Onamia, MN — Perennial fan favorite Gerald Swindle would not be denied in 2016. The Alabama native fought hard all year, and this weekend, received the payoff.
Gerald Swindle is your 2016 Bassmaster Angler of the Year.
While he failed to put a limit in the live well on day one, he would solve the puzzle, and bring a hefty 22 pounds to the weigh ins on the final day. The title is the second AOY in his career.
That final day, Swindle armed himself with a jerk bait and vibrating jig to put them in the boat. He would later recount, “Sometimes, you just have to go with your gut.”
Following that gut feeling was worth a $100,000 pay day, and a ticket to the 2017 Bassmaster Classic.
Minnesota native Seth Feider won the actual tournament, putting on a show with 76 pounds, 5 ounces of Mille Lacs smallies. He patiently threw a drop-shot rig near large rocks to bring his fish to hand.
The Elite pros now go on a small hiatus until the season kicks into gear in 2017.