Mark Menendez has certainly been on tour for a quite a while, but it’s not just longevity that sets him apart – it’s the signature wins and moments. Those include a teener largemouth, massive bags of smallmouths, and a yellow lab who led the Classic.

Pat Schlapper joined the Elite Series in 2021, one of an onslaught of Wisconsin pros who got added to the roster over the course of a handful of years. Pat has made four of last five championships. We caught up with him on Media Day in Ft. Worth.

Neil Paul is a fixture at every major fishing event around the country, and a prime reason that Anderson, South Carolina hosts so many tournaments. He resists taking credit, but he’s a major force in the fishing industry – he’s one of those dudes who gives back and doesn’t expect anything in return except that you’ll pass on the kindness.

When Steve Kennedy isn’t fishing the Classic, he nevertheless shows up, not just to represent his sponsors but also because he loves to shop for all the latest gear. We found him in the Expo before it opened, bucket in hand, ready to drop some serious cash on hard-to-find glide baits.

Chris Zaldain always seems to be in the thick of things. Whether it’s adopting big bait culture, explaining his reasons for staying with BASS during “The Split,” or starting a must-watch podcast, he’s never short on opinions. I sat him down to ask him about some things that I didn’t think he’d addressed yet.

Everyone has someone they look up to, a hero in their eyes – even the top anglers in the world. At the 2025 Bassmaster Classic Expo I asked a number of bass pros about their angling heroes.

Texas bass pro and certified Lake Fork one man wrecking crew Lee Livesay quickly went from unknown to angling phenomenon. He’s one of our sport’s greatest closers, and a threat to win just about anywhere, but at the 2025 Classic I tried to get some more info out of him.

Those of us who run Bass Cats proudly refer to ourselves as part of the BCB Family and the patriarch is Rick Pierce. His following is obsessively loyal and the boats are an extension of Pierce’s personality. I cornered Rick at the 2025 Bassmaster Classic to get some answers about more than just the boats.

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.