler who was expected to do well on Lake Hartwell. He finished seventh to take home $21,500.
Jason Christie was also among the favorites, and he led after Day 1. Here he explains to the TV crew -- Hite, Sanders and Zona -- how he wrangled 20-14, the big bag of the tournament. It was interesting to see Zona ask short questions that garnered lengthy answers, like “How shallow?” and “All winding?”
Jason Christie was also among the favorites, and he led after Day 1. Here he explains to the TV crew — Hite, Sanders and Zona — how he wrangled 20-14, the big bag of the tournament. It was interesting to see Zona ask short questions that garnered lengthy answers, like “How shallow?” and “All winding?”
Here are the top six anglers after Day 1, lined up for a press conference but looking more like they were in a police lineup. “Alright, how’d you pull it off? How’d you catch all those fish?” And their answers, “I’m not talking. Where’s my lawyer,” or so it seemed. In actuality, they offered answers but not much details. They were not about to let any secrets out.
Here are the top six anglers after Day 1, lined up for a press conference but looking more like they were in a police lineup. “Alright, how’d you pull it off? How’d you catch all those fish?” And their answers, “I’m not talking. Where’s my lawyer,” or so it seemed. In actuality, they offered answers but not much details. They were not about to let any secrets out.
Brothers Hunter and Fletcher Shyrock photograph Hunter’s girlfriend, Felicia Walker, with Brittany Aldean, wife of country music star Jason Aldean.
Brothers Hunter and Fletcher Shyrock photograph Hunter’s girlfriend, Felicia Walker, with Brittany Aldean, wife of country music star Jason Aldean.
After the Day 1 weigh-in, Jason Aldean performed on the Classic stage in a special performance. He left saying he was impressed by the magnitude of the Classic.
After the Day 1 weigh-in, Jason Aldean performed on the Classic stage in a special performance. He left saying he was impressed by the magnitude of the Classic.
Sanders, Hite and Zona did the live webcast, Bassmaster LIVE, from a platform above the arena floor. Here they work early on Saturday, also known as moving day.
Sanders, Hite and Zona did the live webcast, Bassmaster LIVE, from a platform above the arena floor. Here they work early on Saturday, also known as moving day.
Later in the day, Jerry McKinnis (left) and Trip Weldon run into each other outside the arena loading dock. Weldon passed the two previous tournament directors at B.A.S.S., serving in that position for a record 17th Classic (2002-2018). He eclipsed Harold Sharp’s 16 Classics (1971-1986) after passing Dewey Kendrick (1987-2001) at 15 last year.
Later in the day, Jerry McKinnis (left) and Trip Weldon run into each other outside the arena loading dock. Weldon passed the two previous tournament directors at B.A.S.S., serving in that position for a record 17th Classic (2002-2018). He eclipsed Harold Sharp’s 16 Classics (1971-1986) after passing Dewey Kendrick (1987-2001) at 15 last year.
The Sooch is obsessed with finding the best beard or most magnificent mustache at the Classic, and ran into a couple dandies here in the GEICO seats near the stage. Kevin Wilder of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Jim Bethurem of Brighton, Mo., aka Santa Jim, pose as the Team Beard winners.
The Sooch is obsessed with finding the best beard or most magnificent mustache at the Classic, and ran into a couple dandies here in the GEICO seats near the stage. Kevin Wilder of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Jim Bethurem of Brighton, Mo., aka Santa Jim, pose as the Team Beard winners.
Back outside, Luke Clausen, who won the 2006 Classic, shows off one of his Lake Hartwell spotted bass as he bags them for weigh-in. Picked by many in his Fantasy Fishing grouping, Clausen could only muster a 32th-place finish.
Back outside, Luke Clausen, who won the 2006 Classic, shows off one of his Lake Hartwell spotted bass as he bags them for weigh-in. Picked by many in his Fantasy Fishing grouping, Clausen could only muster a 32th-place finish.
The media has played a big part in the Classics, and 2018 was no different as local stations broadcast reports from inside, behind and above the arena, as well as from Lake Hartwell and the Expo. Many of the 200-plus credentialed media members told their audiences that the Classic was expected to benefit the region to the tune of around $23 million.
The media has played a big part in the Classics, and 2018 was no different as local stations broadcast reports from inside, behind and above the arena, as well as from Lake Hartwell and the Expo. Many of the 200-plus credentialed media members told their audiences that the Classic was expected to benefit the region to the tune of around $23 million.
Area high school fishing teams volunteered for Classic duty, and this team was commissioned to wipe down the anglers’ boats to get them nice and shiny for the arena. Of course, getting autographs like Aaron Martens' in his downtime was also a reality. Martens finished ninth.
Area high school fishing teams volunteered for Classic duty, and this team was commissioned to wipe down the anglers’ boats to get them nice and shiny for the arena. Of course, getting autographs like Aaron Martens’ in his downtime was also a reality. Martens finished ninth.
Back inside, members of Bobby Lane’s family cheer on the Florida pro who has fished the past 11 Classics in a row, which includes finishing second here in 2015 and fourth in 2008. Lane was a disappointing 43rd last week.
Back inside, members of Bobby Lane’s family cheer on the Florida pro who has fished the past 11 Classics in a row, which includes finishing second here in 2015 and fourth in 2008. Lane was a disappointing 43rd last week.
Oklahoma pros and road roommates Jason Christie and Edwin Evers stood 1-2 after two days of competition. Christie’s weights on those days and his lead over Evers were eerily similar to 2016, when Evers busted a huge bag on Day 3 to overtake his good friend and win the Classic on Grand Lake. Evers discounted the similarities, saying there’s no Elk River here, and Christie had no comment.
Oklahoma pros and road roommates Jason Christie and Edwin Evers stood 1-2 after two days of competition. Christie’s weights on those days and his lead over Evers were eerily similar to 2016, when Evers busted a huge bag on Day 3 to overtake his good friend and win the Classic on Grand Lake. Evers discounted the similarities, saying there’s no Elk River here, and Christie had no comment.
Here’s a handful of bass fishing legends, starting (front left) with four-time Classic champ Rick Clunn. He’s seated next to good friend Jerry McKinnis, he of “The Fishin’ Hole” and getting competitive bass fishing on ESPN. That’s his good friend Forrest Wood, of Ranger boats and namesake of FLW. Behind them are Roland Martin, the Great American Fisherman with a record nine Bassmaster AOYs and his buddy Jimmy Houston, he of two AOYs and a show running about as long as Roland’s.
Here’s a handful of bass fishing legends, starting (front left) with four-time Classic champ Rick Clunn. He’s seated next to good friend Jerry McKinnis, he of “The Fishin’ Hole” and getting competitive bass fishing on ESPN. That’s his good friend Forrest Wood, of Ranger boats and namesake of FLW. Behind them are Roland Martin, the Great American Fisherman with a record nine Bassmaster AOYs and his buddy Jimmy Houston, he of two AOYs and a show running about as long as Roland’s.
Sunday flew by with exciting, nail-biting competition on the water. The 25 anglers left vied for the $300,000 first-place prize. Their boats circle the floor of a nearly packed arena as they enter, weigh their fish, talk about their week and thank everyone who has helped them.
Sunday flew by with exciting, nail-biting competition on the water. The 25 anglers left vied for the $300,000 first-place prize. Their boats circle the floor of a nearly packed arena as they enter, weigh their fish, talk about their week and thank everyone who has helped them.
Another legend, Hank Parker, one of only five men with more than one Classic title, prepares to give Tommy Nelson a shot at $100,000 in Berkley’s Cast for Cash contest. Even though he missed, Nelson walked away with prizes valued at more than $5,000.
Another legend, Hank Parker, one of only five men with more than one Classic title, prepares to give Tommy Nelson a shot at $100,000 in Berkley’s Cast for Cash contest. Even though he missed, Nelson walked away with prizes valued at more than $5,000.
After 19 anglers weighed in, the six anglers who led the competition after Day 2 were led to a room and given instructions on their dramatic entrance to begin the Super Six segment of the weigh-in.
After 19 anglers weighed in, the six anglers who led the competition after Day 2 were led to a room and given instructions on their dramatic entrance to begin the Super Six segment of the weigh-in.
Fan favorite Gerald Swindle, who remained in contention despite mechanical difficulties that cost him valuable fishing time on Day 2, prepares to enter the arena with cameras following his every move.
Fan favorite Gerald Swindle, who remained in contention despite mechanical difficulties that cost him valuable fishing time on Day 2, prepares to enter the arena with cameras following his every move.
Day 2 Leader Jason Christie was the last to climb up the stairs to his boat as they encircled the stage. Brent Ehrler was the leader in the hot seat, but was quickly sent off.
Day 2 Leader Jason Christie was the last to climb up the stairs to his boat as they encircled the stage. Brent Ehrler was the leader in the hot seat, but was quickly sent off.
With lights flashing and fans in the GEICO stageside seats illuminated in yellow, Jordan Lee acknowledged the crowd as he walks on stage toward Mercer, Weldon,  the weigh-in scales and the Classic trophy.
With lights flashing and fans in the GEICO stageside seats illuminated in yellow, Jordan Lee acknowledged the crowd as he walks on stage toward Mercer, Weldon, the weigh-in scales and the Classic trophy.
His Day 3 bag of 16-5 propels him into the lead with a total of 47-1, a full pound ahead of Ehrler. Lee began the day in sixth place, 6-8 out of the lead. In 2017 on Texas’ Lake Conroe, Lee was in 15th place, 13-14 behind the leader when he rallied to victory with 27-3. Could he do it again?
His Day 3 bag of 16-5 propels him into the lead with a total of 47-1, a full pound ahead of Ehrler. Lee began the day in sixth place, 6-8 out of the lead. In 2017 on Texas’ Lake Conroe, Lee was in 15th place, 13-14 behind the leader when he rallied to victory with 27-3. Could he do it again?
None of the remaining Super Six -- Swindle, James Elam, Micah Frazier, Evers or Christie -- had enough to surpass Lee, who hollers to the world once more after it was determined he indeed repeated as Classic champ.
None of the remaining Super Six — Swindle, James Elam, Micah Frazier, Evers or Christie — had enough to surpass Lee, who hollers to the world once more after it was determined he indeed repeated as Classic champ.
The tradition is the previous year’s winner hands the trophy to the winner, but since that was an impossibility, Trip Weldon did the honors. Here Lee raises it as the smoke blows, right before the confetti flies and fills the air.
The tradition is the previous year’s winner hands the trophy to the winner, but since that was an impossibility, Trip Weldon did the honors. Here Lee raises it as the smoke blows, right before the confetti flies and fills the air.
With the last remnants of confetti falling, Lee turned away from the camera pit and bowed down for a moment. Although only 26, the Grant, Ala., angler said he was humbled by the victory, just like last year. He said he never expected to win after trailing by so much last year and, even though it's been joked about plenty, he didn't think he had a legitimate shot this year as Day 3 began.
With the last remnants of confetti falling, Lee turned away from the camera pit and bowed down for a moment. Although only 26, the Grant, Ala., angler said he was humbled by the victory, just like last year. He said he never expected to win after trailing by so much last year and, even though it’s been joked about plenty, he didn’t think he had a legitimate shot this year as Day 3 began.
A moment later, Lee hoisted the trophy back up to show the world again. Lee, who became the first champion from the Carhartt College ranks, is only the sixth winner of multiple Classics and the third to win back-to-back titles.
A moment later, Lee hoisted the trophy back up to show the world again. Lee, who became the first champion from the Carhartt College ranks, is only the sixth winner of multiple Classics and the third to win back-to-back titles.
Lee’s fiancée, Kristen Agnew, shortly joined him on stage for a huge hug and private words of congratulations. They’d been engaged for some time, and they’ve set a date for their wedding.
Lee’s fiancée, Kristen Agnew, shortly joined him on stage for a huge hug and private words of congratulations. They’d been engaged for some time, and they’ve set a date for their wedding.
Lee and Agnew take the traditional winner’s lap around the arena in his boat. The budget for their wedding might have increased just a skoosh with the added income, which pushed Lee over the $1 million mark in career B.A.S.S. earnings. In his 52 tournaments, Lee has averaged $20,528.
Lee and Agnew take the traditional winner’s lap around the arena in his boat. The budget for their wedding might have increased just a skoosh with the added income, which pushed Lee over the $1 million mark in career B.A.S.S. earnings. In his 52 tournaments, Lee has averaged $20,528.
Lee once again bowed his head then leaned back to show he was overcome with emotion. Generally low-key and actually rather soft-spoken, Lee would later describe why he broke down several times. Bottom line is he understands the magnitude and significance of winning a Classic. When she turned to see his face, Agnew put her hand on his leg to comfort him. These kids will be alright. The Daily Limit will report on that shortly.
Lee once again bowed his head then leaned back to show he was overcome with emotion. Generally low-key and actually rather soft-spoken, Lee would later describe why he broke down several times. Bottom line is he understands the magnitude and significance of winning a Classic. When she turned to see his face, Agnew put her hand on his leg to comfort him. These kids will be alright. The Daily Limit will report on that shortly.
After hugging family and friends backstage, Lee and Agnew were ushered into an interview room. B.A.S.S. senior writers, Louie Stout, who was inducted in the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame last fall, and Bryan Brasher, along with senior citizen Steve Wright (an incredible writer), ask questions of Lee.
After hugging family and friends backstage, Lee and Agnew were ushered into an interview room. B.A.S.S. senior writers, Louie Stout, who was inducted in the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame last fall, and Bryan Brasher, along with senior citizen Steve Wright (an incredible writer), ask questions of Lee.
Lee’s father, Bruce, and Agnew hug. It seems they’re already family. There were a lot of hugs, lots of big smiles and plenty of joyful tears between family and friends of Jordan Lee. Far left is Jim Sexton, the head digital guy for B.A.S.S., shooting a video of the scene. You'll find the
Lee’s father, Bruce, and Agnew hug. It seems they’re already family. There were a lot of hugs, lots of big smiles and plenty of joyful tears between family and friends of Jordan Lee. Far left is Jim Sexton, the head digital guy for B.A.S.S., shooting a video of the scene. You’ll find the “emotional interview” on the website now!
On the way to the media room, Lee is congratulated by Kevin VanDam, and they stop to pose for a quick photo. KVD, whose four Classic titles has him tied with Rick Clunn, won back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011. Clunn’s consecutive Classic wins were in 1976 and 1977. At 26, Lee has already matched one of their feats.
On the way to the media room, Lee is congratulated by Kevin VanDam, and they stop to pose for a quick photo. KVD, whose four Classic titles has him tied with Rick Clunn, won back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011. Clunn’s consecutive Classic wins were in 1976 and 1977. At 26, Lee has already matched one of their feats.
A decent group of media query Lee and take photos of the champ. Last year, Lee reported that media requests kept him busy for much of the first two months after he won. So distracting was it that he only finished fourth in the Toyota Angler of the Year race.
A decent group of media query Lee and take photos of the champ. Last year, Lee reported that media requests kept him busy for much of the first two months after he won. So distracting was it that he only finished fourth in the Toyota Angler of the Year race.
The last official B.A.S.S. event of the week was the Champion’s Toast. Sponsors, media and other competitors and their families cheered on the repeat winner and listened to him thank all involved. His first comment was that he hopes all the Elite anglers won’t start hating him now.
The last official B.A.S.S. event of the week was the Champion’s Toast. Sponsors, media and other competitors and their families cheered on the repeat winner and listened to him thank all involved. His first comment was that he hopes all the Elite anglers won’t start hating him now.
The other Elites could throw some blame the way of Lee’s friend Gavin Ellis, who introduced Lee to competitive bass fishing. Ellis and Lee were on the same little league baseball team and discovered a shared love of fishing, so they soon had parents taking them to lakes instead of ball fields. Lee had more duties as Classic champ, starting the next morning with a photo shoot with B.A.S.S. With the defense of his title complete, Lee will just likely move forward. He has a lot to fish for as the only person with a legitimate chance of a Classic Three-peat.
The other Elites could throw some blame the way of Lee’s friend Gavin Ellis, who introduced Lee to competitive bass fishing. Ellis and Lee were on the same little league baseball team and discovered a shared love of fishing, so they soon had parents taking them to lakes instead of ball fields. Lee had more duties as Classic champ, starting the next morning with a photo shoot with B.A.S.S. With the defense of his title complete, Lee will just likely move forward. He has a lot to fish for as the only person with a legitimate chance of a Classic Three-peat.