I’ve heard chatter that I’m one of the favorites to win this year’s Bassmaster Classic. I’m not sure that’s the case given how forward-facing sonar has dominated the first two Elite tournaments of the year. But for those who want to put me on that list, I embrace it.
Being a favorite means I have the respect of my peers, and that’s always been a goal of mine. To compete at this level, you want others to respect you as an angler.
I’m beyond worrying about pressure; I’ve learned, if you let pressure in, it causes you to make mistakes.
Granted, the Classic is the biggest event in bass fishing and the reason I came back to B.A.S.S. from the other organization. The Classic is one title that has eluded me, although I came very close to winning it a few times.
It’s the pinnacle of our sport; not winning won’t make or break my career at this point in my life, but it would put me among the best in history.
That’s what drives me. So I don’t take these opportunities for granted, and I enjoy being there and being competitive.
I also like my chances.
We’ll have a lot of new faces in Tulsa who are in for a learning experience. This isn’t just another tournament. All of the distractions, crowds and hoopla can be overwhelming for a rookie, even those who have done well in regular-season events.
Of course, many of those new Classic contenders are forward-facing sonar experts, so it will be interesting to see how it plays out at Grand. It certainly has changed our sport.
I’m sure most of the field will be using it, but I think it would be cool to see if someone can still win fishing with educated guesses rather than chasing bass on a screen.
I’ve built my success for 25 years relying on instincts and educated guesses, but times are changing. Frankly, I like challenging my skills against modern technology even though I know it’s harder to win against it.
Having said that, I won’t get my teeth kicked in without changing.
Historically, my problem in the Classic has been taking outside risks rather than fishing it like a regular event. During the season, I fish whatever I put together in practice. In the Classic, I tend to think I don’t have enough in the livewell and need more weight.
The truth is you can lose the Classic on the first day by taking unnecessary risks, and I’ve done that. You’re better off taking those risks on the last day.
This will be my 18th Classic, and I can assure you I will enjoy every moment of it. It takes a season to qualify, and in three days it’s gone.
No one can guarantee they will win, but I can guarantee I will soak it up and be driven to etch my name in the history books.
