I attended my first Classic in 2008, but only started really paying attention the last few years, and only viewed it as a business opportunity the last couple. I’ve set personal goals for this year’s event. Some are practical, some are just for fun, some are for my readers and all of them will make my experience even better.

While we first learned about great bass fisheries like Guntersville and Rayburn through tournaments, our intro to Grosse Savanne came through pros and major television personalities. Guys who’ve been everywhere spoke of this place in South Louisiana with awe.

For years, I have resented the full-time fishing writers. I hustle for assignments, spend my free time on the phone with anglers or behind a computer screen, and yet I still don’t have the flexibility to take advantage of the role. Every year, I turn down multiple boondoggles that I’d really like to pursue.

One of the greatest thrills of our hosted travel is seeing female anglers join in the fun. While there’s no biological impediment to them joining in our trips, sometimes there are social pressures or fears of traveling “alone” (even as part of a group) that dissuade them from following their passion.

I first met John Crews when I assisted at the PAA booth at the Toyota Texas Bass Classic back in 2008. At the time, I didn’t know that he was recently married. Almost 17 years later, it’s clear that his wife Sonja is an essential part of his long-running success.

Casa Vieja is a “set it and forget it” experience. It doesn’t matter if the person is fish-obsessed like me, or a first-timer, or someone who just wants a perfect boat ride in gorgeous scenery. I can recommend this trip to them. It’s the one place that I’d take just about any family member and not worry about whether they’ll have a good time.

Last summer Pete and I fished with Bryan Schmitt the Miss Ashleigh. Afterwards, I wanted to learn more about the woman for whom the boat was named. Bryan is a really accomplished angler but his relationship with his wife, Ashleigh, and their two kids, may be even more impressive.

When we heard prior to our most recent trip to Casa Vieja Lodge that Captain Nicho would no longer be on the The Finest Kind, we were concerned. Just as concerning, however, was the prospect of losing his mates.

Traveling to Panama with my longtime friend Russ Baccaglini reminded me of just how important those college days were to my life. I’m also really glad he and his family CRUSHED the fish.

If you aren’t aware of the name Skeet Reese than you don’t know bass fishing. Now that Rick Clunn and Kevin VanDam have retired from competition, the youthful Skeet has been promoted to Grandpa of Bass Fishing. His wife is even more youthful – here’s how they met.

With his visit to Casa Vieja Lodge this past November, Carl Vicars became the first person to visit all four Half Past First Cast properties. Here’s what he had to say, fresh off catching 60+ sailfish over three days.

Jaclyn and Hank Cherry have been together for a long time and their relationship remains as strong as the fishing line that helped Hank win consecutive Bassmaster Classics. Whether Hank was bass fishing or involved in another professional sport, Jaclyn has always been his number one cheerleader.

Sometimes I forget how far Hanna has come as an angler. If her angling career were to plateau now, she’d have nothing to apologize for. Nevertheless, part of the purpose behind our partnership is to push each other. We’re typically each other’s biggest cheerleaders and we encourage each other to take uncomfortable risks.

Another year, many more chances to add to my bank of memories and my personal achievements. The fun part of this is not just the people we meet, but also the chance to build our personal skills. Here are some of the things that I hope to accomplish.

On Saturday night, with an entourage that included both Deion Sanders and Lil Wayne, Travis Hunter claimed the 2024 Heisman Trophy. As far as I know he became the first winner to mention fishing in his acceptance speech when he said: “Coach Prime, I’m going to whip you on that lake tomorrow.”

I love hosting fishing trips to great places because it gives me a front row seat when anglers – experts and novices alike – make their catches of a lifetime. I was fortunate to see a bunch of them in 2024, and here are some of my favorites.

On Tuesday evening we got the awful news that David Salazar – owner of Casa Vieja Lodge, world renowned captain, devoted husband to Kristen, and father of four young daughters – passed away unexpectedly.

Pete initially wanted to work with Lee Livesay because of Lee’s incredible skill catching huge fish. I immediately liked his wife Taren because we both have red hair – but I knew there was more of a story than that, and I wanted to figure it out. Fortunately, Taren was ready to spill the beans about how they met and the details of their life together.

Officially, Jeff Gustafson won the 2023 Bassmaster Classic but if you ask Matt Robertson he won the best trophy – his wife Kolleen. He’s a distinct personality, so I figured I’d go right to the source to find out how they met, and to get her unique insights on what it’s like to fish with one of the characters of the Elite Series.

We've fished with exceptional guides across the country and around the world. The ones we like best are those who have a passion for their native soil -- like Louisiana's Greg Dawsey.