Being held March 16 - 18, 2018 on Lake Hartwell in Greenville, South Carolina. (again)

 Of the 51 anglers who qualified there are a number who have competed in the event before.  Some several times.

 Of those many are looking for their first Classic win.  But some still have won this winner take all event before.

Casey Ashley 2015

Luke Clausen 2006

Mark Davis 1995

Edwin Evers  2016

Randy Howell  2014

Mike Iaconelli  2013

Alton Jones  2008

Jordan Lee 2017

Cliff Pace  2013

Skeet Reese  2009

And then there's Mr Kevin Van Dam,

making his 27th appearance this year after winning in  2001, again in 2005, then back to back in 2010 & 2011.

 

 

So - who's taking the trophy home this time ?  

A previous winner, or a first timer ?

 

I'm going with this year's AOY Champion ~   Brandon Palaniuk 

 

A-Jay

 

 

 

 

Ashley ( again)

Has the AOY ever won the classic? Be a great way to get the new year rolling for him. Christie has to be due sometime soon.

16 hours ago, Tim Kelly said:

Has the AOY ever won the classic? Be a great way to get the new year rolling for him. Christie has to be due sometime soon.

Mark Davis won both titles in 1995

Jacob wheeler

I'll go with Ott Defoe since he is from my neck of the woods

If somebody that fished those derbies is from Indiana that's who I'll pick. Obviously I don't keep up with all of those since they aren't broadcasted on my tv that I know of. 

I would like to see Aaron Martens win, he finished 2nd too many times.

Tom

Caleb Sumrall, New Iberia, La. 

1 hour ago, Catt said:

Caleb Sumrall, New Iberia, La. 

Is that a name or an anagram?  

 

Good luck to him, whoever he is.

2 hours ago, Catt said:

Caleb Sumrall, New Iberia, La. 

 

26 minutes ago, Tim Kelly said:

Is that a name or an anagram?  

 

Good luck to him, whoever he is.

 

Won the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship on Lake Hartwell in South Carolina!

14 hours ago, CroakHunter said:

If somebody that fished those derbies is from Indiana that's who I'll pick.

That would be Mr. Jacob Wheeler.

8 minutes ago, fishballer06 said:

That would be Mr. Jacob Wheeler.

True. But I believe he now calls Tennessee home.

6 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

True. But I believe he now calls Tennessee home.

I had heard he got married last year and was likely moving a little further south to help ease his travel woes for tournaments.

Ok, I'll choose Jacob Wheeler. I think we went to different high schools together. 

On ‎12‎/‎12‎/‎2017 at 7:26 PM, A-Jay said:

 

Being held March 16 - 18, 2018 on Lake Hartwell in Greenville, South Carolina. (again)

 Of the 51 anglers who qualified there are a number who have competed in the event before.  Some several times.

 Of those many are looking for their first Classic win.  But some still have won this winner take all event before.

Casey Ashley 2015

Luke Clausen 2006

Mark Davis 1995

Edwin Evers  2016

Randy Howell  2014

Mike Iaconelli  2013

Alton Jones  2008

Jordan Lee 2017

Cliff Pace  2013

Skeet Reese  2009

And then there's Mr Kevin Van Dam,

making his 27th appearance this year after winning in  2001, again in 2005, then back to back in 2010 & 2011.

 

 

So - who's taking the trophy home this time ?  

A previous winner, or a first timer ?

 

I'm going with this year's AOY Champion ~   Brandon Palaniuk 

 

A-Jay

 

 

 

 

A-Jay, I attended the last classic on Hartwell and it was fantastic. Everything you would think would be there plus more.

 

I urge all Forum guys and gals to take the time and go to the Classic.

 

It is worth every penny spent on travel expenses.

 

My pick for the winner?  Ike, who else!!!!

Mark Davis and not because he's from my hometown or the fact we fish against each other occasionally or because my best friend has his boat from last year or because he helps out our high school team so much.....Well maybe a lil of all that lol

The last time they were there it was earlier in the year and a huge cold front hit before the tournament started, conditions will most likely be completely different this go-round. That said, Ashley has to be the favorite again this time. I doubt anyone knows the lake as well as him.

On 12/28/2017 at 7:53 AM, Sam said:

A-Jay, I attended the last classic on Hartwell and it was fantastic. Everything you would think would be there plus more.

 

I urge all Forum guys and gals to take the time and go to the Classic.

 

It is worth every penny spent on travel expenses.

 

My pick for the winner?  Ike, who else!!!!

I am taking my family this year to it. What all is there to do? Never been to it so not sure what all there is too do for family? Me, my wife and 3 kids

Luckily for us we are from SC so its only a 2 hour ride from the house. 

Jarhead Koontz, you don't have to take a bus to the early morning blastoffs. You can stay all day in the large exhibit hall and have a blast.

 

Almost every bass affiliated manufacturer will be there. I met the owner of Rage Tail; got autographs from so many pros, including Ish Monroe who is a funny and nice guy. Spoke with the Tracker and Mercury guys about their products. Got a great deal on a new PDF at the large Dick's area.

 

You can see and touch the Classic trophies that are sprinkled around the event site. Take a family photo with the trophy and share with us.

And you will see various pros walking around. Like Mark Menendez, Jimmy Houston, KVD, G-Man, Ike and too many others to name.

 

You can speak with the guys from the Berkely (Pure Fishing) research team. Great guys and maybe Dr. Keith Jones will be there this time.

 

Parking will be slow so be ready to stay in line into the parking area. Just remember where you parked.

 

And bring a large bag for the freebies. Have you, each child and your wife have their own bag so you can double up on the goodies. Stop at the Dick's display and each of you can get a large Dick's bag. I think I have two around my house and they are great.

 

Please let us know about your trip and what you saw, who you saw, and what goodies you brought home.

 

And watch the traffic. From the Interstate into the parking lot there will be a line of vehicles. So be patient and let your family know so they wont' get frustrated.

 

Thank you for your service.

 

Happy New Year!

Jacob Powroznik, believe he came close last Classic they were there.

Why do they always have the classic on the same lakes that they have already had them on? Logistics?

23 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

Why do they always have the classic on the same lakes that they have already had them on? Logistics?

Don't know for sure but I would bet money is the reason.

1 hour ago, tander said:

Don't know for sure but I would bet money is the reason.

Hahahah good point. I suppose that is always the reason for most anything 

40 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

Hahahah good point. I suppose that is always the reason for most anything 

In many instances the local city or county contributes funds for having the events in their neck of the woods.

 

Also, the local hotels and motels will have specials to lure customers to their locations.

 

Logistics, exhibition halls, number of available hotel/motel rooms, parking, blast off sites, weigh-in locations, police/deputy services, around areas that support bass fishing, etc. can all be factors.

 

Remember, the exhibition hall is a distance from the ramp and weigh-in areas so you will have to take the bus to and from those sites.

 

But it is worth every penny. I suggest everyone attend at least one Classic before they get too old or have too many kids.