It’s always hard to pick a winner from among the strongest field of the season – that which shows up for the Bassmaster Classic each February – but this year it’s even harder. For starters, there are 10 Alabamians in the field. That said, Kevin VanDam has said that he is, for the first time ever, showing up to the Classic in a state of complete preparedness including tackle prep and the mental game. He’s already won 4 of these things in a lesser state of preparedness.
And what about Skeet Reese? He loves to wind a lure. This Classic is likely to be won on a lipless crankbait. He knows how to win and has a Classic title to prove it. He has solid history on TVA lakes.
Aaron Martens lives near the lake. He has finished near the top of the Classic leaderboard more times than he cares to remember. If anything puts Guntersville bass in a funk this week, Martens becomes a frontrunner to finesse his way to a win.
Aaron Martens is searching for that elusive title. photo courtesy B.A.S.S.
Chris Lane moved to Lake G and has become an ambassador for the fish factory. He has won a Classic before. He could very well win another this week.
Former Classic Champ Chris Lane can catch ’em. And he lives on the lake. photo by Vance McCullough
Bobby Lane is always a threat. He would love to join brother, Chris in the exclusive club of Classic champs.
Bobby Lane will compete on his brother’s home turf. photo by Vance McCullough
Speaking of guys who are always a threat, Brandon Palaniuk will almost certainly scrap his way toward a spot in Sunday’s Super Six as the drama heightens at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center.
Palaniuk is a high-energy guy and this could come down to a matter of which angler makes the most casts to quality bass.
Gary Klein is beyond due for a Classic win. This is his 30th appearance in the big derby. He is the sentimental favorite. And a very capable angler.
Randall Tharp now gets his mail in Florida but he is still an Alabama homer this week. With experience on Guntersville the current Forrest Wood Cup Champion is fishing well enough lately to ‘unify the crown’ and take the title on the B.A.S.S. side of things as well.
Then there’s tenacious Hank Cherry, witty, wily Gerald Swindle and Big Show Terry Scroggins.
And there’s always going to be a surprise from one or more of the B.A.S.S. Nation guys, an Open winner or our collegiate angler, Jordan Lee who will represent Auburn University, just down the road a piece.
Indeed, this one is hard to handicap. When the chips are down, always bet on KVD . . . or Randall Tharp. Or maybe Skeet Reese, possibly AMart. Can’t ignore Palaniuk. Oops, don’t forget Chris Lane.
Oh forget it. Just enjoy the show!
