Sooch’s Classic in 53 shots

Seeing the fishing venue during the flight into Fort Worth, Texas, was the true start to Classic Week for this scribe. Lake Ray Roberts, its arms spreading north as seen from above, and its potential of big bass were the focal point of the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic present by Huk. The following photos are some of the things Mike Suchan experienced over the week.
Seeing the fishing venue during the flight into Fort Worth, Texas, was the true start to Classic Week for this scribe. Lake Ray Roberts, its arms spreading north as seen from above, and its potential of big bass were the focal point of the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic present by Huk. The following photos are some of the things Mike Suchan experienced over the week.
As with all Classics, this 51st edition was a celebration of the sport. The Classic puts extra emphasis on the tagline, Big Bass. Big Stage. Big Dreams. The week is a time to meet with old friends and make new ones. Here, B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin shares a laugh with Brandon Palaniuk, among the tournament favorites. Akin joked that Palaniuk, his top pick to win, better not mess up his Rapala Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing lead in the Bassmaster employees group.
As with all Classics, this 51st edition was a celebration of the sport. The Classic puts extra emphasis on the tagline, Big Bass. Big Stage. Big Dreams. The week is a time to meet with old friends and make new ones. Here, B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin shares a laugh with Brandon Palaniuk, among the tournament favorites. Akin joked that Palaniuk, his top pick to win, better not mess up his Rapala Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing lead in the Bassmaster employees group.
Steve Kennedy (left), fishing his 10th Classic that includes a runner-up finish in 2017, visits with first-time qualifier Tommy Williams, who won an Open to make the big dance. They caught up, revisiting tournaments past, and discussed their outlook for Ray Roberts.
Steve Kennedy (left), fishing his 10th Classic that includes a runner-up finish in 2017, visits with first-time qualifier Tommy Williams, who won an Open to make the big dance. They caught up, revisiting tournaments past, and discussed their outlook for Ray Roberts.
Qualifying for a Classic is the No. 1 goal of most every bass angler. The bar then moves to making the cut, reaching the Super Six and the greatest hope, winning. Besides the prestige of fishing the event, qualifying adds other perks. Brandon Card, in his fourth championship, fills up another bag of goodies in the gifting suite.
Qualifying for a Classic is the No. 1 goal of most every bass angler. The bar then moves to making the cut, reaching the Super Six and the greatest hope, winning. Besides the prestige of fishing the event, qualifying adds other perks. Brandon Card, in his fourth championship, fills up another bag of goodies in the gifting suite.
Last year’s champion Hank Cherry decided to stand throughout the anglers' meeting. The competitors, who had practiced three days, were put through the paces of where they need to be when and how to best conduct business of the week, like navigating the drive from the lake to the arena.
Last year’s champion Hank Cherry decided to stand throughout the anglers’ meeting. The competitors, who had practiced three days, were put through the paces of where they need to be when and how to best conduct business of the week, like navigating the drive from the lake to the arena.
The media, usually in the hundreds from around the globe, follow the competitors’ every move. Photographer/blogger Andy Crawford asked each contestant to share their projected winning weight and winner. Matt Herren, who won the Toyota Texas Bass Classic on Ray Roberts in 2016, offers up Bill Lowen, who was picked by the most qualifiers. Herren’s weight might have been spot on if not for a delay on Day 2.
The media, usually in the hundreds from around the globe, follow the competitors’ every move. Photographer/blogger Andy Crawford asked each contestant to share their projected winning weight and winner. Matt Herren, who won the Toyota Texas Bass Classic on Ray Roberts in 2016, offers up Bill Lowen, who was picked by the most qualifiers. Herren’s weight might have been spot on if not for a delay on Day 2.
After the traditional upscale dinner with the Bassmaster LIVE crew, there was a 4 a.m. wakeup Wednesday to make the hour bus ride taking anglers’ families from the Omni hotel to the Isle du Bois Unit launch on Ray Roberts. Blake Sylvester’s wife, Taylor, was poignant when asked what getting to his first Classic meant. “It means a lot in different ways,” she said. “He’s following his dream, which has become mine. He’s also teaching our young children, don’t ever give up, follow your dreams.” Blake, seen at the final weigh-in, enjoyed the Classic experience but was not pleased to finish last.
After the traditional upscale dinner with the Bassmaster LIVE crew, there was a 4 a.m. wakeup Wednesday to make the hour bus ride taking anglers’ families from the Omni hotel to the Isle du Bois Unit launch on Ray Roberts. Blake Sylvester’s wife, Taylor, was poignant when asked what getting to his first Classic meant. “It means a lot in different ways,” she said. “He’s following his dream, which has become mine. He’s also teaching our young children, don’t ever give up, follow your dreams.” Blake, seen at the final weigh-in, enjoyed the Classic experience but was not pleased to finish last.
Chris Jones qualified for his second Classic, both times winning an Open near his home in Bokoshe, Okla., just three hours away. His youngest son, Fisher, knew it was “100% a big deal,” and wife, Angel, gave up another facet of making it. “He was more so excited this time around,” she said, “probably because it proves that he can do this.”
Chris Jones qualified for his second Classic, both times winning an Open near his home in Bokoshe, Okla., just three hours away. His youngest son, Fisher, knew it was “100% a big deal,” and wife, Angel, gave up another facet of making it. “He was more so excited this time around,” she said, “probably because it proves that he can do this.”
The anglers line up one to 54 for the final practice launch, a rehearsal of sorts and the only time this reporter would see boats on the water. Clark Wendlandt and Hank Cherry held the first two spots as defending Angler of the Year and reigning Classic champ, respectively, and the rest of the order was a blind draw.
The anglers line up one to 54 for the final practice launch, a rehearsal of sorts and the only time this reporter would see boats on the water. Clark Wendlandt and Hank Cherry held the first two spots as defending Angler of the Year and reigning Classic champ, respectively, and the rest of the order was a blind draw.
Drew Cook, who was picked by running mate Drew Benton to win with the top weight of 76 pounds, backs out from his 29th starting spot. The anglers would follow that order for Friday’s first day of competition then reverse on Day 2, with the Top 25 going out on Championship Sunday in order of standing.
Drew Cook, who was picked by running mate Drew Benton to win with the top weight of 76 pounds, backs out from his 29th starting spot. The anglers would follow that order for Friday’s first day of competition then reverse on Day 2, with the Top 25 going out on Championship Sunday in order of standing.
Jeff Gustafson signals all’s good in his world as he embarks to get a final look at the lake. Gustafson was one of three Canadians in the field, and two more from Japan had international anglers making up almost 10% of the field.
Jeff Gustafson signals all’s good in his world as he embarks to get a final look at the lake. Gustafson was one of three Canadians in the field, and two more from Japan had international anglers making up almost 10% of the field.
Wading out to get up close and personal with the boats several yards from the beach, photographer James Overstreet took a moment to clown for this camera. Getting serious was the next task at hand, at least for the anglers.
Wading out to get up close and personal with the boats several yards from the beach, photographer James Overstreet took a moment to clown for this camera. Getting serious was the next task at hand, at least for the anglers.
Jones backs out his Bushnell wrapped Bass Cat that become a regular site during the week. Jones contended for the title before finishing third. While he’s down in the Open AOY standings, Jones said his plans include qualifying for the Elite Series and getting back to more Classics.
Jones backs out his Bushnell wrapped Bass Cat that become a regular site during the week. Jones contended for the title before finishing third. While he’s down in the Open AOY standings, Jones said his plans include qualifying for the Elite Series and getting back to more Classics.
The Night of Champions, which celebrates the past year’s winners in all the Bassmaster tournament circuits, was held at River Ranch Stockyards in the historic area that helped build the city. Patrick and Emily Walters pose with one of the famed Texas Longhorn steers at the venue. Teddy and Flash were quite the curiosity, but I would never.
The Night of Champions, which celebrates the past year’s winners in all the Bassmaster tournament circuits, was held at River Ranch Stockyards in the historic area that helped build the city. Patrick and Emily Walters pose with one of the famed Texas Longhorn steers at the venue. Teddy and Flash were quite the curiosity, but I would never.
Hank and Jaclyn Cherry stood out wearing their cherry red, similar to last year, and were asked to pose. Didn’t Tiger Woods always wear red as he vied for a title? It’s obviously a winning color.
Hank and Jaclyn Cherry stood out wearing their cherry red, similar to last year, and were asked to pose. Didn’t Tiger Woods always wear red as he vied for a title? It’s obviously a winning color.
Emcee Dave Mercer also obliged for a photo with new duds purchased for the banquet headlined by Angler fo the Year Clark Wendlandt's speech. Wrapping the jacket up to better display the Texas flag theme, Mercer said it was the first time he’s ordered something that arrived too big.
Emcee Dave Mercer also obliged for a photo with new duds purchased for the banquet headlined by Angler fo the Year Clark Wendlandt’s speech. Wrapping the jacket up to better display the Texas flag theme, Mercer said it was the first time he’s ordered something that arrived too big.
Ok, two Dos Equis in and it’s up on the steer. Texas Longhorns, which as the name suggests are known for their long horns, first came to the new world via Christopher Columbus and Spanish colonists and are a big part of Texas’ history. Don’t get near the horns was good advice.
Ok, two Dos Equis in and it’s up on the steer. Texas Longhorns, which as the name suggests are known for their long horns, first came to the new world via Christopher Columbus and Spanish colonists and are a big part of Texas’ history. Don’t get near the horns was good advice.
Thursday was Media Day in Dickies Arena, a state-of-the-art multipurpose facility within the Will Rogers Memorial Center, site of the Bassmaster Classic Expo. Dickies Arena broke ground in 2015 and cost $540 million, much of which was financed by … wait for it … philanthropist Ed Bass. The arena hosts sporting events, concerts, other family entertainment and will serve as the new home for the Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo. It was configured to seat around 9,000 for the Classic weigh-ins. That's B.A.S.S. digital VP Jim Sexton looking for a way to enter.
Thursday was Media Day in Dickies Arena, a state-of-the-art multipurpose facility within the Will Rogers Memorial Center, site of the Bassmaster Classic Expo. Dickies Arena broke ground in 2015 and cost $540 million, much of which was financed by … wait for it … philanthropist Ed Bass. The arena hosts sporting events, concerts, other family entertainment and will serve as the new home for the Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo. It was configured to seat around 9,000 for the Classic weigh-ins. That’s B.A.S.S. digital VP Jim Sexton looking for a way to enter.
It’s a fancy place, with three levels and private boxes. This stairway displayed its Western Art Deco. It wasn’t that easy to find the right elevator to get to Media Day in the basement, which had boats lined up where stock would be held.
It’s a fancy place, with three levels and private boxes. This stairway displayed its Western Art Deco. It wasn’t that easy to find the right elevator to get to Media Day in the basement, which had boats lined up where stock would be held.
Ah, made it. The anglers and media listen to presentations in a room with a ceiling modeled after the old Will Rogers arena nearby.
Ah, made it. The anglers and media listen to presentations in a room with a ceiling modeled after the old Will Rogers arena nearby.
Anglers then headed to their boats lined up in the cavernous basement, which was actually off to one side of the arena floor. Jordan Wiggins, who stood eighth after Day 1 but fell to finish 30th, told the unlikely story of how he qualified. He and Wesley Sams won the Team Championship on the Harris Chain with a golden stretch of grass. For the Classic Fish-Off, Wiggins topped Sams for the spot in a game of rock, paper, scissors. Wiggins said he caught the fish that propelled him to the Classic on a fluke, getting the strike as he left his bait hanging in the water as he went to turn on his HydroWave.
Anglers then headed to their boats lined up in the cavernous basement, which was actually off to one side of the arena floor. Jordan Wiggins, who stood eighth after Day 1 but fell to finish 30th, told the unlikely story of how he qualified. He and Wesley Sams won the Team Championship on the Harris Chain with a golden stretch of grass. For the Classic Fish-Off, Wiggins topped Sams for the spot in a game of rock, paper, scissors. Wiggins said he caught the fish that propelled him to the Classic on a fluke, getting the strike as he left his bait hanging in the water as he went to turn on his HydroWave.
Opens qualifier Keith Carson shows that the front deck of his Crestliner offers plenty of room to fight fish. Or maybe even camp. Carson, of DeBary, Fla., caught a limit on Day 1 but one fish on Saturday left him disappointed in 49th.
Opens qualifier Keith Carson shows that the front deck of his Crestliner offers plenty of room to fight fish. Or maybe even camp. Carson, of DeBary, Fla., caught a limit on Day 1 but one fish on Saturday left him disappointed in 49th.
College qualifier Trevor McKinney of McKendree College hosted a contingent during Media Day. McKinney, who hails from Benton, Ill., was within range of making the cut after 12-12 on Day 1, but he came in with four fish on Saturday and missed the Top 25 by a pound-and-a-half.
College qualifier Trevor McKinney of McKendree College hosted a contingent during Media Day. McKinney, who hails from Benton, Ill., was within range of making the cut after 12-12 on Day 1, but he came in with four fish on Saturday and missed the Top 25 by a pound-and-a-half.
Photographer Andy Crawford is at it again, having Shane LeHew and the rest of the field draw the first bait they plan to use. LeHew, referring to images on his phone, received plenty of laughs during the process to draw a craw as each stroke was adventure.
Photographer Andy Crawford is at it again, having Shane LeHew and the rest of the field draw the first bait they plan to use. LeHew, referring to images on his phone, received plenty of laughs during the process to draw a craw as each stroke was adventure.
In his first Classic, Takumi Ito of Japan appears relaxed enough to shoot a wink … or maybe he had something in his eye. Either way, his Classic was more a poke in eye as he didn’t perform as hoped, finishing 41st.
In his first Classic, Takumi Ito of Japan appears relaxed enough to shoot a wink … or maybe he had something in his eye. Either way, his Classic was more a poke in eye as he didn’t perform as hoped, finishing 41st.
As defending champion, Cherry appeared rather rested and relaxed before his sixth Classic appearance. A year earlier, he seemed to tire of all the activities and just wanted to get to the fishing, and with good reason. Rinse and repeat.
As defending champion, Cherry appeared rather rested and relaxed before his sixth Classic appearance. A year earlier, he seemed to tire of all the activities and just wanted to get to the fishing, and with good reason. Rinse and repeat.
Bassmaster LIVE was rolling into its seventh Classic with Tommy Sanders, Davy Hite and Mark Zona. The twist this year was LIVE would air four hours on FOX's main network channel on Saturday and four hours on FS1 on Sunday. The FOX broadcast drew more than 1.6 million viewers and was one of the most-watched Bassmaster telecasts.
Bassmaster LIVE was rolling into its seventh Classic with Tommy Sanders, Davy Hite and Mark Zona. The twist this year was LIVE would air four hours on FOX’s main network channel on Saturday and four hours on FS1 on Sunday. The FOX broadcast drew more than 1.6 million viewers and was one of the most-watched Bassmaster telecasts.
People tuned in to see these. The largemouth bass, as well as who and how they are caught, draw eyes. Bassmaster has long worked to provide information to better the fishing experience for all. Berkley has played a major role in that, including bringing in a fish tank with demonstrations and sponsoring the big bass of the Classic. That $2,500 bonus went to Frank Talley for his 8-3, the biggest fish all week.
People tuned in to see these. The largemouth bass, as well as who and how they are caught, draw eyes. Bassmaster has long worked to provide information to better the fishing experience for all. Berkley has played a major role in that, including bringing in a fish tank with demonstrations and sponsoring the big bass of the Classic. That $2,500 bonus went to Frank Talley for his 8-3, the biggest fish all week.
Sponsors help B.A.S.S. do all that it does, and Toyota has been there for a long haul. Toyota had a giant presence in the Expo with a huge booth and a variety of activities. All the associates gathered around a replica of Martin Truex’s NASCAR ride, which just so happens to be sponsored by Bass Pro Shops.
Sponsors help B.A.S.S. do all that it does, and Toyota has been there for a long haul. Toyota had a giant presence in the Expo with a huge booth and a variety of activities. All the associates gathered around a replica of Martin Truex’s NASCAR ride, which just so happens to be sponsored by Bass Pro Shops.
Speaking of Bass Pro Shops, founder Johnny Morris and two-time AOY Jimmy Houston were found at the end of a long line of fans. The Bass Fishing Hall of Famers met many, chatted and smiled for photos.
Speaking of Bass Pro Shops, founder Johnny Morris and two-time AOY Jimmy Houston were found at the end of a long line of fans. The Bass Fishing Hall of Famers met many, chatted and smiled for photos.
There were tons of things for the kids. Cole Armstrong, 5, of Florence, Miss., tried his hand at casting into a bucket for a prize. It was the youth’s second visit to a Classic, and he helped Fort Worth set the second-highest attendance at 147,197.
There were tons of things for the kids. Cole Armstrong, 5, of Florence, Miss., tried his hand at casting into a bucket for a prize. It was the youth’s second visit to a Classic, and he helped Fort Worth set the second-highest attendance at 147,197.
The Expo is always a great place to meet pro anglers, like Keith Combs. After an appearance on Bassmaster LIVE, Combs found his likeness at the Minn Kota booth with a couple more well-known pros.
The Expo is always a great place to meet pro anglers, like Keith Combs. After an appearance on Bassmaster LIVE, Combs found his likeness at the Minn Kota booth with a couple more well-known pros.
Before the weigh-in began, Ronnie Moore of the LIVE crew interviews Wes Logan, who won the Elite tournament on his home lake of Neely Henry earlier this season. Say, that’s a big Academy Sports + Outdoors chair.
Before the weigh-in began, Ronnie Moore of the LIVE crew interviews Wes Logan, who won the Elite tournament on his home lake of Neely Henry earlier this season. Say, that’s a big Academy Sports + Outdoors chair.
Putting on the Classic takes hundreds and hundreds of B.A.S.S. employees, contractors and volunteers. Here, in a room just off the weigh-in floor, computer programming guru Matt Dowd and Gretchen Sheppard, senior tournament manager of administration, work to make everything go smoothly.
Putting on the Classic takes hundreds and hundreds of B.A.S.S. employees, contractors and volunteers. Here, in a room just off the weigh-in floor, computer programming guru Matt Dowd and Gretchen Sheppard, senior tournament manager of administration, work to make everything go smoothly.
The Sooch spent much of his time in the media room, comparing notes with the likes of BassBlaster’s Jay Kumar. Kumar interviewed Elite pro Jason Williamson about is day on the water. Like the other 28 anglers who missed the cut, Williamson left disappointed but still received a $10,000 check.
The Sooch spent much of his time in the media room, comparing notes with the likes of BassBlaster’s Jay Kumar. Kumar interviewed Elite pro Jason Williamson about is day on the water. Like the other 28 anglers who missed the cut, Williamson left disappointed but still received a $10,000 check.
Outside the arena, a fan stops for a photo opp. Cameras were out everywhere, leading one to wonder just how many photos are actually taken during the week. If everyone there took 100 shots, the number would approach 15 million. These shots came from around 400 snaps.
Outside the arena, a fan stops for a photo opp. Cameras were out everywhere, leading one to wonder just how many photos are actually taken during the week. If everyone there took 100 shots, the number would approach 15 million. These shots came from around 400 snaps.
A visit to the Fort Worth Stockyards to check out the sights and dine on barbecue was a must. Going out with friends, like John and Jamie Holtz, was a treat. The couple came down from Kansas City and ended up buying a boat. Hotels, food, gas, gifts and Expo purchases are expected to create a $25 million windfall for the region, but the final numbers aren’t in.
A visit to the Fort Worth Stockyards to check out the sights and dine on barbecue was a must. Going out with friends, like John and Jamie Holtz, was a treat. The couple came down from Kansas City and ended up buying a boat. Hotels, food, gas, gifts and Expo purchases are expected to create a $25 million windfall for the region, but the final numbers aren’t in.
New friends were also made. On the Omni elevator, these three were simply asked, “Going down?” Cal Culpepper (center) said he recognized the voice. “You watch LIVE?” It clicked. “Sooch!” A talk and walk across the street to the Fort Worth Water Gardens seemed appropriate. Turns out Culpepper fished College B.A.S.S. for Montevallo, and Lee Rose Koza and her brother, Carter, will fish next year at Carson-Newman.
New friends were also made. On the Omni elevator, these three were simply asked, “Going down?” Cal Culpepper (center) said he recognized the voice. “You watch LIVE?” It clicked. “Sooch!” A talk and walk across the street to the Fort Worth Water Gardens seemed appropriate. Turns out Culpepper fished College B.A.S.S. for Montevallo, and Lee Rose Koza and her brother, Carter, will fish next year at Carson-Newman.
Legends in the bass fishing world were around every corner. Two-time Classic winner Hank Parker offered his time for an appearance on LIVE. Parker won his first Classic in 1979 on Lake Texoma, just an hour or so north of Ray Roberts.
Legends in the bass fishing world were around every corner. Two-time Classic winner Hank Parker offered his time for an appearance on LIVE. Parker won his first Classic in 1979 on Lake Texoma, just an hour or so north of Ray Roberts.
From former stars to the present. Justin Kerr, the final qualifier from the B.A.S.S. Nation, had a starring role on Day 2. He landed two bass close to 7 pounds to weigh the biggest bag of the day and climb from 22nd to stand second heading into Championship Sunday. Here, Hall of Fame writer Louie Stout interviews him about his day. Bryan Kerchal, the only angler to win a Classic after qualifying from the Nation, was brought up. At fourth, Kerr posted the highest finish since Paul Mueller’s second at the Guntersville Classic in 2014.
From former stars to the present. Justin Kerr, the final qualifier from the B.A.S.S. Nation, had a starring role on Day 2. He landed two bass close to 7 pounds to weigh the biggest bag of the day and climb from 22nd to stand second heading into Championship Sunday. Here, Hall of Fame writer Louie Stout interviews him about his day. Bryan Kerchal, the only angler to win a Classic after qualifying from the Nation, was brought up. At fourth, Kerr posted the highest finish since Paul Mueller’s second at the Guntersville Classic in 2014.
Saturday night’s dinner plans, again with the Holtzes — they were my ride -—was kismet. A two-hour wait to eat turned into a chance meeting with Buddy Gross; wife, LeAnn; and daughter, Bella. With a group of friends, they called ahead to make reservations for 10, but three couldn’t make it. Long story short, we sat together and had a great time visiting with Buddy.
Saturday night’s dinner plans, again with the Holtzes — they were my ride -—was kismet. A two-hour wait to eat turned into a chance meeting with Buddy Gross; wife, LeAnn; and daughter, Bella. With a group of friends, they called ahead to make reservations for 10, but three couldn’t make it. Long story short, we sat together and had a great time visiting with Buddy.
Shaun Boyle was met on the shores of Ray Roberts at the 2016 TTBC, and in the years since we’ve spent time chatting about fishing. He’s become ingrained in the bass fishing lifestyle, and not just for the fashion. Boyle attends tournaments, Bass University seminars and often posts photos of himself with RayBob bass, and he might hold the record for taking photos with Elites.
Shaun Boyle was met on the shores of Ray Roberts at the 2016 TTBC, and in the years since we’ve spent time chatting about fishing. He’s become ingrained in the bass fishing lifestyle, and not just for the fashion. Boyle attends tournaments, Bass University seminars and often posts photos of himself with RayBob bass, and he might hold the record for taking photos with Elites.
Championship Sunday takes us to Dickies Arena for the final weigh-in. Seth Feider’s boat makes the turn while Dave Mercer interviews the Elite Series AOY leader. B.A.S.S. made great use of the hanging scoreboard, which is North America’s second largest, continuous 360-degree screen at 105 feet across and 26 feet tall and has 1.2 million LEDs.
Championship Sunday takes us to Dickies Arena for the final weigh-in. Seth Feider’s boat makes the turn while Dave Mercer interviews the Elite Series AOY leader. B.A.S.S. made great use of the hanging scoreboard, which is North America’s second largest, continuous 360-degree screen at 105 feet across and 26 feet tall and has 1.2 million LEDs.
Outside Dickies, a group of volunteers from the Lone Star Junior Bassmasters wipe down each angler’s boat so they come in nice and shiny. It’s amazing how everyone has a job to do to make the Classic the huge celebration it is.
Outside Dickies, a group of volunteers from the Lone Star Junior Bassmasters wipe down each angler’s boat so they come in nice and shiny. It’s amazing how everyone has a job to do to make the Classic the huge celebration it is.
A crew from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which boasts the most successful bass management in the country, works to make sure the Ray Roberts bass get back home. To help survival rate in the Texas heat, anglers could only bring two fish to the weigh-ins the first two days. Only five of the 495 bass weighed didn’t make it back into the lake.
A crew from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which boasts the most successful bass management in the country, works to make sure the Ray Roberts bass get back home. To help survival rate in the Texas heat, anglers could only bring two fish to the weigh-ins the first two days. Only five of the 495 bass weighed didn’t make it back into the lake.
After a fun video highlighting Texas, the Super Six were introduced to the thousands of fans in Dickies Arena, many wearing cowboy hats. Hank Cherry waves to the crowd as leader and last man up on stage.
After a fun video highlighting Texas, the Super Six were introduced to the thousands of fans in Dickies Arena, many wearing cowboy hats. Hank Cherry waves to the crowd as leader and last man up on stage.
The anglers returned to their boats and lined up on the arena floor and brought up their fish. Cherry acknowledges a familiar face as he waits his turn.
The anglers returned to their boats and lined up on the arena floor and brought up their fish. Cherry acknowledges a familiar face as he waits his turn.
Cherry then hopped out of his boat to sign autographs for a group of hollering kids in the floor seats. Later on his victory lap, it was reported he jumped out again to greet a fan with Down Syndrome whose look of disappointment after he passed made him jump out for a bear hug. “I have a soft place in my heart for kids anyhow,” Cherry told Mercer.
Cherry then hopped out of his boat to sign autographs for a group of hollering kids in the floor seats. Later on his victory lap, it was reported he jumped out again to greet a fan with Down Syndrome whose look of disappointment after he passed made him jump out for a bear hug. “I have a soft place in my heart for kids anyhow,” Cherry told Mercer.
One by one the last six anglers to weigh were eliminated. Justin Kerr, Brock Mosely, Chris Jones and Steve Kennedy hung around in the wings to witness history, as Matt Arey had the hot seat with the champ yet to weigh.
One by one the last six anglers to weigh were eliminated. Justin Kerr, Brock Mosely, Chris Jones and Steve Kennedy hung around in the wings to witness history, as Matt Arey had the hot seat with the champ yet to weigh.
Mercer and Cherry chat a bit after his total weight of 50-15 gave him the title in the 51st Bassmaster Classic. Cherry became just the fourth angler to win back-to-back Classics, joining Rick Clunn (1976-77), Kevin VanDam (2010-11) and Jordan Lee (2017-18). Cherry is now the seventh angler with more than one title, a group that includes the aforementioned, Bobby Murray, George Cochran and Hank Parker.
Mercer and Cherry chat a bit after his total weight of 50-15 gave him the title in the 51st Bassmaster Classic. Cherry became just the fourth angler to win back-to-back Classics, joining Rick Clunn (1976-77), Kevin VanDam (2010-11) and Jordan Lee (2017-18). Cherry is now the seventh angler with more than one title, a group that includes the aforementioned, Bobby Murray, George Cochran and Hank Parker.
The previous champion usually hands off the trophy, but since Cherry couldn’t do that very easily, longtime tournament director Trip Weldon came out of retirement to serve as weighmaster one final time. And the confetti flies.
The previous champion usually hands off the trophy, but since Cherry couldn’t do that very easily, longtime tournament director Trip Weldon came out of retirement to serve as weighmaster one final time. And the confetti flies.
Cherry glances back with a winning smile as his family makes their way up on stage.
Cherry glances back with a winning smile as his family makes their way up on stage.
After embraces and tears, once again, the Cherry family take the customary victory ride around the arena floor.
After embraces and tears, once again, the Cherry family take the customary victory ride around the arena floor.