Courtesy of Alan McGuckin / Dynamic Sponsorships

Both call North Carolina home. They’ve known each other for years. One became a back-to-back Bassmaster Classic last June, the other finished second. Yet they remain good buddies and gracious souls.

 

And on the eve of a brand new Bassmaster Elite Series season, they shared their thoughts on what fans can expect this year at the St. Johns River.

 

Q: What was the highlight of your off-season?

Arey: Seeing my oldest daughter Reese get accepted into her school’s academically gifted program. She’s worked really hard to achieve that.

Cherry: Hunting with Mark Zona in Texas, and killing a giant 192” whitetail.

 

Q: How many 20-pound limits can fans expect to see weighed-in Thursday?

Arey: 7

Cherry: 4

 

Q: What will be the biggest challenge this week on the St. Johns?

Arey: It’s Florida, and I’ve always struggled in this state.

Cherry: Being patient for the next bite, because I haven’t had a ton of bites in practice.

 

Q: Tell us two lures you won’t leave the dock without Thursday.

Arey: A salty Lunkerhunt Lunker Stick, and a jerkbait.

Cherry: 5” Berkley General and a topwater prop bait.

 

Q: Each of you are towing with the all new 2022 Toyota Tundra. What are your two favorite attributes of this new truck?

Arey: The 14” touchscreen on the dash, and it’s the most comfortable truck I’ve ever driven.

Cherry: The body cosmetics are so cool, and it tows like a dream.

 

Q: Valentine’s Day is this coming Monday, name two things you love most about your wife.

Arey: I love Emily’s selflessness and her work ethic.

Cherry: I love Jaclyn’s positive attitude and her passion for life.