Kevin Van Dam

Ashley, KVD, Martens Are Popular Picks To Contend

February 22, 2008 – bassfan.com/

Casey Ashley will be the hometown favorite in the 2008 Bassmaster Classic, which gets under way today at South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell. He’s also a popular pick to win the tournament among the 49 anglers he’ll compete against.

And believe it or not, the second-year pro is the angler that several in the field would like to see win if they can’t turn the trick themselves. He’s impressed his more-experienced co-competitors with his talent (he won an Elite Series event last year as a rookie), but even more so with the way he conducts himself.

On Classic Media Day, BassFan asked more than a dozen competitors to pick three anglers (excluding themselves) who they think have a good chance to win this week. Each was also asked to identify the angler they’d like to see win (again, they couldn’t pick themselves).

Tommy Biffle
Likes their chances – “Kevin VanDam, because he’s Kevin VanDam. Aaron Martens, because he likes to fish deep, and Scott Rook, just because he says he’s on them.”

Sentimental pick – “Probably Gary Klein. He’s been to so many of these things and I’m starting to feel that same feeling.”

Peter Thliveros
Likes their chances – “You’ve got to have VanDam in there always, because he’s the one who’s most able to make adjustments. You can’t take Casey Ashley out of the picture, because of his local knowledge, and from what I’ve been hearing, I’m getting a feeling that John Murray’s going to be a player.”

Sentimental pick – “I’d like to see (Martens) have a shot at it. He’s deserving, and this tournament suits his style of fishing.”

Todd Auten
Likes their chances – “Well, the obvious one is Kevin VanDam. Skeet Reese was the most consistent guy last year and he’s always on fish, and Edwin Evers might do well – he’s someone who likes to fish deep.”

Sentimental pick – “There are so many good guys I like here, I’ll have to pass on that one.”

Edwin Evers
Likes their chances – “Gary Klein, just because he’s so versatile. Aaron Martens, because he’s such a great light-line fisherman, and I’ll go out on a limb and mention KVD.”

Sentimental pick – “Klein – he’s been doing this a long time and he’s due.”

Chilly Classic

February 21, 2008 – fishpaa.com

GREENVILLE, S.C., Feb. 21, 2008 — The weather forecast: A 100% chance of rain with high temperatures in the 40s. Those are the conditions facing the Bassmaster Classic anglers on their first day of competition at Lake Hartwell, S.C.

The average angler would likely opt out for staying home, watching TV fishing shows, perusing tackle catalogs, or even checking off items on the proverbial “honey do” list, when faced with such dismal conditions.

Not so for the Classic anglers, who revel at the idea of facing the worst of angling conditions. They take on the challenge with a grin, a positive attitude, and why not? This is their job.

One of those anglers is Kelly Jordon, a PAA member who will be fishing all day in the cold, wet, and late-winter conditions.

“Who knows what will happen, we’ll all just go out there and see,” he said. “This tournament could be won, so to speak, by the guy who nails down a pattern on Friday.”

Classic: Top 10 To Watch

February 21, 2008 – bassfan.com

There’s an X-Factor in every Bassmaster Classic. Last year, BassFan named Boyd Duckett the X-Factor, and he won the whole darn thing.

This year’s Classic at Lake Hartwell along the Georgia/South Carolina border’s a little different, though, since Hartwell’s a new Classic venue – and darn hard to break down before day.

So in essence there are several X-Factors. One’s a competitor – Casey Ashley, a local who knows more about the lake than anyone else in the field.

But the other X-Factor is more abstract. For now, let’s call it experience. As BassFan noted in its scouting report, what will likely decide this Classic is one or two crucial on-the-water decisions.

Few in the field are capable of making the right pressure-laced decisions more often than not. That’s why veterans tend to win Bassmaster Classics. Sure, there are a list of exceptions, but taken as a whole, experience matters big-time in the Big Show.

To break things down a little further, below are several of the factors BassFan believes are in play right now. Following that is our recommendation on the Top 10 to watch at this event.

Top 10 To Watch

With the above in mind and more, here’s BassFan’s recommendation on the Top 10 to watch at the Hartwell Classic.

1. Kevin VanDam – He’s the No. 1-ranked angler in the world, a two-time Classic champion, and the greatest angler of the modern era. He’s a threat to win every event he enters, but here, he seems to have something wired. He has that look in his eyes like he’s got something good. If not the all-out winner, then he should land somewhere in the Top 3 or 4.

2. Aaron Martens – He’s one of the favorites in every Classic he fishes simply because he’s that good. He’s never won the Classic, but he did finish 2nd three times in a row. This is also his type of lake – there are lots of suspended fish that are tough to figure out. That’s a rock-solid lock for his type of fishing, not to mention the fact that he said he’s on about 15 to 18 pounds a day right now.

3. Casey Ashley – The lone true local in the field, Ashley knows the lake and seems to have things wired. His problem might very well be local traffic. In that regard, the bad weather in the forecast might help him, because it’ll cut down the spectator traffic. He’s young, and the spotlight’s on him. Will he come through?

4. Steve Kennedy – Kennedy grew up in Georgia and has fished Hartwell plenty, as well as the whole Savannah Chain. He’s been pretty quiet prior to this one, and complained about his practice last week (lots of fish, little size), but he’s too good not to make the list.

5. Mike McClelland – Has shown he’s a closer the past few years with some key wins, one of which was downriver at Clarks Hill last year. He’s also been fairly quiet – call it secretive – but if he can get the jig working, he could have a big event.

BASS announces three years of Bassmaster Classic locations

February 21, 2008 – bassmaster.com

A first-time Classic destination, America’s Bass Capital and the Big Easy will usher in the excitement of the Bassmaster Classic through the next three years.

In 2009, the 39th Bassmaster Classic will be held on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La.; in 2010, Birmingham, Ala., welcomes back the Classic for the seventh time; and in 2011, the Classic marches back to New Orleans.

Launches for the three days of competition, Feb. 20-22, in 2009 will be from Red River South Marina in Bossier City, La.

“We’re excited to welcome the Bassmaster Classic back to Louisiana, long known as the Sportsman’s Paradise,” Louisiana Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu said. “We invite all the anglers, fans, and our BASS/ESPN family to enjoy Louisiana’s natural beauty, its great fishing, and our unique cultural heritage.”

The competition waters for Birmingham and New Orleans have yet to be determined but the Birmingham Classic is set for Feb. 19-21, and New Orleans will be held Feb. 18-20.

As always, BASS will showcase Classic content across several multimedia platforms throughout the event, and fans can follow the competition by tuning into ESPN2, attending the daily launches and weigh-ins or logging on to Bassmaster.com, which will provide extensive hourly coverage.

“BASS is thrilled to bring the Classic to three vibrant and diverse bass fishing destinations,” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, BASS. “This announcement highlights our commitment to our fans and to our sponsors. Much like the Super Bowl, fans now can make arrangements well in advance of attending future Classics — bass fishing’s pinnacle event.”

A Mike and Mike Mystery

February 21, 2008 – bassmaster.com

ANDERSON, S.C. — Cameras were still rolling, even after both Mike Golic and Erik Kuselias had long been off Lake Hartwell in Greenville, South Carolina.

The hosts of ESPN Radio’s Mike and Mike in the Morning (with Kuselias filling in for Mike Greenberg) will be working their entire show from the site of the 2008 Bassmaster Classic on Friday morning, but they wanted to spend a couple hours on Thursday getting to know the water.

Golic has obviously fished before — Kuselias obviously hasn’t. There was only one fish caught, and an argument ensued.

“You didn’t catch anything,” Golic said after he saw Kuselias with a smile that reached all the way across the Bassmaster studio war room, full of video editing machines and stressed out editors.

“I caught it and we have the video to prove it,” Kuselias protested, with his guide, professional BASS angler Davy Hite, backing his story. “I caught it and I kissed it. It’s my fish. Of course I kissed it. I even named it.”

Golic’s argument that Hite hooked the fish and handed the rod to Kuselias — which may or may not be true — was falling on deaf ears, so he changed tactics.

“Well you know what me and Jason we’re all about?” Golic asked, referring to his guide, BASS professional angler Jason Quinn. “We were about getting to know each other.”

But without a fish in hand or on film, Golic didn’t stand a chance. Any further argument just gave Kuselias another chance to talk about his 3-pound bass.

“Well, we we’re about winning,” Kuselias came back. “You don’t win the Bassmaster Classic because you know somebody really well; you win the Bassmaster Classic because you catch fish.”

All Golic could do was smile, and he’s have been smiling even wider if he’d seen Kuselias’ first few attempts at casting.

PRACTICE IS OVER…

February 21, 2008 – basszone.com

Greenville, SC. – The talk is over, now let the casting begin. The 50 Bassmaster Classic Qualifiers spent three hours subjecting themselves to every form of media available at the 2008 Media Day event at the Greenville Hyatt Conference Room; now the waiting is over.

Friday February 22 at 7:15 AM EST will bring the firing of Skeet Reese’s Outboard as he rockets his Champion boat in hopes of Classic immortality. Behind him will be 49 other Elite Series, Bassmaster Open, Federation Nation and Weekend Series Qualifiers all with the same though; to win the Bassmaster Classic and collect the $500,000 first place prize.

Weather conditions in the Greenville area have been taking a turn for the worse over the past week as cold temperatures, freezing rain with the potential of sleet or snow storms increasing. Pre Practice periods of February 12 – 14 had several anglers hoping that the would be able to focus on fishing deep, or fishing shallow, but the current weather conditions could turn those thoughts into nightmares.

The prevalent thought by the time Media Day had commenced was that the angler who eventually hoists the Classic trophy over his head would be an angler who made the fastest adjustments and could capitalize on both deep and shallow patterns.

But as has been proven time after time, this is one of the most talented field of anglers to target black bass, and the eventual outcome will be that more than one of these anglers will figure out a way to bring heavy bags of Lake Hartwell bass to the scales.

Practice winds down

February 20, 2008 – Bassmaster.com

ANDERSON, S.C.— After Bassmaster Classic qualifier Jared Lintner pulled his boat onto its trailer, his truck driver pulled up the hill from Lake Hartwell. Only then did Lintner remember to remove his life jacket.

“I feel like I’m still on the ocean,” he explained.

Cold and windy turned into sunny and windy today on the final day of practice for the 50 anglers who will fish for a half-million bucks beginning Friday. The waves and choppy water made it difficult for anglers who fished in exposed areas.

When asked what he learned on the water Wednesday, Federation Nation champion David Fritts replied: “I learned that I don’t like wind. I think it kept a lot of guys off their fish.

“I think everybody’s just trying to stumble on something new,” he added.

Lintner was one such angler. He was so disappointed in his practice last week that he just went freelancing Wednesday, “just trying different things.” He said he got more bites, but they were too small. Outside the creeks, all he could do was “surfing waves.”

Reactions to the day were the usual grab bag of experiences. Matt Sphar said it was his toughest day on the water so far. Steve Kennedy went looking for schooling fish and never found them.

“I was really just trying to catch a big fish,” said Kevin Short, echoing several other anglers. “I went out today to catch 4s and 5s. I just didn’t do it. That doesn’t mean that I can’t. I just didn’t do it today.”

Classic Q&A

February 20, 2008 – bassfan.com

Boyd Duckett: Defending Champ Wants to Stay Deep

1. Rate your practice on a scale of 1 to 10 – It was pretty decent – I’d probably give it an 8.

2. What do you see as the biggest wildcard, or “X-Factor” in the event? – That would probably be weather . There are a lot of fish at the threshold of swimming shallow, and if we get 3 or 4 warm days in a row, they’ll move to the banks and it’ll change the tournament. I’ve got fish that are deep and some guys don’t, so I’d prefer that it doesn’t change too much.

3. If you could have one wish for the final day of practice today, what would it be? – I’m going to check the locales of where I found the largest numbers of fish, and I hope to find them sitting right where I left them last Thursday.
4. Describe your emotions about the event right now – are you excited, nervous? – I’m ready to start. It’s been a long offseason and I think all of us are ready to compete. I’m chomping at the bit.

5. In terms of day 1, what’s your goal? – I think it’s going to take an average of 18 pounds a day to win, so I want to catch more than that.

Derek Remitz: It’s Been a Real Scramble

1. Rate your practice on a scale of 1 to 10 – Right now I’d say probably a 1, maybe a 2 if I’m being generous. I think I was just trying to make them bite the way I want them to bite, and it hasn’t happened for me yet. I’m throwing jigs and fishing the bottom, but I think there are too many suspended fish for that to work.

2. What do you see as the biggest wildcard, or “X-Factor” in the event? – The weather. It’s supposed to be fairly stable, but you never know. I think these fish want to move up, but the temperature just hasn’t hit that mark yet. If we get on a warming trend these fish could move a lot. Right now they’re just following the bait.

3. If you could have one wish for the final day of practice today, what would it be? – I’d like to find that miracle school of 3- to 4-pounders. I hear people talking about the schools and I know they’re out there. I haven’t found them yet, but I’m going to drop back and punt (today) and see if I can put something together.

4. Describe your emotions about the event right now – are you excited, nervous? – If the tournament started today I don’t know what I would do. I’m mentally prepared – I just don’t have anything to try. I’m not too nervous, though. You know me, I just do what I do. If it works, it works. I’m looking forward to it.

5. In terms of day 1, what’s your goal? – I’d like to catch 15 pounds a day. I don’t know if that’ll win it, but it should be close. I think if you can get a 20-pound day, a 16-pound day and a 13-pound day, you’ll be in good shape.

Grim forecast has anglers looking for deep fish in final Classic practice

February 20, 2008 – bassmaster.com

ANDERSON, S.C. — The public address system on the take-off dock on Lake Hartwell this morning was playing Big & Rich’s “Everybody’s Trying to Get Filthy Rich Off of Someone Else’s Money” as Boyd Duckett — who at last year’s Bassmaster Classic did just that  showed his new signature rods to tournament director Trip Weldon.

Like everyone else with a lick of sense, Weldon was bundled against the 32-degrees-and-gusty morning as though he was headed out to shovel snow. In his coat and gator, he walked to the edge of the dock and made a couple of casts with the medium-heavy rod. “Real nice,” he said.

“Isn’t that something?” said Duckett, who pocketed $500,000 by winning last year’s Classic. “Let me show you one of the big ones, if you ain’t in a big hurry.”

For all the cash and career-affirming prestige that comes with winning the thing, it was funny to see Duckett so relaxed on the final day of practice before the Classic begins Friday. He and other anglers seemed intent on checking their water — and maybe finding a few deep fish — but little else, as though there wasn’t much point in cramming this soon before the final exam.

“I’m just going to new water today,” angler Todd Faircloth as he organized tackle in his boat. “If I don’t catch fish today, I know where I’m going to catch fish in the tournament. You’re just trying to get a general idea of where you’re going to spend your time today. The water temperature’s basically going to stay where it’s at. I don’t think the fish are going to change much.”

That prediction is in spite of a Friday forecast that calls for rain and temperatures only slightly above freezing. Brent Chapman, for one, said he thought tonight’s full moon will help draw deep fish shallow, if not to the banks. Others thought the weather could hold the fish deep.

“Thirty-seven and raining? That’s about as cold as it gets,” Duckett said of Friday’s forecast. “One thing you don’t want to fish is cold, muddy water. If there is a shallow bite, and I have a shallow bite — you don’t know how well it’ll hold up if it rains. I don’t know if it’ll hold up. So I want to find some more deep fish.”

The Classic Spectator Pattern

February 19, 2008 – www.fishpaa.com

Spectator boats in your wake or in your shadow are a sign that you’ve arrived in fishing.

If you have some, it usually means you’re a superstar, a pre-tournament favorite or that you’re leading an event.

But while they’re nice to have, if not managed carefully they can ruin an angler’s chances in a given event.

“It’s kind of an honor to have an entourage,” said veteran pro Gary Klein, a contender in this week’s Bassmaster Classic on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell. “But they’re both a negative and a positive. Depending on your pattern, they can and will affect the outcome of a tournament.”

It wasn’t always that way. In the early days of professional bass tournaments, few fans thought to join their heroes out on the water, but in the last two decades that has changed dramatically. Now, they’re evident at nearly every tour stop, and at big events like the Classic (and Bassmaster Elite Series) they are an additional variable that each competitor must factor into his or her game plan.

“That’s the nature of the sport,” said Klein, PAA vice president. “The venues are all in the public domain. In no other professional sport is the playing ground open to the public. You’ll never see Tiger Woods putting with fifteen spectators walking all over the green.”

For Klein, their effect first became evident in the early 1990s. “At the first Classic in Birmingham, Alabama, I was awakened to that reality, which I hadn’t experienced before. I allowed them to take me out of the competition. I was in third or fourth place after the first day, but on the second day I had 47 boats following me,” he said.