In my last column I talked about how painful it would be not to fish the 2019 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. It was, but I have to admit that it wasn’t as bad as other times I worked the Expo, and the pain didn’t last as long as I thought it would.
It’s never pleasant when you don’t qualify for your sport’s championship after you’ve made 11 of them. You have zero shot to win if you’re not out there fishing. That’s really what the Classic is all about. At the same time, though, I was really impressed with the fishing industry, the fans, their attitude and B.A.S.S.
The attitude among every single person I talked with was really positive towards B.A.S.S. and everything we are doing. As I have had happen for the last few months, I heard “you made a great decision” over and over. It’s refreshing to know that bass fishing fans and industry people are as informed as they are, especially after all the pro and con publicity surrounding the issues.
That’s mostly a testament to B.A.S.S. They really need to be commended for their professionalism and their lack of negative comments towards the anglers who moved their careers in a different direction. That reinforces what I was taught as a kid and what I try to teach my kids — that respect and class matter. We would all do well to keep that in mind.
While all that was happening, the Ned Bomb was a spectacular success. It’s our newest bait from Missile Baits and we couldn’t be happier about the way it was received. Our entire inventory sold out at the Bassmaster Classic Expo presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. But, for those of you who haven’t yet had a chance to fish with one of them you shouldn’t worry. We have plenty more on the way.
I heard basically the same thing from all the other exhibitors. The record-breaking crowds were huge and they were positive. And, from an economic point of view they were also buyers. That’s good news for everyone. It says our industry is doing well, and the anglers are too.
Overall I couldn’t be happier. Well, unless I’d been fishing…
From a personal perspective I can say that what I saw this year has motivated me even more to make sure I qualify for next year’s Classic. If B.A.S.S. can put one on like this, I can only imagine what they’ll be able to do for the 50th anniversary edition of the greatest fishing show on earth. They built the stage to set the stage. I know it is going to be amazing!
I don’t want to leave out Knoxville, either. They did it right!
I try to never tell anyone else how to live, but this time I’m going to make an exception. Mark a few days off your calendar as soon as the details for next year are released to the public. It’s going to be epic. You don’t want to miss this one. No, you definitely do not.