bassmaster classic

James Overstreet’s final Classic look

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Photography by
James Overstreet
Take a final look at the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Toyota as captured by B.A.S.S. photographer James Overstreet.
Wednesday morning was the Official Practice Day for the 2023 Classic. As you can see here the anglers are lined up and ready to take off as they will on the first day of competition.
Fast forward to Thursday which is Media Day showcasing the Classic anglers. Folks from throughout the fishing industry come together to interview and take photos and videos of the anglers the day before the Classic starts.
A table with Japanese anglers and media members.
Paul Fisler has attended a few Classics.
The angler boats are lined up in the parking lot.
Jacob Powroznik speaks with a writer.
A lot of the anglers will take time during Media Day to make final preparations before Day 1 of competition.
Matt Arey takes some time for an interview.
Seth Feider’s windshield full of stickers.
Swindle takes a moment to pose for a picture.
Lee Livesay inspects a crankbait.
B.A.S.S. Photographer Dalton Tumblin about to take a photo of Bassmaster Elite Series pro Buddy Gross.
Collin Smith explains a situation.
Fat Cat Newton, Pat Renwick and Matt Robertson pose for a photo.
Photographer Seigo Saito snaps a picture.
The previous year’s Bassmaster Classic Champion Jason Christie answers questions.
Thursday night was the Kickoff Party at the Worlds Fair Park. Humminbird and Minnkota provided fans with a drone show over the park. One of the coolest moments of the 2023 Classic.
Takeoff Day 1 about to begin.
A lot of Australian fans were in attendance to cheer on Australian angler Carl Jocumsen in his first Bassmaster Classic.
Luke Palmer stops for a quick selfie.
Elite Series Tournament Manager Lisa Talmadge on her way down the dock.
Bassmaster Emcee Dave Mercer with Stetson Blaylock moments before takeoff.
Thumbs up from Jeff Gustafson.
Gustafson is ready to roll down the river.
After the takeoff, Overstreet slid over to the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by the U.S. Army.
Steve Bowman, Bill Dance and Mike Iaconelli come together for Bassmaster LIVE Mix. They let Ike know he has been selected for the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.
A special appearance from Rick Clunn as well.
Bassmaster LIVE hosts Mark Zona, Davy Hite and Tommy Sanders call the shots during the broadcast on FOX Sports, FOX and Bassmaster.com.
The latest fishing equipment is on display at the Expo.
Fans flood the Expo floor.
Now we head over to the Day 2 weigh-in. Pictured is Bassmaster Magazine photographer Seigo Saito ready to shoot the weigh-in.
Behind the stage is where all the scoring is happening. Pictured is Tournament Manager Gretchen Sheppard and Tournament Management System Manager Matt Dowd.
The fans are ready for the weigh-in!
Dave Mercer before heading out on stage.
A pause for the national anthem.
A tribute to the late Ray Scott moments before the weigh-in began honoring him with an arena full of lights from the fans.
High School anglers led the takeoffs each day on the Tennessee River.
Elite pro Greg Hackney rolls in with a smile on his face.
Photographers and LIVE cameras get a higher look.
Pro Gerald Swindle hits the weigh-in stage.
Gerald Swindle took the opportunity during his final weigh-in to take the mic from Dave Mercer to thank Dave for all he does for Bassmaster.
Kenta Kimura waves to the huge crowd.
Chris Zaldain grabs his weigh-in bag.
Louis Monetti is ready to weigh-in.
Scott Canterbury holds up two big bass.
Cooper Gallant snaps his on pictures rolling into the arena.
Marc Frazier shows off two fish.
Local favorite Brandon Card shows off a Tennessee lunker.
Luke Palmer pulls out a fish.
Casey Smith goes in for a close-up.
Gussy moments before taking the Day 2 lead.
Matt Robertson makes an impression.
Taku Ito is all smiles.
Lee LIvesay has two to show the crowd.
Scott Martin
Another close-up for Tyler Rivet.
Finally, Championship Sunday takeoff about to begin.
Rookie of the Year Jay Przekurat and Gussy share a moment before getting in the boat.
Bryan Schmitt making final preparation before heading down the river.
Fans begin to gather at Volunteer Landing.
Brandon Lester gives his lure a dip.
Jonathan Dietz doing some work on his trolling motor.
Jason Christie is ready for the final day.
The Canadian fans were visible in Knoxville, Tenn.
It’s go time on Championship Sunday.
The final day weigh-in set to begin. Just an hour or so away from crowning the 2023 Bassmaster Classic Champion.
But first, the Bassmaster College Classic competitors will weigh in.
Fast forward to the Super Six Show. Where the top six after two days of competition come out on stage before weighing in on the final day of The Classic.
The Ray Scott Trophy makes an appearance.
Drew Benton shows off his catch.
Scott Canterbury took the lead and was sitting in the Academy Sports + Outdoors hot seat.
B.A.S.S. employees get a closer look.
Bassmaster Editor-in-Chief James Hall (left), Bassmaster Vice President, Digital Jim Sexton (middle) and Bassmaster LIVE Host Mike Suchan (right).
Gussy with his two winning fish.
Roommate and previous Classic Champion Jason Christie hands off the trophy to the new Bassmaster Classic Champion, Jeff Gustafson!
Let the smoke and confetti fly!
Let the confetti fly!
Dave Mercer takes a moment after weigh-in to grab photos with the fans.
Another successful Bassmaster Classic. Thanks for working through Overstreet’s final Classic look.

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