Strictly Equipped
Fishermen are gear freaks. The BASS Masters Classic contenders are no exception to this rule. To add another level of difficulty to the Classic format, bass anglers are limited to the amount of tackle they can put in the boat. That really handcuffs people like Kevin VanDam, the 2001 Classic champ, who piles about 750,000 pounds into the dry-storage compartments of his boat during regular tournaments.
Only ten rod-and-reel combinations are allowed to be on the boat. If a rod is broken an angler must get special permission from the tournament department before it can be replaced. Two extra reels may be stowed onboard in case of a malfunction. Approximately two tackleboxes full of baits and terminal tackle are allowed. The only way a fisherman may add to this during the competition, is if a bait is given to him by another competitor.
The Cash Flows
The BASS Masters Classic champion is not the only fellow that walks away with a title. Pennzoil, besides being the marine oil of choice for the outboard motors at this year's Classic, sponsors the daily Big Bass Award. Here are the winners:
Day 1 Jay Yelas 4 pounds, 11 ounces;
Day 2 Michael Holt 3 pounds, 13 ounces;
Day 3 Paul Elias 4 pounds, 7 ounces.
The winning anglers each received $1000 for their lunkers.
Classic Fact
James Dawson Sr., known by all in the bass ranks as Pooley, is the only B.A.S.S. staff member (still working for the organization) that has attended EVERY Classic in history.
A New Era
Call it the "second coming of bass fishing." Ray Scott was responsible for the first when he founded B.A.S.S. The marriage of ESPN and B.A.S.S. is the second. Today bass fishing history was made, and the future of bass fishing was elevated to a new (never before thought possible) level. Live coverage of the Classic appeared on Sportscenter, giving those who couldn't make it to the Louisiana Superdome immediate results of the most prestigious fishing tournament in the world.
As a curtain was lifted to reveal the final five anglers contending for the title, smoke, fireworks, laser lights and rock music created a WWF-like atmosphere. The format was totally new. No more of "the last guy to weigh in is going to win," stuff.
The five anglers most likely to win are brought onto the stage. Their names are thrown into a hat and randomly drawn for who weighs in first. As a competitor's name is called, his boat is driven to the stage. The competitor removes the fish from the livewell and weighs in. When the next fisherman's weight is determined, the guy with the lower weight leaves the stage. The champion is the last man standing. This exciting new format is just the beginning of what bass fisherman can expect from B.A.S.S.'s new era.
Quote Of The Day
"During the regular tournament season I always bring my two kids on stage while I weigh-in. I knew the only way I would be able to do that here is by winning the thing. I can't tell you how happy I am to be holding them right now!" -- Kevin VanDam, 2001 BASS Masters Classic Champion