Roughly three months away from the 2009 Bassmaster Classic, the full field of 51 anglers was finalized Saturday with David Williams of Maiden, N.C., winning the Bassmaster Weekend Series Championship Operated by American Bass Anglers and scoring the final Classic berth. The 39th edition of the Classic will be held Feb. 20-22 on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La.
The field is highlighted by Kim Bain-Moore, the first female to compete in a Classic. Bain earned her berth by capturing the Women's Bassmaster Angler of the Year title on the strength of a banner performance on the Women's Bassmaster Tour.
Also qualifying were the top 36 anglers in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings derived from the 2008 Bassmaster Elite Series; the top three anglers in the Bassmaster Open points standings in each of two 2008 Opens Divisions; six amateur competitors through the 2008 BASS Federation Nation Championship and Alton Jones of Waco, Texas, the defending Classic champion. In the case of anglers who qualified through two avenues, BASS worked down the Angler of the Year rankings. The full list of competitors can be found below arranged alphabetically.
"It's an honor to qualify for the Classic and we congratulate all of the qualified anglers on their terrific seasons," said Jamie Wilkinson, BASS senior director of event operations and business development. "We are excited for what promises to be a historic Classic."
According to BASS rules, the Red River will become off-limits to Classic participants Dec. 15. Anglers will get another crack at the fishery during the official practice period, set for Feb. 13-15, and a final look Feb. 18.
The competition will feature daily launches at 7:15 a.m. CT Feb. 20-22 at Red River South Marina. Daily weigh-ins will take place at the CenturyTel Center at 3:30 p.m. CT. The 2009 Classic will be hosted by the Shreveport Regional Sports Authority.
2009 Classic Contenders
1. Casey Ashley Donalds, S.C.
2. Kim Bain-Moore Alabaster, Ala.
3. Ken Baumgardner Monongahela, Pa.
4. Michael Burns Plano, Texas
5. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, Kan.
6. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo.
7. Mark Davis Mt. Ida, Ark.
8. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala.
9. Jay Evans Corvallis, Mont.
10. Edwin Evers Talala, Okla.
11. Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas
12. Terry Fitzpatrick Waukon, Iowa
13. Jami Fralick Martin, S.D.
14. Shaw Grigsby Gainesville, Fla.
15. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La.
16. Matt Herren Trussville, Ala.
17. Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla.
18. Davy Hite Ninety Six, S.C.
19. Randy Howell Springville, Ala.
20. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala.
21. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, Fla.
22. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J.
23. Alton Jones Waco, Texas
24. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas
25. Steve Kennedy Auburn, Ala.
26. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, Ala.
27. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas
28. Bobby Lane Lakeland, Fla.
29. Bill Lowen North Bend, Ohio
30. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala.
31. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Ark.
32. Ish Monroe Hughson, Calif.
33. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, Va.
34. Scott Parker Londonberry, N.H.
35. Waine Pittman Villa Rica, Ga.
36. Greg Pugh Cullman, Ala.
37. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif.
38. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu, Ariz.
39. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark.
40. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, Okla.
41. Bryan Schmidt Olney, Texas
42. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, Fla.
43. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, Fla.
44. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo.
45. Peter Thliveros St. Augustine, Fla.
46. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich.
47. Byron Velvick Del Rio, Texas
48. Dustin Wilks Rocky Mount, N.C.
49. David Williams Maiden, N.C.
50. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky.
51. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, N.C.