2012 Bassmaster Classic

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Tomorrow morning will kick off the Super Bowl of Bass Fishing, the 2012 Bassmaster Classic on the Red River in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA.  49 anglers from 22 states qualified to fish this prestigious tournament by fishing several tournament series within the B.A.S.S. ranks.  The defending Classic champion, Kevin VanDam gets an automatic berth, and the remaining spots are filled by the Elite Series and Opens winners, top anglers in the 2011 Angler of the Year standings, top 6 anglers from the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, winner of the Bassmaster Weekend Series, and the Mercury B.A.S.S. College champion.

I won't do a Fantasy Fishing style run-down of who is favored to win on this fishery and for what reason because you can get a much better analysis on Bassmaster.com.  And here's a link to see the Complete List of 2012 Classic Contenders.  What I will do is tell you who my favorites are.

Kevin VanDam is poised to set a record by winning three Classics in a row in this his 22nd consecutive Classic appearance.  His unprecedented success is nothing short of remarkable.  It would be awesome to see him set the record this year.

Randy Howell

Randy Howell is one of my all-time favorites and I would love to see him win his first Classic.  In addition to being a great angler, Randy is a Christian and down to earth Alabama boy, I'm proud of the stand he takes.  He's also the only Classic contender who follows me on Twitter.

Last year I met another AL angler named Timmy Horton at the Bass Pro Shops in Lawrenceville, GA, and he was such a cool, laid-back guy.  He treated everyone who came by as if they were Bill Dance or Hank Parker. He chatted about fishing, tackle, gear, boats and trucks, just like any other guy you'd meet at the boat ramp.  Timmy hasn't won a Classic so maybe this will be his year.

Brandon Palaniuk

The guy I'd really like to see win is Brandon Palaniuk from Rathdrum, ID.  I met Brandon when we fished the 2008 Bass Federation Western Divisional on Lake Havasu, AZ.  He won the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship in 2010, qualifying him for a spot in the 2011 Bassmaster Classic and entry to the 2011 Elite Series.  Brandon garnered a lot of well-deserved recognition for the Federation Nation with he Federation boat wrap he sported throughout the 2011 season.  Brandon wowed everyone with a 4th place finish in his first Classic last year, and I'm hoping he can pull out a win this year.  Do work, Brandon!

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