Last weekend I attended my 6th Bassmaster Classic. Every one has been fun and exciting in it’s own way. My first was in 1988 on the James River in Richmond, Virginia won by the late great Missouri angler, Guido Hibdon. I was at Solider Field in Chicago for the Classic on Lake Michigan when Woo Daves won in 2000! I had the opportunity to ride along with the competitors at the 2011 Classic in New Orleans won my super-star Kevin VanDam! In that event I rode along with Bret Chapman as he made the long run to the most southern tip of Louisiana at Venice across the Gulf of Mexico! I was hanging on tight for that thrilling ride in a bass boat! The other two were the ones on Grand Lake, the playing field for this year’s 54th annual event.

Alabama angler, Justin Hamner would go on to win his first Bassmaster Classic title on Sunday. He lead all three days with a total of 53lbs-3ozs! Ava, Missouri’s own Cody Huff finished in 3rd place with 50lbs-7ozs!

I can only imagine what it must feel like to hold up that trophy with the fans all cheering and the confetti flying!