Winter 2019
®
Now, there will surely be some speculation as to whether he can be the first pro to win three straight, besting legends like Rick Clunn and Kevin Van Dam in that category before his 30th birthday. If he manages to do that, even if he never wins another event, he immediately rises to instant Hall of Famer.
Josh Bertrand of
San Tan Valley,
Arizona took
the runner-
up position
in the 2018
Bassmaster
Elite Series
Angler of the
Year Race
Photo: B.A.S.S.
DEPARTING ANGLERS
The biggest news in professional bass fishing in late 2018 and throughout the offseason has been the emergence of the Bass Pro Tour, developed by the minds behind Major League Fishing, in conjunction with Bass Pro Shops and the Outdoor Sportsman Group.
Whatever you think of this tour’s merit, it will no doubt have an impact on tournaments both inside and outside of its orbit going forward.
This Classic may be the last one of the careers for a number of veteran pros who’ve been fishing them for decades – in some cases the last chance to cement their B.A.S.S. legacy.
Does that make them more focused?
I doubt it, because most of these anglers compete just as hard whether they’re shooting for five hundred bucks or five hundred thousand.
Nevertheless, the Classic remains the industry’s lower- case-e-elite event and knowing that it’s their last chance to win it might alter some approaches – for better or for worse. The bigger effect may be seen in those Classics held in 2020 and beyond.
The fields won’t necessarily be weaker, but with some familiar faces gone we’ll likely see new stars emerge or veterans build up their list of accomplishments. •
Jordan Lee 2017 and 2018 Bassmaster Classic champion
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