The BASS family is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of South Carolina pro Carl Maxfield. Maxfield competed in his first BASS event in 1976 and became a full-time pro in 1991. During his bass fishing career he garnered 10 top 10 finishes, including a win at the 2000 Maryland Bassmaster Top 150 event on the Potomac River. Maxfield appeared in the Bassmasters Classic twice in his career, in 2000 and 2002. Maxfield was 126th in the current Busch BASS Angler of the Year points standings. He is survived by his wife, Toni, his sons, Michael and Adam Grayson, and his daughter, Amanda.
REACTION TO THE PASSING OF CARL MAXFIELD
Dean Kessel, Vice President and General Manager, BASS. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Carl's family. Carl's presence and positive outlook will be missed on the tournament trail and we are greatly saddened by his passing."
Davy Hite, 2002 BASS Angler of the Year and fellow South Carolina pro. "Carl and Bobby Wilson were two of the guys that I looked up to before I started fishing the Bassmaster Trail. Carl was always real positive and gave me good advice, just like a true friend would. My heart goes out to his family."
Pam Behnke, Mercury Marine. "We want Toni and Carl's family to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them during these trying times."
Trip Weldon, BASS Tournament Director. "I first met Carl in 1983 and he was one of the truly good guys in the sport. My thoughts are with his wife, Toni, their children and the rest of the Maxfield family. He will definitely be missed."
George McNeilly, Director, Communications ESPN Outdoors. "Carl was an accomplished angler and a terrific person. Few bass angling fans will forget his early round lead at the 2000 Classic in Chicago. We are deeply saddened by his passing and have his family in our thoughts and prayers."
Tim Tucker, Senior writer, BASS Publications. "Carl was a terrific guy and one of the sport's real goodwill ambassadors. He was among the most well-liked men on the Tour. Carl went out of his way to help his fellow anglers when they were in need of help. He was a true gentleman. His passing will hit the sport harder than we realize."
Dewey Kendrick, BASS Site Selection Manager. "Mine and Charlene's condolences go out to Toni and the family. I first met Carl in 1991 and he was always a professional and a gentleman. We will all miss him."