Another Bassmaster Classic is in the books and stands right up there with all of the great Classics of the past.
Fort Worth was a tremendous host, the fans were enthusiastic and we got another year from our great champion, Hank Cherry.
I couldn’t be happier for Hank! He is a great fisherman and friend of mine. Just as he did last year, he will represent B.A.S.S. and our sport well and leave us proud.
I spent most of the Classic week in our Phoenix Boats booth at the Expo. The attendance was 147,197 — second most in Bassmaster history.
I was able to see old friends and fans that come to many Classics. I also met new fans of my fishing career and Phoenix boat owners as well.
I talked with people from around the country who flew or drove to Texas to see the Classic. You could tell people were thrilled to get out and travel and were grateful Texas had lifted its covid restrictions.
The Classic proved to be the perfect setting for us to introduce our new 921 Elite II and 920 Elite II bass boats. We answered the call from anglers who desired a two-lid center compartment as opposed to having one big center box.
We also unveiled new versions of our 19, 20 and 21 PHX boats that now have a sleek fiberglass shroud at the bow and the console as well as a fiberglass step-up box top. We also brought out a new fiberglass fender to be offered as an option. In addition, we also unveiled the heated sterring wheel to go with the heated seats for those frosty mornings.
Everyone seemed thrilled and impressed with the improvements we’ve made and the new boats we are now building.
There’s no doubt in my mind that the Bassmaster Classic is the place to be for all serious bass boat companies to be and the premier place to introduce new boats and features.
It’s also a must-see place if you’re a bass angler. You don’t have to be a tournament angler to enjoy all there is to do and see at a Classic. The Expo is huge and it is the place where all the tackle companies introduce new products and have them on display for you to examine.
Ever since Ray Scott created B.A.S.S. and the Bassmasters Classic, the event has blossomed into more than just a fishing tournament.
The Expo, local festivities and a jam-packed arena have made it the greatest and biggest fishing show in the world.