The 2014 Bassmaster Classic is now in the books. We can’t talk about it without saying congratulations to Randy Howell for turning in an amazing if not an inspired performance. However, in attending the Classic, there are so many other components that don’t get air time or much media coverage that we think deserve some attention.
Several companies use the Classic as the venue of choice to introduce new baits or line or rods or reels. Whatever they have that they feel is ready for scrutiny will be on display. Not to mention that the expo draws tens of thousands of folks every year because so many companies are there showing their goods and giving the public the opportunity to buy them at reduced prices.
We did a lot of walkin’ and talkin’ while the pro’s were on the water prior to weigh-in every day to see what the vendors were offering as well as touch base with some old friends.
By doing this we found some new goodies that made their debut at the Classic that we will spend some time on in the near future.
Take some time and enjoy the show
Products aside, the Classic is an opportunity for the public to come out, meet and talk with the pro’s, get some great deals as well as spend a few days boning up on new techniques or tweaks to old methods that may help them become better anglers.
There were tanks set up by some of the vendors for the purpose of having the pro’s demonstrate how to use particular baits. They shared all the information including rod action and length, reel size, line size, knots used and particular situations that they use a bait in.
They used the baits with different retrieves while talking about when they employ a specific method with a particular bait. They did this while answering questions from the audience so that it became an interactive event.
We enjoyed watching the crowd as they were watching the baits. The thing that struck us was how interested some of the kids were in everything that was going on. Some of them weren’t at all shy and jumped right in with their own questions.
All the pro’s were engaging, polite and seemed to really light up when a good question came from the bystanders. Even those who were only there for the final day of the expo which means they didn’t make the cut so they weren’t fishin’ the final day.
These Pro’s are all about the fans
This is perhaps the most impressive part of the entire event. Remember that the final day, only 25 anglers are fishing. The rest go to the expo to represent their sponsors, take pictures with fans and generally make themselves available to whomever wants to speak with them.
Can you imagine being in the mood to do this after having worked for an entire year to secure a spot to compete in the Classic and then not making the final day cut.
That has got to be tough! But as we’ve talked about in past articles, these pro’s are, as a group, probably the most approachable and genuinely appreciative of their fans than any other professional sportsman.
I may get a lot of flack for that statement but I think it is absolutely true.
If you don’t believe me, look for one of these events that is in your area, make plans and go! The Elite Series is just getting under way which means there are several more tournaments this season all of which promise to provide great entertainment.
You won’t have to worry about it being family friendly, it caters to those who have children. If you’ve never attended a professional bass fishing event, take the time this year and give it a shot.
At the very least, you’ll get a chance to see a lot of great gear, learn something about several techniques and introduce yourself to the person who may end up being the next Classic Champion. After all, you don’t know what your missing if you’ve never gone.
See ya’ on the water …