Bass Masters Classic

[fishforfree]

I wonder what they would do if it was a tie? this could be the one that they thought would never happen!

That would be interesting wouldn't it?

[Jared LeBlue]

I would like to know what an average stringer on this place is. I'm sure it is in the 5 to 8lb range. It reminds me alot of the rivers down here, plenty of fish but getting a good stringer is a chore.

[Mike Noble]

If it ends in a tie, I imagine they would send the two (or however many are tied) back out for one hour.  I saw that in 1994 in North Carolina.  It wasn't the classic, but a pro-am.

[Kal-Kevin]

now that would be hard on the two of them! can you imagine to stress to get the job done? That I would not want to do, all the marbles on one hour!

[CouchTater]

 I am pulling for Cochran also, especially after his 99-10 total at Guntersville, and he didn't even go far from the launch...   

I have to agree with seeing the smaller bag weights on the other hand.  It has already been said, but I think it is more competative also.

Tater

[Swede]

KVD still my pick, but I still say don't count the rookie Clark out - cause he ain't no rookie.  It would be really nice to see Mize pull it off.  Bassfan.com said he quit his paper mill job to fish full time and this win would really help the guy.  By the way if there is tie - I think first tie breaker is biggest fish - if still tied then then most fish.  I could have that backwards though.

[Team KaRu]

Does anybody else remember the B.A.S.S. crew crying that they should not have the "Classic" in a place that they can't catch quality fish on... ie: Lake Michigan, Chicago, IL. They actually caught larger weights for the day there than they did today in Pittsburgh.     I guess bassfishing is now a "MAJOR SPORT" Lotsa bright colored vehicles,shirts and prime time coverage.  Hate to say it comes down to having a cash register and a place to sell sponsors products.  That is why Lake Toho is picked for next year... bunches of tourists. Yep, I appreciate the ability to see "live " coverage of the Classic but it is still about the fisherman not the sponsors.  As a fan of this sport called bass fishing I would like to see some quality fish dangled in front of the lens.  My wife sat thru the live weigh-in with me amazed at the BIG MONEY fisherman catching nothing.  Today's weigh-in, I believe, makes the sport go down a notch to the many fans that still think we stare at bobbers all day drinking beer and spitting' tobacco.  But this sport will be saved as soon as they find the correct spokeswoman yes.. woman to come into the scene.  Just think of the new sponsors... Soft sided tackle by Eve St. Laurent or Gucci and other fashion lines. Just think they could get all of our wives and daughters buying at the local Wal-Mart just in time for the new school year.

Gosh I love stirring up the forum a little 
Really I'm just venting for fun here. no hate mail... 

[Swede]

As a fan I agree about enjoying the sight of big stringers, but the fisherman in me enjoys seeing the big guys work real hard for a living.

[Kal-Kevin]

Swede I go along with you on this one it is nice to see the big guns fight for a bag. We do it more then most of us want to say, and now we see them doing it. I think it helps the sport in showing we all are just human!

[BIG PAPA]

We all like to see big stringers, it just makes it more fun to watch.
But make no mistake IT IS ALL about the sponsors,, without them there would not be a Bassmaster Classic or for that matter probably not even a major tour.
papa

[Team KaRu]

You're right PaPa, make no mistake IT IS ALL about the sponsors,, without them there would not be a Bassmaster Classic ON TV. except they fished for almost free when the first classic came out and this sport has boomed without the big payouts  There are only 200 boats going out at each FLW &Everstart and BASS tourneys each month... How many boats go out each weekend for the local clubs that pay under $500 to the winner?   I guess to say a majority.
Poll our forum and the total winnings wouldn't be enough to retire Mike & Laurie comfortably.  But we all fish the tourneys when we can afford them and have the additional time to get the competitive juices flowing ...

catching 5 for the box, smells like Victory.   You know I love the smell of shad in the morning.

[Pferox]

I think it is a good thing to see the "Pros" get skunked once in a while, it gives realistic expectations to those who are watchin and thinkin of pickin up the sport.
A long time ago, I was gettin a little tired of gettin skunked catfishin.
So I see one of the first bass fishin programs on tv, and see that he is catchin a fish almost every other cast.
I think wow that is the sport for me, for sure.
Now I seem to do more cat fishin

[Swede]

Without the sponsors - I believe there would be a tour, but fewer fisherman would be able to afford to participate.  The local/regional tourneys would get more press.  Sponsors open the doors to folks who would otherwise be watching the big show on TV like us.  Sponsors play a critical role in the overall popularity of the sport.  It brings visibility of our sport to the youngsters out there not familiar.  Kids say - "I want to do that" and the next thing you know we have another Ike whooping and hollering in a TV broadcasted tourney.  Parents also oplay a huge role in this so if you have kids - take them fishing.  I'm headed to Seminole with my daughter this weekend.

[Mike Cork]

How many boats go out each weekend for the local clubs that pay under $500 to the winner?   I guess to say a majority.
Poll our forum and the total winnings wouldn't be enough to retire Mike & Laurie comfortably.  But we all fish the tourneys when we can afford them and have the additional time to get the competitive juices flowing ...

catching 5 for the box, smells like Victory.   You know I love the smell of shad in the morning.

Team Illinois, I just had to make a comment on this statement. The Club or local open fisherman is what we tried to keep in mind in building this site. For every pro out there I would venture to guess there are 500 club or local fisherman that truly enjoy the competitive juices from local events. We want to get all these type fisherman together in one place. Things like the weekly contest are even geared toward this idea, meaning we do need sponsors to help make this site what it is, but the contest is a way for folks to get their products into the hands of fisherman like us, and a way for us to try new products and not have to spend 8 dollars a piece just to experiment

Even our main site, all the articles are written by fisherman just like you and me. Not some pro pushing his sponsor. But fisherman that beat the lakes every weekend and personal experiences of those trips. Down to earth information with tricks and techniques that worked, advice from the guy you see on the water every weekend. Not some pro that gets to fish on waters that are known for giant stringers (this classic is an exception). Articles written by folks that work just as hard as you and I do to catch a limit.

Anyway didn't mean to get on a soap box or come across like I was preaching, just wanted to plug the main idea of Ultimate Bass.

Ok back to your regularly scheduled programing..........................

Go KVD

[Lipripper]

Mike I looked at it this morning and it looks like it was still a tuff bite today. and some of them didn't have a fish in the boat at all  That looks like one tuff place to get a 12" Bass 

[Mike Cork]

Sure is Lip, take the best 47 bass  fisherman in the world and when they can't catch a 12" fish it's TOUGH

This may go down as lowest weights every registared in a classic  They are catching a bunch of fish, so you won't be able to say the toughest ever

[Lipripper]

It's going to be instering tomorrow if it keeps going like it has been so far 

[Fishaholic]

mrbass(one of our members) shoulda been in this one, it's his style and kind of fishin' all the way.

I haven't seen anyone workin tubes on straight line runs yet...there's usually a lot of riprap at the bottom on straight runs, so the current on top is deceiving as to what the current on the bottom is doing...everyone seems to just be working breaks that are visible.

...and mr clunn is in serious trouble, as are some of the other greats!

[Kal-Kevin]

on ESPN they said the lower weight to win a classic was 15 pound some ounces year ago on the same body of water. I wonder if a new record is on the making?

[Swede]

4 have limits now - looks as if Martens and Ike going to hard to beat.  Cochran, Swindle,Walker coming on finally, KVD holding on. As low as the weights are though one good bite is all someone needs to get back in the hunt.  From what Ron Shuffield was saying - the kid he was with for kids classic caught 4-5 pound largemouth on 6 lb test so the big fish are there.  Heck - if the kids can catch them...........From what I have seen - CB/Jerkbait playing major roll in getting right bite.  Mize had 4 LM and one spot yesterday - wonder where his fish went -nothing today??  I think Cochran will still have the lowest BMC weight after all is said and done, but not by much...just guessing.

[fishforfree]

Well.....................it's time for the boys to get offf the water........

Let's see who makes the Top 25 and is allowed to fffish fffor one more day

[fishforfree]

Hackney and Yelas are going home without any fish after 2 days.

[fishforfree]

I'm watching the weigh in board on bassmaster.com

I'm not watching to see what the weight is anymore ..........I watching to see if someone can actually make the cut wothout weighing in a fish in 2 days......

it could happen....

[Mike Cork]

Don't you just love how BASS has come up with a new thing to have to be a part of in order to see the weigh in live it's all about money. I am member of Bass and Bass Times, but now I have to be a member of Bass Insider, oh and looky there it is only 59.95 Guees I will just wait to see the taped version at 5

[Mike Cork]

How is that going to be determined. If the top 20 are the only ones to catch fish how are they going to determine who gets to move on  I imagine they will have to only take those that caught fish