Sooch’s Classic in 62 shots

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A week before the first day of competition, all the equipment is loaded and ready to roll to Alabama for the 2020 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk. Dozens of crew members from Little Rock as well as hundreds and hundreds from points across the country help make the Classic the biggest event in bass fishing.
A week before the first day of competition, all the equipment is loaded and ready to roll to Alabama for the 2020 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk. Dozens of crew members from Little Rock as well as hundreds and hundreds from points across the country help make the Classic the biggest event in bass fishing.
The 29 first-time qualifiers fishing Lake Guntersville for the 50th anniversary Classic were joined by another first-timer during the angler processing and gifting reception. Chad Pipkens, appearing in his third championship, was proud to show off his and wife Melanie’s baby girl, Emerie Rae.
The 29 first-time qualifiers fishing Lake Guntersville for the 50th anniversary Classic were joined by another first-timer during the angler processing and gifting reception. Chad Pipkens, appearing in his third championship, was proud to show off his and wife Melanie’s baby girl, Emerie Rae.
Micah Frazier and wife Anna were just as pleased to present young blue eyes, Huck, who came into the world a couple months early but is doing great at 15 months. In his fourth Classic appearance, Frazier would finish fifth, earning $25,000 so he can afford some new baby shoes.
Micah Frazier and wife Anna were just as pleased to present young blue eyes, Huck, who came into the world a couple months early but is doing great at 15 months. In his fourth Classic appearance, Frazier would finish fifth, earning $25,000 so he can afford some new baby shoes.
Classic traditions for the TV crew include a nice meal together. Informed that B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin recommended Gianmarco’s Restaurant, our waitress rang up her regular customer and Akin arrived moments later for a visit. Here, Akin's dry wit prompted hearty laughs from Tommy Sanders and Dave Mercer.
Classic traditions for the TV crew include a nice meal together. Informed that B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin recommended Gianmarco’s Restaurant, our waitress rang up her regular customer and Akin arrived moments later for a visit. Here, Akin’s dry wit prompted hearty laughs from Tommy Sanders and Dave Mercer.
A stop for fuel on the way to Wednesday’s official practice found Mercer and myself running into Brandon Lester. The Fayetteville, Tenn., angler said he found himself more at home at Lake Guntersville than last year’s Classic in Knoxville. Apparently, he's becoming comfortable almost everywhere. Lester, who was sixth on the Tennessee River, stood second after Day 2 before finishing seventh on Guntersville.
A stop for fuel on the way to Wednesday’s official practice found Mercer and myself running into Brandon Lester. The Fayetteville, Tenn., angler said he found himself more at home at Lake Guntersville than last year’s Classic in Knoxville. Apparently, he’s becoming comfortable almost everywhere. Lester, who was sixth on the Tennessee River, stood second after Day 2 before finishing seventh on Guntersville.
At the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, site of the Classic Expo, hundreds of workers were busy building booths for most every company in the bass fishing industry.
At the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, site of the Classic Expo, hundreds of workers were busy building booths for most every company in the bass fishing industry.
The huge signs, printed on material over lightweight frames, are hung with care.
The huge signs, printed on material over lightweight frames, are hung with care.
Kurt Lakin, a fisheries biologist for the TVA working on his booth, felt the wrath of a tail slap as he transferred fish into a display tank. He said getting soaked is just a hazard of the job.
Kurt Lakin, a fisheries biologist for the TVA working on his booth, felt the wrath of a tail slap as he transferred fish into a display tank. He said getting soaked is just a hazard of the job.
At the Night of Champions Wednesday, anglers and wives (from left) Grae and Jessica Buck, Darold and Randi Gleason and Whitney and Samantha Stephens pose at B&A Warehouse, an events center in a 122-year-old building.
At the Night of Champions Wednesday, anglers and wives (from left) Grae and Jessica Buck, Darold and Randi Gleason and Whitney and Samantha Stephens pose at B&A Warehouse, an events center in a 122-year-old building.
The night serves to recognize all the B.A.S.S. champions over the year, including a speech from Elite Series Angler of the Year Scott Canterbury.
The night serves to recognize all the B.A.S.S. champions over the year, including a speech from Elite Series Angler of the Year Scott Canterbury.
At the Media Day luncheon Thursday at Regions Field, Hank Cherry seemed all too ready to put the Classic proceedings behind him and get to the fishing.
At the Media Day luncheon Thursday at Regions Field, Hank Cherry seemed all too ready to put the Classic proceedings behind him and get to the fishing.
Cherry, who infamously lost the potential winning fish in the 2013 Classic, was deep in thought during a presentation from the day’s sponsor, Abu Garcia, which is also his main sponsor. He more than likely already knew everything Abu and Berkley rep Jon Schlosser offered.
Cherry, who infamously lost the potential winning fish in the 2013 Classic, was deep in thought during a presentation from the day’s sponsor, Abu Garcia, which is also his main sponsor. He more than likely already knew everything Abu and Berkley rep Jon Schlosser offered.
After the program that included comments from local dignitaries, the anglers headed to their boats for media interviews. Stetson Blaylock, who finished third, worked on preparing his rods.
After the program that included comments from local dignitaries, the anglers headed to their boats for media interviews. Stetson Blaylock, who finished third, worked on preparing his rods.
Paul Mueller had to answer a lot of questions about his last time on Lake Guntersville, when he fell from first and missed the cut in last year’s Elite, and from his record-setting day there. A B.A.S.S. Nation qualifier, Mueller weighed in 32 pounds, 3 ounces on Day 2 of 2014 Classic and finished second.
Paul Mueller had to answer a lot of questions about his last time on Lake Guntersville, when he fell from first and missed the cut in last year’s Elite, and from his record-setting day there. A B.A.S.S. Nation qualifier, Mueller weighed in 32 pounds, 3 ounces on Day 2 of 2014 Classic and finished second.
Birmingham Mayer Randall Woodfin was invited on Grae Buck’s boat for an insiders look. Buck was on good fish, he just needed more. His catches on Day 1 went 7-3 and 6-3, and after a solid limit Sunday he finished 20th.
Birmingham Mayer Randall Woodfin was invited on Grae Buck’s boat for an insiders look. Buck was on good fish, he just needed more. His catches on Day 1 went 7-3 and 6-3, and after a solid limit Sunday he finished 20th.
On Thursday evening, B.A.S.S. held a Kickoff Party benefitting Children’s of Alabama, with giveaways and appearances by pro anglers like Brandon Palaniuk, Brian Latimer, Austin Felix and Trait Zaldain. Party-goers were treated to a display by TNT Fireworks.
On Thursday evening, B.A.S.S. held a Kickoff Party benefitting Children’s of Alabama, with giveaways and appearances by pro anglers like Brandon Palaniuk, Brian Latimer, Austin Felix and Trait Zaldain. Party-goers were treated to a display by TNT Fireworks.
From the B.A.S.S. booth overlooking a crowded Expo floor, Tommy Sanders, Davy Hite and Mark Zona detail all the fishing action on Bassmaster LIVE.
From the B.A.S.S. booth overlooking a crowded Expo floor, Tommy Sanders, Davy Hite and Mark Zona detail all the fishing action on Bassmaster LIVE.
Sanders interviews U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama on LIVE.
Sanders interviews U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama on LIVE.
Two-time Classic champion Hank Parker and <em>Bassmaster</em> Magazine editor James Hall share a laugh during an interview in the B.A.S.S. booth.
Two-time Classic champion Hank Parker and Bassmaster Magazine editor James Hall share a laugh during an interview in the B.A.S.S. booth.
The first boats arrive at Legacy Arena for the weigh-in, and the fascination with Seth Feider’s moustache and locks are once again highlighted. Feider was among the pre-tournament favorites, but started slowly before a strong finish that put him fourth.
The first boats arrive at Legacy Arena for the weigh-in, and the fascination with Seth Feider’s moustache and locks are once again highlighted. Feider was among the pre-tournament favorites, but started slowly before a strong finish that put him fourth.
Hank Cherry enters the arena after a big Day 1. Cherry took a 7-11 lead with his 29-3 bag, the biggest of the tournament and tying him for third all-time.
Hank Cherry enters the arena after a big Day 1. Cherry took a 7-11 lead with his 29-3 bag, the biggest of the tournament and tying him for third all-time.
The crowds increase for Day 2. Vendors reported heavy traffic and brisk sales.
The crowds increase for Day 2. Vendors reported heavy traffic and brisk sales.
Longtime <em>Bassmaster</em> Magazine editor Bob Cobbs signs his book,
Longtime Bassmaster Magazine editor Bob Cobbs signs his book, “The B.A.S.S. Story Unplugged,” for Mark Hall of Winsboro, Texas.
The B.A.S.S. booth had plenty of visitors, including Toby and Jacinda Sheppard of Ava, Mo., who said they live “across the creek” from Classic College qualifier Cody Huff. Attending their third Classic, the couple filled their Academy Sports + Outdoors buckets with loot.
The B.A.S.S. booth had plenty of visitors, including Toby and Jacinda Sheppard of Ava, Mo., who said they live “across the creek” from Classic College qualifier Cody Huff. Attending their third Classic, the couple filled their Academy Sports + Outdoors buckets with loot.
Trampus Thompson of Camilla, Ga., holds something more interesting than his name - yes, he was named for the character on “The Virginian.” Attending his sixth Classic, Thompson shows off one of his family’s Classic books. His wife, Misty, had put together a handful of books from photos they’ve taken with their children, Brady, 11, and Jacob, 10. This year’s book will also include baby Scarlett, 7 weeks old.
Trampus Thompson of Camilla, Ga., holds something more interesting than his name – yes, he was named for the character on “The Virginian.” Attending his sixth Classic, Thompson shows off one of his family’s Classic books. His wife, Misty, had put together a handful of books from photos they’ve taken with their children, Brady, 11, and Jacob, 10. This year’s book will also include baby Scarlett, 7 weeks old.
Birmingham’s Eugene Thomas and son, Dorian, 6, pose for a big fish pic at the Yamaha booth, and I get yelled at by the photographer for getting in the way for a second.
Birmingham’s Eugene Thomas and son, Dorian, 6, pose for a big fish pic at the Yamaha booth, and I get yelled at by the photographer for getting in the way for a second.
The Bass University team stops recording videos to take a group photo.
The Bass University team stops recording videos to take a group photo.
YUM gets in costume for the Expo, and apparently the guy on the left got the memo on what color to wear. It is a popular fishing color.
YUM gets in costume for the Expo, and apparently the guy on the left got the memo on what color to wear. It is a popular fishing color.
At the Berkley booth, a crew is busy spooling line for anybody who purchased a reel. Say, that’s some line.
At the Berkley booth, a crew is busy spooling line for anybody who purchased a reel. Say, that’s some line.
Folks who attend a Classic seem to come back for more.
Folks who attend a Classic seem to come back for more.
This was the 13th Classic in Alabama -- ninth based in Birmingham -- and the total attendance of 122,814 at the venues shattered previous highs in the state and stands fourth all-time.
This was the 13th Classic in Alabama — ninth based in Birmingham — and the total attendance of 122,814 at the venues shattered previous highs in the state and stands fourth all-time.
Right before the Classic, Ranger Boats announced its return as a premier sponsor of B.A.S.S. “Ranger Boats and B.A.S.S. were founded at the same time and have provided much of the foundation for modern-day bass fishing,” Akin said. Glad to be back on board.
Right before the Classic, Ranger Boats announced its return as a premier sponsor of B.A.S.S. “Ranger Boats and B.A.S.S. were founded at the same time and have provided much of the foundation for modern-day bass fishing,” Akin said. Glad to be back on board.
After weighing in, anglers head to the media room where reporters work on getting the scoop. Classics can draw upwards of 200 media members.
After weighing in, anglers head to the media room where reporters work on getting the scoop. Classics can draw upwards of 200 media members.
Early on Championship Sunday, Bassmaster TV producer Mike McKinnis takes a prime seat on the B.A.S.S. set and does some work before heading to the production truck for a day of LIVE.
Early on Championship Sunday, Bassmaster TV producer Mike McKinnis takes a prime seat on the B.A.S.S. set and does some work before heading to the production truck for a day of LIVE.
Jeremy Stoute, 44, of Crestview, Fla., came to the Classic with some buddies from his bass club. After taking a photo with first Classic champion Bobby Murray, Stoute gets his hat autographed. “I also had to meet Bob Cobb -- I remember watching him every Sunday morning on TNN,” he said.
Jeremy Stoute, 44, of Crestview, Fla., came to the Classic with some buddies from his bass club. After taking a photo with first Classic champion Bobby Murray, Stoute gets his hat autographed. “I also had to meet Bob Cobb — I remember watching him every Sunday morning on TNN,” he said.
Nate O’Connor, 8, from Valdosta, Ga., give Minn Kota’s Ultrex a whirl. There were tons of activities for youth, from casting to racing, many of which included giveaways.
Nate O’Connor, 8, from Valdosta, Ga., give Minn Kota’s Ultrex a whirl. There were tons of activities for youth, from casting to racing, many of which included giveaways.
Justin Henderson of Hopkinsville, Ky., catches up on his phone while son, Brantley, 2, recharges. (He was later seen running around the weigh-in arena.) “This is my first one,” said Henderson, whose brother was shopping. “I love it. We’ve been here three days. It’s his nap time.”
Justin Henderson of Hopkinsville, Ky., catches up on his phone while son, Brantley, 2, recharges. (He was later seen running around the weigh-in arena.) “This is my first one,” said Henderson, whose brother was shopping. “I love it. We’ve been here three days. It’s his nap time.”
It was sometimes hard navigating through the Expo -- wait, who’s that woman in the jersey? Think I need to talk to her.
It was sometimes hard navigating through the Expo — wait, who’s that woman in the jersey? Think I need to talk to her.
It’s Hank Cherry’s wife, Jaclyn. She was letting their children, Christian and Bella Grace, blow off some steam after a stressful day following Hank vie for the title. Look soon for a story on how her Championship Sunday went.
It’s Hank Cherry’s wife, Jaclyn. She was letting their children, Christian and Bella Grace, blow off some steam after a stressful day following Hank vie for the title. Look soon for a story on how her Championship Sunday went.
Ah, finally. Championship Sunday weigh-in in Legacy Arena, where Cherry’s dream will be realized.
Ah, finally. Championship Sunday weigh-in in Legacy Arena, where Cherry’s dream will be realized.
There were 53 anglers in the 2020 field, but for the first time since the first championship in 1971, there were no previous winners competing.
There were 53 anglers in the 2020 field, but for the first time since the first championship in 1971, there were no previous winners competing.
To honor those 50 years, B.A.S.S. brought in a Super Six of Classic winners: Bobby Murray, who won the first in 1971 and doubled up in 1978, four-time winner Rick Clunn, Hank Parker for his two wins, Davy Hite, Jay Yelas and last year’s champion Ott DeFoe.
To honor those 50 years, B.A.S.S. brought in a Super Six of Classic winners: Bobby Murray, who won the first in 1971 and doubled up in 1978, four-time winner Rick Clunn, Hank Parker for his two wins, Davy Hite, Jay Yelas and last year’s champion Ott DeFoe.
Micah Frazier, who won his first Elite event last year, weighs in and would earn a share of the hot seat with Seth Feider. Each angler totaled 54-0.
Micah Frazier, who won his first Elite event last year, weighs in and would earn a share of the hot seat with Seth Feider. Each angler totaled 54-0.
The Super Six awaits backstage. From left are Cherry, Brandon Lester, John Crews, Brandon Card, Todd Auten and Stetson Blaylock.
The Super Six awaits backstage. From left are Cherry, Brandon Lester, John Crews, Brandon Card, Todd Auten and Stetson Blaylock.
Bob Cobb offers an inspirational speech.
Bob Cobb offers an inspirational speech.
Lester is introduced to the crowd. Each of the final six anglers went to their boats for a final trip around the Legacy Arena floor.
Lester is introduced to the crowd. Each of the final six anglers went to their boats for a final trip around the Legacy Arena floor.
Deciding who actually got to sit in the Academy Sports + Outdoors hot seat came down to a rousing game of rock, paper, scissors. Feider and Frazier each shot the same thing multiple times, which became comical after the fourth draw and eerie when they reached half a dozen.
Deciding who actually got to sit in the Academy Sports + Outdoors hot seat came down to a rousing game of rock, paper, scissors. Feider and Frazier each shot the same thing multiple times, which became comical after the fourth draw and eerie when they reached half a dozen.
John Crews was making his 12th Classic appearance, the most in the field. His sixth-place finish was the best ever for the angler from Salem, Va.
John Crews was making his 12th Classic appearance, the most in the field. His sixth-place finish was the best ever for the angler from Salem, Va.
Todd Auten would take the lead. With only Cherry remaining to weigh, Mercer pokes the bear one last time, coaxing Auten to get a good look at the coveted Classic trophy and tempting him to touch it. Auten would bank $50,000 being runner-up,
Todd Auten would take the lead. With only Cherry remaining to weigh, Mercer pokes the bear one last time, coaxing Auten to get a good look at the coveted Classic trophy and tempting him to touch it. Auten would bank $50,000 being runner-up, “a lot better than fixing cars,” he said.
Increasing the drama, Mercer jumped into Cherry’s boat for an interview and to measure his stress level.
Increasing the drama, Mercer jumped into Cherry’s boat for an interview and to measure his stress level.
With 19-5, Cherry totaled 65-5 to take the title and its $300,000 purse. Cherry’s immediate reactions ran the gamut, starting with relief …
With 19-5, Cherry totaled 65-5 to take the title and its $300,000 purse. Cherry’s immediate reactions ran the gamut, starting with relief …
… to disbelief ...
… to disbelief …
… to great satisfaction …
… to great satisfaction …
… to sheer joy of beating 52 others and the Guntersville bass to earn the great distinction as champion of the 50th anniversary Classic.
… to sheer joy of beating 52 others and the Guntersville bass to earn the great distinction as champion of the 50th anniversary Classic.
Cherry became only the 40th angler to raise the Classic trophy.
Cherry became only the 40th angler to raise the Classic trophy.
Despite a sore elbow from a fall on Day 1 landing a fish, Cherry held the 40-pound hardware high for some time.
Despite a sore elbow from a fall on Day 1 landing a fish, Cherry held the 40-pound hardware high for some time.
It seemed easy for the big man, who had finally shed the longheld, heavy weight of missing his chance 7 years earlier.
It seemed easy for the big man, who had finally shed the longheld, heavy weight of missing his chance 7 years earlier.
B.A.S.S. director Chase Anderson is among the first to congratulate Cherry … and looks who’s joining him on stage.
B.A.S.S. director Chase Anderson is among the first to congratulate Cherry … and looks who’s joining him on stage.
Christian gets the first bear hug with Bella begging in on the action.
Christian gets the first bear hug with Bella begging in on the action.
Daddy’s got two arms. Momma did get in there for a smooch and a family hug.
Daddy’s got two arms. Momma did get in there for a smooch and a family hug.
Speaking on his faith and love of family, Jaclyn displayed great emotion.
Speaking on his faith and love of family, Jaclyn displayed great emotion.
Christian waved the flag for the Cherry’s victory lap, while the experience was overwhelming for Bella. Cherry tips his cap to the crowd as they exit the Legacy Arena floor with the title he desired for decades.
Christian waved the flag for the Cherry’s victory lap, while the experience was overwhelming for Bella. Cherry tips his cap to the crowd as they exit the Legacy Arena floor with the title he desired for decades.