BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Getting the chance to meet the 2015 Bassmaster Classic winner, Casey Ashley, is a dream that became a reality for one lucky man. James Thompson of Tahlequah, Okla., was the winner of the Fish with Casey Ashley Sweepstakes.
“I was very excited when I received the news notifying me that I had won,” Thompson said. “I hollered at my wife, Charlene, to come look — ‘you won’t believe this!’”
Fishing has been a passion of Thompson’s for many years, but due to physical limitations, he has not been able to enjoy the sport for quite some time. He said he entered this sweepstakes because he enters all B.A.S.S. Sweepstakes. After seeing many other people win, it was finally his time to shine. Thompson will take a trip to a to-be-determined fishery in the U.S. with Ashley. The prize includes round-trip airfare for one, three nights/four days hotel accommodations, a rental car for the duration of the trip and $500 spending money.
In addition to a fishing trip with Ashley, Thompson won a Triton 179 TrX boat with Mercury 115 Pro XS motor and MotorGuide trolling motor. His grand prize also included one Lowrance HDS-9 Gen 3 Insight with 83/200 kHz transducer; a Costa Del Mar prize pack including three pairs of sunglasses, a mesh hat and technical pro long-sleeve shirt; a Zebco Tour reel and 7-inch medium Smoke rod; a Simms ProDry Gore-Tex jacket; assorted fishing line from Hi-Seas; a Power-Pole Micro Anchor with spike; and assorted Zoom Bait gear.
Because of those physical limitations, Thompson’s son Terry is allowed to take his place during the fishing portion of the trip to meet Ashley.
“I am looking forward to meeting Casey in person and watching my son, Terry, and Casey begin their day of fishing together.”
Fans will have another chance to win a $5,000 gift card from Bass Pro Shops. The Bassmaster Shopping Spree Sweepstakes runs through Oct. 30, and the winner will be selected on Nov. 2, 2015.