One of the more interesting tournaments this past weekend was the ‘Kids to the Classic’ tourney on Kissimmee Chain of Lakes out of beautiful Camp Mack.

It wasn’t the picturesque setting, legendary waters or stringers of big bass that made this tourney special. Rather, it was the cause.

Van Soles qualified for the 2015 Bassmaster Classic via his win at the Bassmaster Southern Open on the aforementioned Kissimmee Chain in January of this year.

When he takes the stage in Greenville, SC, Soles will be greeted loudly. He’s taking a cheering section with him. Soles will take the top 10 finishers from the Lakeland Junior Bassmasters to the Bassmaster Classic.

Of course, such an ambitious undertaking requires some funding, hence, the ‘Kids to the Classic’ tourney in which Soles lent not only his name, but his talents, fishing with Bryce Goff who helped him pile up 20.60 pounds of bass and a 3^rd place finish.

Doc Swango and Kevin Kopple won the tourney with 25.10 pounds.

Richie Upchurch placed 2^nd with 20.95 pounds.

If you want to help the kids get to the Classic, call John and Wendy Taylor at 727-789-0525 or visit the Tampa Pro Bass web site at:  http://home.roadrunner.com/~tampapro/