What You Missed at the 2023 Bassmaster Classic
The Bassmaster Classic is widely known as the “Super Bowl of Fishing.”
I’ve been to about ten of them. Each one is different. It can be watched live on the internet, and more recently on the FS1 television station. Why would anglers or non-anglers want to attend? Here are some of my top reasons:
If you’re an angler, it’s an opportunity to live vicariously, watching the best of the best, 50-plus competitors from around the world fish one tournament, fishing three days, for a grand prize of $300,000.
B.A.S.S. puts on a spectacular event, including blast-offs where you can cheer on your favorite pros.
Unlike other sports, where the pros are behind barriers, at this one you can interact with the anglers, who will sign autographs and talk fishing.
There’s a convention center where you can see, touch and purchase all the new tackle, boats, apparel and more. The vendors are there to help you learn about their products’ features.
It’s a chance to visit a new host city almost every year and learn about the locals’ traditions and hot spots.
The weigh-in, like the rest of the events of the weekend, is free. The show that emcee Dave Mercer and the rest of the team put on is something even a non-angler would consider worth attending.
I recently returned from the 2023 Bassmaster Classic, exhausted and voiceless from talking and cheering so much. Knoxville put on a great show, as did the entire BASS crew. I took some video and pictures to show you how much fun it was. Even if you aren’t an angler, this might be the greatest show on earth.
Added bonus: Many of my pictures are the behind the scenes “stuff” that I get to attend and see because I am married to a Bassmaster writer. Kind of cool, right?
