Greenville, SC — There was plenty of drama to go around this weekend at the Bassmaster Classic, despite Lake Hartwell being stingy for all three days of the tournament. At the end of it all, the young Jordan Lee joined legends Rick Clunn and Kevin VanDam as the only anglers to go back-to-back as Classic champs.
It was an improbable end to an improbable run. Lee began the final day in sixth place, but would weigh in a 16 pound, 5 ounce bag that would be enough to keep him in the hot seat as the best anglers in the world brought their bags to the scales.
In what can easily be described as deja vu, California native Brent Ehrler took the lead early on during the final day, but would lose that position to the Alabama native. The emotion was visible for Brent as he realized he wouldn’t be holding the trophy this year.
For his part, Lee caught his fish using a variety of techniques including targeting boat docks and using a Rage Swimmer, Ocho, and a Shimmy Stick. He also used a mystery jerk bait and a homemade jig.
Heartbreak All Around
Ehrler wasn’t the only angler spending the night in Heartbreak Hotel, Jason Christie, who led for the first two days, couldn’t bring much to bear on the final day, and saw that lead slip away.
Jason could only manage 8 pounds, 11 ounces on the final day.
Alabama pro, and my new favorite person on the tour, Mark Daniels Jr. brought home the big bass of the tournament with 6 pound, 11 ounce largemouth on the first day.
Lee will cash the big $300,000 check, and roll into the 2018 season as the man to beat.