LSU Takes Bassmaster College Classic Title

The Fishing Tigers of Louisiana State University met the Alabama Crimson tide this morning on Lake Verret, which lies roughly 90 miles west of New Orleans. The Tide came into the event as reigning champs thanks to their win at the inaugural Bassmaster College Classic last year. However, the Tide proved to be a bit low this year as the Tigers won by more than 8 pounds.

"This was so much fun; winning here in front of the hometown crowd. You want to win at home because your home water is everything, and beating 'Bama was the icing on the cake," LSU angler Travis Laurent said. "Hearing the fight song got me jacked up; I got a little crazy."

Each school fielded three two-man teams that combined the weight of their total catches. Out of a possible 15 fish (if each team managed a five-fish limit), Alabama only registered nine bass for 20 pounds, 2 ounces. The Tigers brought 13 fish to the scales for a total heavier than 28 pounds.

New for this year was the weigh-in on the Toyota stage in the New Orleans Arena. Rather than weighing in at the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by Dick's Sporting Goods, the collegiate anglers got a warm welcome to the big stage.

"I can tell you right now that everybody was shaking when we walked across that stage," Laurent said.

2011 Bassmaster Classic local hosts: Louisiana Office of Tourism, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation

2011 Bassmaster Classic Official Sponsors: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, Bass Pro Shops, Evan Williams Bourbon, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Skeeter, Triton, Yamaha

About B.A.S.S.
For more than 40 years, B.A.S.S. has served as the authority on bass fishing. The organization advances the sport through advocacy, outreach and an expansive tournament structure while connecting directly with the passionate community of bass anglers through its Bassmaster media vehicles.

The Bassmaster brand and its multimedia platforms are guided by a mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications - Bassmaster Magazine and B.A.S.S. Times - comprehensive website Bassmaster.com, and ESPN2 television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, B.A.S.S. Federation Nation events presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.

B.A.S.S. offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members and remains focused on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.

Kevin VanDam busts records as he claims 4th Bassmaster Classic victory

The number four, how sweet it is — for Kevin VanDam, that is. Arguably the world’s best bass angler, the Kalamazoo, Mich., pro claimed his fourth Bassmaster Classic win on Sunday.

But for Aaron Martens, the number four isn’t so tasty. While VanDam’s win tied him with Rick Clunn’s 11-year-old record of four Classic trophies, Martens was left with the runner-up spot for the fourth time. The sting for Martens was the repeat of his second-place finish to VanDam in the 2005 Classic.

VanDam shook up a stack of Classic records on Sunday. Besides tying Clunn at four, he shattered a five-year-old Classic weight record when he brought 69 pounds, 11 ounces of Louisiana Delta bass to the scales over three days. The previous three-day, five-bass-limit mark was 56-2 by Luke Clausen in the 2006 Classic on a Florida bass factory, Lake Tohopekaliga.

Other new milestones for VanDam are a record 20 Bassmaster event wins, and crossing the $5 million line in B.A.S.S. winnings, thanks to the big bump provided by his $500,000 win Sunday in New Orleans. He remains the circuit’s top all-time money winner.

He also now shares Clunn’s claim as the only angler to take back-to-back Classic wins; Clunn did it in 1976-1977, VanDam in 2010-2011. To top off the superlatives list, VanDam now has twice held the sport’s top two titles concurrently: Classic champ while being the reigning Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year.

“The last few years have been really magical for me. It’s been incredible,” VanDam said on stage as he hugged the trophy.

Martens, who led on the first day but fell to third on the second day, pulled back up to post a 59-0 total for the second-place finish. But after it was all over, he said he was OK with the bridesmaid role once again.

“This is the easiest second place I’ve ever had,” said the pro from Leeds, Ala. “If it had been closer, it would have been different. But it was obvious after yesterday (Day 2) he was probably going to do it. No stress, no remorse. I’m very happy I got second.”

VanDam and Martens have a friendly relationship. They even posed together with the trophy during a press conference.

Claiming third place was Derek Remitz of Grant, Ala., who finished with 56-8 on the strength of his final-day catch of 26-5. His big bass of 8 pounds, 4 ounces, was a sample of the prolific spot he shared on the Delta’s Lake Cataouatche with VanDam and Martens, among others.

“It felt like I hit a big ball of grass,” Remitz said. “I leaned into it a little bit and felt it start moving. I thought, ‘Oh, boy, I think this is a big one.’ Then he came up — and from thereon, I can’t say what I said.”

Remitz said the fish fell to a Lucky Craft RC 1.5 in a bream finish.

Martens described the area they shared as a “bass factory” that he worked mainly with a square-billed crankbait and 3/8-ounce Vibe spinnerbait made by Davis Bait Co.

VanDam was using a Strike King KVD 1.5 crankbait, Quantum KVD Tour crankbait rod and 20-pound Bass Pro Shops brand fluorocarbon line.

A key to his win, he said, was being “dialed-in” on what was going on in the spot the leaders shared over the three days. He also made a crucial adjustment from a spinnerbait to his crankbait.

“The thing that probably helped me more than anything, what won this tournament for me, was the experiences I’ve had in the past in knowing how the fish react to these types of extreme weather changes, the time of the year with the full moon.”

Two days of long fog delays did not give most anglers time to demonstrate what they could do on the Louisiana Delta. The longer third day was a truer indication of their abilities and of the fishery’s health. Boyd Duckett, who finished sixth with 53-2, hauled in 28 pounds, 13 ounces the final day. VanDam had 28-0 on Day 3, Remitz 26-05, and Martens 25-14.

“Boy, what a day, what a week,” VanDam said.

2011 Bassmaster Classic local hosts: Louisiana Office of Tourism, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation

2011 Bassmaster Classic Official Sponsors: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, Bass Pro Shops, Evan Williams Bourbon, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Skeeter, Triton, Yamaha

About B.A.S.S.

For more than 40 years, B.A.S.S. has served as the authority on bass fishing. The organization advances the sport through advocacy, outreach and an expansive tournament structure while connecting directly with the passionate community of bass anglers through its Bassmaster media vehicles.

The Bassmaster brand and its multimedia platforms are guided by a mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications — Bassmaster Magazine and B.A.S.S. Times — comprehensive website Bassmaster.com, and ESPN2 television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, B.A.S.S. Federation Nation events presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.

B.A.S.S. offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members and remains focused on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.

Stratos Boats Unveils Bassmaster Classic Promotions

In conjunction with the 2011 Bassmaster Classic in New Orleans, Stratos Boats is calling all Stratos enthusiasts and avid anglers to visit the Stratos booth and receive limited-edition free gear while taking in one of the industry’s most exciting displays. With some of the biggest names in the sport among the Stratos pro staff, including Skeet Reese, Mike McClelland and Larry Nixon, Classic attendees will have the opportunity for first hand buying advice and insight from bass fishing’s elite.

Triton Boats Becomes Official Sponsor of All Bassmaster Tournament Trails

Long-time Bassmaster sponsor Triton Boats, LLC has expanded its commitment to the premier level, B.A.S.S. LLC announced today.

Under a new sponsorship agreement, Triton becomes an Official Sponsor of all Bassmaster tournament trails and events: the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens, and B.A.S.S. Federation Nation events presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats.

"Triton is extremely proud to be named a premier sponsor of B.A.S.S.," said company founder Earl Bentz. "We have been a supporting sponsor of the organization for some time, and feel our elevation to the highest sponsorship level symbolizes our deep commitment not only to B.A.S.S. and its members, but to the entire sport of bass fishing. The fishing and boating industries have faced and weathered difficult challenges during our nation's current economic slowdown, but as our economy continues to rebound, we envision a bright future for B.A.S.S., Triton and the entire sport."

Said Jerry McKinnis, a B.A.S.S. owner: "B.A.S.S. is proud to continue its close association with the Triton brand. The Triton reputation for solid service and quality products appeals to anglers of all skill levels, and certainly to our core membership of bass anglers."

Along with other Bassmaster Classic Official Partners, Triton will have a big presence at the Feb. 18-20 Bassmaster Classic in New Orleans, and especially at the concurrent Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by Dick's Sporting Goods at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

There, anglers can view Triton's newest bass boats, including the 18- and 19-foot XS Series models and the all-new SE Series, as well as the legendary 21HP. In addition, tournament anglers can learn about Triton's redesigned contingency program, Triton Gold, now one of the largest in the industry.

For more information about Triton products, visit TritonBoats.com.

Randy Montana & Casey Ashley to Perform at 2011 Bassmaster Classic

Mercury/Nashville recording artist Randy Montana and Casey Ashley have signed on to perform live, free concerts from the Costa stage for thousands of fishing fans filling the New Orleans Arena during the 2011 Bassmaster Classic. The Bassmaster Classic is set for Feb. 18-20 on the Louisiana Delta out of New Orleans, La.

Bassmaster Classic TV Schedule

Coverage of the 2011 Bassmaster Classic by ESPN2 will be aired Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 26-27, and again on Sunday, March 6.

The Saturday show will recap the world championship from 10-11 a.m. On Sunday, Feb. 27, the air times will be at 5-8 a.m.; 3-5 p.m.; and 10 to midnight. The March 6 shows will air from 5-9 a.m.

B.A.S.S. Fantasy Fishing Presented by Toyota Trucks

It’s time again for B.A.S.S. Fantasy Fishing presented by Toyota Trucks, with prizes of Bass Pro Shops gift cards and a grand prize that includes a trip for two to the 2012 Bassmaster Classic.

Registration begins today, Feb. 1, at www.bassmaster.com/fantasy. The play is free.

The first tournament of 2011 Fantasy Fishing will be the Feb. 18-20 Bassmaster Classic. The Fantasy Fishing prize will be a $1,000 Bass Pro Shops gift card.

For the eight regular-season Bassmaster Elite Series events, player prizes will be $500 gift cards from Bass Pro Shops. A $1,000 Bass Pro Shops gift card will also be awarded to the grand prize winner, in addition to the trip to the 2012 Bassmaster Classic in Shreveport, La.

Vicious Pro Elite Fluorocarbon Helps Swindle to First Bassmaster Victory

Once Gerald Swindle figured out the bass wanted an achingly slow presentation with his lipless crankbait, it was a matter of staying focused and grinding out his first Bassmaster tournament win.

More than 80 pounds in three days might not be considered "grinding" to some anglers. But for the G-Man, who rarely operates in slow motion, his Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open victory on Lake Toho was a course in patience and tackle refinement.

Bassmaster Classic Media Day Plans Announced

Fifty of the top anglers in the world will be at Mardi Gras World on Feb. 17 and available for one-on-one interviews. This exclusive media event comes the day before the 41st Bassmaster Classic is slated to begin on the Louisiana Delta.

To register for the event and for more information, visit bassmastermedia.com, or contact Melissa J. Dixon at 407-566-2295 or Todd Ragusa in Louisiana at 504-330-2202.

Alabama vs. LSU at the Bassmaster College Classic

Longtime SEC football rivals Louisiana State University and the University of Alabama will meet Feb. 20 not on the field, but on the water.

The LSU and Alabama bass fishing teams will compete that Sunday in the Bassmaster College Classic on Louisiana's Lake Verret. At the same time, the world's top anglers will be competing elsewhere on the Louisiana Delta on the final day of the 41st Bassmaster Classic, the world championship of bass fishing, out of New Orleans.

The one-day, combined-weight college tournament will award bragging rights, a coveted trophy and the right to come back to defend their title next year. All team members will weigh in on the Bassmaster Classic stage just before the final 25 contenders for the Classic crown appear.

BoatUS Angler "Weigh-to-Win" Program Brings Bonus Cash to Classic

Thanks to the recently launched BoatUS Angler "Weigh-to-Win" program, several Bassmaster Classic competitors will have the chance to get a little richer beyond the fruitful $500,000 first-place prize. The highest finishing eligible "Weigh-to-Win" Bassmaster Classic competitor will haul home $1,500 cash from New Orleans, and regular season Elite Series events will pay $500.

Louisiana Delta: Great fishery, greater challenge

Gary Klein tells the story of cutting a crab trap off his prop during a Bassmaster tournament on the Louisiana Delta.

“When I trimmed my engine up, you could not see that there was even a prop — or even a lower unit,” he said. “I had to cut it out with wire cutters. If I’d been headed in to a weigh-in, I would have missed it.”

The very interesting rookie year of Ott DeFoe

“First” things you may not know about Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Ott DeFoe: He fished his first tournament at the age of 9; now age 25, he entered his first FLW event at 16; he aspired to the Elite Series and made it on his first try; his first name is Arthur (but don’t call him that).

Another first: He and his wife are expecting twins in June. Multiple births don’t run in either of their families, so the news of twins was a surprise. But, as DeFoe explains it, he would have expected twins if only he had listened to his 3 1/2-year-old.

Gerald Swindle Finally Gets the Monkey Off His Back

Elite Series pro Gerald Swindle can no longer be considered one of "the best who's never won." During his 167-tournament career, he's won Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year and joined the B.A.S.S. Millionaire's Club. But a win has eluded him until now.

With his win at the first 2011 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open on Florida's Lake Toho, the Warrior, Ala., resident earned a Triton 18XS boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury Optimax motor and more importantly, claimed the first berth in the 2012 Bassmaster Classic, set to be held in Shreveport, La.

Gerald Swindle Leads Day 2 of the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open

Elite Series pro Gerald Swindle once again has his first B.A.S.S. win in sight. He's had several narrow misses but hopes to close out the 2011 Bass Pro Shops Southern Open on Florida's Lake Tohopekaliga.

Swindle holds 3-pound, 8-ounce lead, but he has stiff competition breathing down his back in Elite pro and local ringer Bobby Lane.

"Today started out kind of weird," Swindle said. "You would have thought with the warm conditions we had last night the fish would be really fired up, but that wasn't the case.

Gerald Swindle Leads Day 1 of the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open

It was feast or famine for anglers fishing Day One of the first Bass Pro Shops Southern Open on Florida's Lake Tohopekaliga.

Gerald Swindle's 30-pound, 13-ounce bag put him on pace to beat the all-time three-day tournament record of 85-8 set by Byron Velvick on California's Clear Lake in 2000, but he is only 14 ounces ahead of second-place angler Trevor Fitzgerald.

15 Bassmaster Classic rookies Get Set

Fifteen anglers will go into the Feb. 18-20 Bassmaster Classic on the Louisiana Delta as first-time qualifiers — Classic rookies, they’re called. Some of those anglers, however, have a lot more rookie in them than do others with the same label.

A good example is Brandon Palaniuk. He’s the 23-year-old from Idaho who landed a Classic berth (and a Bassmaster Elite Series entry) by winning the 2010 B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats. Going into the Classic, his pro record is completely blank.

Special Bassmaster Tournament Announcement

B.A.S.S. Announces Toyota Trucks All-Star Week

B.A.S.S., in conjunction with Toyota, announces exciting changes in the format of the 2011 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year program and the popular postseason event of the Elite Series.

At the conclusion of the final Elite Series tournament on Wheeler Lake, Ala., B.A.S.S. will crown the 2011 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year based on points earned during the regular season. The winner will be awarded $100,000, and others in the top 50 will be awarded a share of the Angler of the Year purse.

David Walker, David Smith & Multiple Others Robbed

It seems that at the start of every year the first breaking news from the Elite Series, Opens or FLW Tour is that multiple boats were broken into at the first tournament. Former Elite Series Pro Glenn Delong had all of his gear stolen at the 2008 season opener at Harris Chain of Lakes. Charlie Hartley has been a victim to a early year break in as well.

Reports of a dozen or more boats being broken into at last weeks FLW EverStart Series event have surfaced. Now reports that at least eight anglers at the B.A.S.S. Open have had their boats broken into as well. David Walker posted on his facebook page that he and his roommate David Smith were both victimized. Both Walker and Smith had their Power Poles, rods, reels and electronics. They even took Walker's life jacket. According to Walker the eight boats were all cleaned out within about a 15min span.