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Bassmaster Classic: Three Rivers

Pittsburg, PA

Preview | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3

Preview: Pros Take on Three Rivers

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PITTSBURGH — After spending Thursday off the water signing autographs, posing for photos, conducting media interviews and hearing two news announcements, the nation's 47 hottest pros are preparing to invade Pittsburgh's Three Rivers tomorrow, officially kicking off the 35th annual CITGO Bassmaster Classic.

The Classic contenders - survivors of a qualification process involving four BASS circuits – spent Thursday meeting an enthusiastic public during the Bassmaster Family Fest at Point State Park and later participated in Media Day festivities at the Marriott City Center.

In between, they heard two exciting announcements from BASS officials:

Four-time Classic champion Rick Clunn was revealed as the winner of the Greatest Angler Debate sponsored by John Deere. The veteran Missouri pro beat out nine-time BASS Angler of the Year Roland Martin in a special runoff election involving fishing fans voting via Bassmaster.com.

Details were announced on the new Bassmaster Women's Tour, the first big-league stage for female anglers, which will debut in 2006. The Tour will include a preview event, October 20 – 22 on Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Texas, and five tournaments in 2006. The women will fish in conjunction with two CITGO Bassmaster Tour competitions and all three Bassmaster Majors.

Many of the more than 200 media representatives from around the world took advantage of the afternoon by interviewing Classic contenders on the eve of the most important tournament of the year.

With those activities now completed, the Classic pros' attention turns to the three-day competition that awards $200,000 to the winner, along with the most coveted title in professional fishing.

“I'm ready to get it started,” said Jimmy Mize of Arkansas, 49, who is competing in his third Classic. “We finally get to go fishing. This is going to be a game of ounces here and I've got as good a shot as anybody. Let's get going.”

Classic rookie Bradley Stringer of Texas shares the same eagerness.

“The week has flown by,” he said. “When I woke up this morning, I didn't realize it was Thursday and the tournament starts tomorrow. All of this media and everything is great, but in the morning, once take-off is done, it's back to the normal routine of running, locking and relaxing enough to try to catch some fish.”

After an official five-day scouting period nearly a month ago and Wednesday's lone practice round, the Classic pros have some definite ideas about strategies and patterns most likely to produce largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass.

“Nobody is going to win this tournament off one spot or one area,” Oklahoma's Edwin Evers said. “You're going to have to move around. There's going to be a lot of CITGO gasoline used this week.”

One of the strategic decisions Classics pros have to make is whether to run sections of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers that require locking through a dam. BASS tournament history is replete with stories of anglers who had the winning weight only to be unable to lock through in time to avoid a late penalty or miss check-in entirely.

Included is 2005 Classic contender Gary Klein who would have won the 1987 world championship on the Ohio River in Louisville if not for a lock delay.

“That is an important decision,” Alabama's Tim Horton said. “It's always a risk. You have to know that if you lock through you could be sitting there Sunday about 2 o'clock with the winning stringer for nothing. That's part of the gamble that's going to present itself with locking.”

Another element Classic pros will factor into their strategy is the growth and increasing popularity of the Classic, in other words, spectator boat traffic.

“You have to plan for that,” Klein said. “When you roll into a place to catch shallow-water fish and you’ve got 30 sets of boat wakes that are shutting down behind you, it’s just going to basically reposition the fish. So you have to be a thinker.”

Day 1: Mize Takes Classic Lead

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PITTSBURGH — It’s been a good week for the Mize family.

After BASS announced the Women’s Bassmaster Tour - a new fishing outlet for women anglers like Lucy Mize and daughter Melinda Mize - Lucy’s husband Jimmy Mize took the lead position on Day 1 in the 35th annual CITGO Bassmaster Classic.

The 49-year-old Arkansas pro took the early lead with a five-bass limit weighing 6 pounds, 2 ounces. His total towered above the catch of two pros tied for second with 5-1 - Aaron Martens of Alabama and veteran Missouri pro Stacey King.

Classic rookie Preston Clark of Florida is in fourth place with 4-11, followed by 2001 Classic champion Kevin VanDam with 4-11.

VanDam and King tied for Friday's Purolator Big Bass award. Each bagged a 2-pound, 14-ounce smallmouth and split the $1,000 prize. And as expected, smallmouth dominated Friday's catch.

“I didn’t catch any spotted today,” said Martens. “It was all smallmouth.”

Day 1 leader Mize was rather secretive about his tactics. But he did say he was getting keeper bites, though he couldn’t hang onto all of them.

“I lost three good fish,” he said. “But I did pretty well. I thought I could catch about 5 pounds and I did. I'd be excited about it if this was Day 3.”

Second-place Martens, a California transplant and reigning CITGO Bassmaster Angler of the Year, caught his bass by targeting bridges, he said. That same tactic enabled him to finish second in last year's Classic outside of Charlotte, N.C.

“This is just a tough situation,” he said. “Usually when you have a lot of small fish, there's a way to catch the bigger fish. That might not be the case here.”

King, also in second place, appeared satisfied with his results.

“I'm feeling real good about the way it's going,” he said. “It went about the way I expected. I caught the big fish right before I came in. In fact, I caught all of my fish after 2 o'clock.”

Clark, a 41-year-old air-conditioning salesman from Palatka, Fla., is the only non-veteran among the top five. He caught 18 bass on Friday.

“I'm real happy with what I caught,” said Clark, who finished second in the Toyota Rookie of the Year race. “I had my limit by 7:30 a.m. and then hit about 30 to 35 spots looking for a bigger fish.”

Fifth-place VanDam, 37, is no stranger to the top portion of the Classic leader board. He used 10 rods rigged with a variety of lures to pound out four keeper bass.

“I really had no idea what I would be able to catch,” the Michigan pro said. “I'm tickled to have what I caught. Tomorrow is going to be a challenge.”

In other news, Federation competitor Gerry Jooste of Zimbabwe was disqualified from Day 1 after he ran through a no-wake zone less than an hour after launch. Jooste had one fish at the time.

Pennsylvania law states that the areas between the three bridges where the rivers meet are no-wake zones from 3 p.m. Friday throughout the weekend, according to BASS Tournament Director Trip Weldon.

“However, BASS imposed a no-wake (policy) for everyday,” Weldon said. “Classic anglers were notified both in their pre-Classic briefing and in writing.”

Saturday's second round begins with the launch at Point State Park at 7 a.m. ET. Weigh-in begins at 4 p.m. ET at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh. Earlier today, more than 5,300 fishing fans watched the weigh-in at the arena and about 2,000 visited Point State Park to see the tournament anglers launch.

Fans who couldn’t make it to Pittsburgh can see live coverage of the Classic on ESPN from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET Saturday.
 

Day 1 Pro Standings

Rank Name   Hometown  Bass Weight Pts. $

1. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 5 6-02 0

Day 1: 5 6-02

2. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 5 5-01 0

Day 1: 5 5-01

2. Stacey D King Reeds Spring, Mo. 3 5-01 0 $500.00

Day 1: 3 5-01

4. Preston Clark Palatka, Fla. 5 4-14 0

Day 1: 5 4-14

5. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 3 4-11 0 $500.00

Day 1: 3 4-11

6. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 5 4-10 0

Day 1: 5 4-10

7. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 4 4-07 0

Day 1: 4 4-07

7. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J. 4 4-07 0

Day 1: 4 4-07

9. Jeff Reynolds Platter, Okla. 4 3-15 0

Day 1: 4 3-15

10. Cliff Pace Petal, Miss. 4 3-13 0

Day 1: 4 3-13

10. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 3 3-13 0

Day 1: 3 3-13

12. Andre Moore Scottsdale, Ariz. 4 3-10 0

Day 1: 4 3-10

12. Edwin Evers Mannsville, Okla. 4 3-10 0

Day 1: 4 3-10

12. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 3 3-10 0

Day 1: 3 3-10

15. Gerald Swindle Hayden, Ala. 3 3-08 0

Day 1: 3 3-08

16. Bradley Stringer Huntington, Texas 4 3-04 0

Day 1: 4 3-04

17. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 3 3-03 0

Day 1: 3 3-03

17. Terry Scroggins Palatka, Fla. 3 3-03 0

Day 1: 3 3-03

17. George Cochran Hot Springs, Ark. 2 3-03 0

Day 1: 2 3-03

20. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 3 2-15 0

Day 1: 3 2-15

21. Jeff Hager Alexis, N.C. 1 2-04 0

Day 1: 1 2-04

22. Chad Morgenthaler Coulterville, Ill. 2 2-03 0

Day 1: 2 2-03

23. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, Calif. 2 2-02 0

Day 1: 2 2-02

24. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, Mo. 2 2-01 0

Day 1: 2 2-01

25. Luke Clausen Spokane Valley, Wash. 2 2-00 0

Day 1: 2 2-00

26. Dave Wolak Warrior Run, Pa. 2 1-13 0

Day 1: 2 1-13

27. Larry Nixon Bee Branch, Ark. 1 1-07 0

Day 1: 1 1-07

27. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 1 1-07 0

Day 1: 1 1-07

29. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 1 1-03 0

Day 1: 1 1-03

30. Davy Hite Prosperity, S.C. 1 1-02 0

Day 1: 1 1-02

31. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 1 1-01 0

Day 1: 1 1-01

32. Chris Baumgardner Gastonia, N.C. 1 1-00 0

Day 1: 1 1-00

32. Dean Rojas Grand Saline, Texas 1 1-00 0

Day 1: 1 1-00

34. Marty Stone Linden, N.C. 1 0-15 0

Day 1: 1 0-15

35. Ed Cowan Greeley, Pa. 1 0-13 0

Day 1: 1 0-13

35. Ron Shuffield Bismarck, Ark. 1 0-13 0

Day 1: 1 0-13

35. David Walker Sevierville, Tenn. 1 0-13 0

Day 1: 1 0-13

38. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

38. John Crews Jetersville, Va. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

38. Jami Fralick Martin, S.D. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

38. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

38. Gerry Jooste Harare, Zimbabwe, Zimb 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

38. Ishama Monroe Hughson, Calif. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

38. Dave Palmer Roseburg, Ore. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

38. Mike Reynolds Modesto, Calif. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

38. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

38. Jay Yelas Tyler, Texas 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

Day 2: 35th Classic: Down to the Wire

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PITTSBURGH — Keeper-size Three Rivers bass have proven to be somewhat rare commodities in the first two rounds of the 35th annual CITGO Bassmaster Classic. But the struggle is being overshadowed by the dramatic battle involving some of the sport's biggest names that is shaping up for Sunday's final round.

Although reigning CITGO Bassmaster Angler of the Year Aaron Martens has the lead after two rounds, the next seven closest pursuers are within 2 pounds and include some of the most accomplished of today's pros, including Michael Iaconelli, Kevin VanDam, Gerald Swindle, Skeet Reese and George Cochran.

It is a fishing fan's dream finish, regardless of the underwhelming weights involved.

Martens, the California transplant whiz kid now living in Alabama, is in position to become just the second reigning Angler of the Year to follow-up with a Classic victory. In 1995, Arkansas' Mark Davis was the first accomplish that lucrative feat. Martens moved into the lead thanks to a four-bass catch weighing 4 pounds Saturday that lifted his two-day total to 9 pounds, 1 ounce.

The fact that if Martens wins, he is likely to break the record for the lowest Classic winning weight (15 pounds, 5 ounces caught by Cochran in 1987) hasn't entered his mind.

“It would be a dream year,” Martens said of winning the sport's two biggest titles in the same year. “It'd be a year that you could only dream about. It would be awesome.”

Of his scant 14-ounce lead, Martens said, “That's a whole fish in these waters. I'm not comfortable by any means, but I'm going to just go out and concentrate on catching five keepers. It's so hard to get a big fish here.”

Martens has finished second in his previous two Classic appearances. “This is the first time I've led the Classic,” he said. “I'd like to get rid of that second place.”

Standing in Martens' way is a pair of Classic winners — Iaconelli (2003) and VanDam (2001).

Iaconelli — a New Jersey angler who once lived in south Philly and a clear favorite of the Mellon Arena crowd of 10,520 — moved into second place (8-3) with four tiny smallmouth that combined to weigh 3-12 Saturday.

“It's going to be exciting,” Iaconelli said. “This is going to be one of the closest Classics in the history of the event. It's going to come down to whoever catches a limit tomorrow.”

Although the leaders were typically secretive about their techniques, Martens and Iaconelli are targeting bridges in the downtown Pittsburgh area.

Neither pro can feel comfortable with VanDam close behind with 8-2. A member of the BASS millionaire club, the Michigan pro is a three-time Angler of the Year and former Classic champion who knows how to close out victories in the final hours.

VanDam believes the $200,000 prize and most-important title in fishing is likely to be decided early on Sunday, before the boat traffic picks up.

“Being Sunday, a lot of people will be in church or doing family things in the morning,” he said. “You need to catch them early, because after about lunchtime it's going to get crowded out there.”

Jeff Reynolds of Oklahoma is fourth with 8-1, followed by Arkansas' Scott Rook at 7-15. Just behind them are 2004 Angler of the Year Gerald Swindle (7-12), California's Skeet Reese (7-8 pounds) and two-time Classic champion George Cochran (7-6).

Reynolds earned the $1,000 prize for the Purolator Big Bass Award with a puny 1-pound, 15-ounce bass — easily the smallest big-bass winner in Classic history. The previous record holder was Roger Farmer of Dalton, Ga., with a 2½-pound big bass during the 1983 Classic.

For Sunday's final, the 47-man field has been narrowed to 25.

The 2005 CITGO Bassmaster Classic will receive unprecedented coverage on ESPN and ESPN2 this year. A total of 12 hours of programming will be devoted to Classic tournament coverage July 29-31.
 

Day 2 Pro Standings
Rank Name   Hometown Bass Weight Pts $

1. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 9 9-01 0

Day 1: 5 5-01 Day 2: 4 4-00

2. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J. 8 8-03 0

Day 1: 4 4-07 Day 2: 4 3-12

3. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 6 8-02 0 $500.00

Day 1: 3 4-11 Day 2: 3 3-07

4. Jeff Reynolds Platter, Okla. 7 8-01 0 $1,000.00

Day 1: 4 3-15 Day 2: 3 4-02

5. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 8 7-15 0

Day 1: 3 2-15 Day 2: 5 5-00

6. Gerald Swindle Hayden, Ala. 7 7-12 0

Day 1: 3 3-08 Day 2: 4 4-04

7. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 8 7-08 0

Day 1: 5 4-10 Day 2: 3 2-14

8. George Cochran Hot Springs, Ark. 6 7-06 0

Day 1: 2 3-03 Day 2: 4 4-03

9. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 6 6-11 0

Day 1: 4 4-07 Day 2: 2 2-04

10. David Walker Sevierville, Tenn. 6 6-09 0

Day 1: 1 0-13 Day 2: 5 5-12

11. Terry Scroggins Palatka, Fla. 6 6-04 0

Day 1: 3 3-03 Day 2: 3 3-01

12. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 5 6-02 0

Day 1: 5 6-02 Day 2: 0 0-00

13. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 6 5-15 0

Day 1: 3 3-03 Day 2: 3 2-12

14. Davy Hite Prosperity, S.C. 5 5-13 0

Day 1: 1 1-02 Day 2: 4 4-11

15. Andre Moore Scottsdale, Ariz. 6 5-03 0

Day 1: 4 3-10 Day 2: 2 1-09

16. Edwin Evers Mannsville, Okla. 5 5-01 0

Day 1: 4 3-10 Day 2: 1 1-07

16. Stacey D King Reeds Spring, Mo. 3 5-01 0 $500.00

Day 1: 3 5-01 Day 2: 0 0-00

18. Preston Clark Palatka, Fla. 5 4-14 0

Day 1: 5 4-14 Day 2: 0 0-00

19. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 4 4-09 0

Day 1: 3 3-10 Day 2: 1 0-15

20. Chad Morgenthaler Coulterville, Ill. 4 3-15 0

Day 1: 2 2-03 Day 2: 2 1-12

21. Cliff Pace Petal, Miss. 4 3-13 0

Day 1: 4 3-13 Day 2: 0 0-00

21. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 3 3-13 0

Day 1: 3 3-13 Day 2: 0 0-00

23. Dave Wolak Warrior Run, Pa. 4 3-08 0

Day 1: 2 1-13 Day 2: 2 1-11

24. Marty Stone Linden, N.C. 4 3-06 0

Day 1: 1 0-15 Day 2: 3 2-07

25. Bradley Stringer Huntington, Texas 4 3-04 0

Day 1: 4 3-04 Day 2: 0 0-00

26. Luke Clausen Spokane Valley, Wash. 3 3-01 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 2 2-00 Day 2: 1 1-01

27. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, Mo. 3 3-00 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 2 2-01 Day 2: 1 0-15

28. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, Calif. 3 2-15 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 2 2-02 Day 2: 1 0-13

28. Dean Rojas Grand Saline, Texas 3 2-15 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 1 1-00 Day 2: 2 1-15

30. John Crews Jetersville, Va. 3 2-13 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 2-13

31. Larry Nixon Bee Branch, Ark. 2 2-11 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 1 1-07 Day 2: 1 1-04

32. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 2 2-08 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 1 1-07 Day 2: 1 1-01

33. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo. 2 2-04 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 2 2-04

33. Jeff Hager Alexis, N.C. 1 2-04 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 1 2-04 Day 2: 0 0-00

35. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 2 2-00 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 1 1-01 Day 2: 1 0-15

36. Chris Baumgardner Gastonia, N.C. 2 1-15 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 1 1-00 Day 2: 1 0-15

37. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 1 1-03 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 1 1-03 Day 2: 0 0-00

38. Jami Fralick Martin, S.D. 1 1-02 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 1 1-02

39. Mike Reynolds Modesto, Calif. 1 0-15 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 1 0-15

40. Ed Cowan Greeley, Pa. 1 0-13 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 1 0-13 Day 2: 0 0-00

40. Ron Shuffield Bismarck, Ark. 1 0-13 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 1 0-13 Day 2: 0 0-00

42. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 0 0-00 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00

42. Gerry Jooste Harare, Zimbabwe, Zimb 0 0-00 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00

42. Ishama Monroe Hughson, Calif. 0 0-00 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00

42. Dave Palmer Roseburg, Ore. 0 0-00 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00

42. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo. 0 0-00 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00

42. Jay Yelas Tyler, Texas 0 0-00 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00
 

Day 3: VanDam Prevails for Second Classic Crown

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PITTSBURGH — When the 35th edition of the CITGO Bassmaster Classic ended on Sunday, a pair of highly accomplished pros found themselves in very familiar positions.

Michigan's Kevin VanDam brought a five-bass limit to the scales that weighed 4 pounds, 13 ounces. The limit — rare for this Classic, which established an all-time record low final weight — was enough to overtake second-round leader Aaron Martens by a scant 6 ounces. VanDam’s three-day total of 12-15 enabled the three-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year to add a second coveted Classic trophy to his mantel in Kalamazoo.

Unfortunately for Martens, it marked the third time in four years he has settled for the runner-up position in fishing's most important title. His total of 12-9 proved insufficient, as he failed to become just the second reigning CITGO Bassmaster Angler of the Year to win the Classic in the same season. The only angler to do so was Mark Davis of Mt. Ida, Ark., in 1995.

“It's certainly a dream come true,” said VanDam, who also owns the 2001 Classic crown. “I had no idea today that I was going to win this one. It was so tough out there.

“I missed so many opportunities and made so many mistakes. I thought I was going to be crying all the way home.”

There will be nothing but celebrating on his return trip to Michigan. VanDam pocketed $200,000 for the win and moved within $35,000 of all-time BASS leading money winner Denny Brauer of Camdenton, Mo. In addition, it was VanDam’s third consecutive BASS tournament win, a feat only Roland Martin has accomplished.

“This is just awesome,” VanDam said. “I really didn't expect to be in this position after Friday. To be honest with you, after the first day I was really disappointed. I thought I had lost this Classic.

“I didn't come close to performing at the best of my ability this week. But I hung in there and kept trying hard.”

VanDam's success came on a 20-year-old lure he first started catching bass on during his teen-age years. It is a chrome-colored, Smithwick Rogue jerkbait that he fished on Bass Pro Shops' fluorocarbon line and spinning tackle.

He explained that the older jerkbait is unlike those made today by Smithwick and it enabled him to pop the lure erratically just below the surface. That proved to be irresistible to smallmouth bass relating to current-laden points, bridge pilings and seawalls.

With the win, VanDam earned the dubious distinction of owning the smallest winning total in Classic history. The previous record was 15-5 in 1987, held by George Cochran. But that didn't seem to bother the Kalamazoo Kid. “I'm at my best in tough tournaments,” VanDam said.

For Martens, the California transplant now living in Alabama, it was another bittersweet Classic performance that mirrored his 2004 Classic outcome. And in both Classics, he made a run at the world championship by targeting bridges.

“Finishing second (stinks),” he said. “It's like a monkey gets on your back. And I felt that monkey yesterday and today. The first day went nearly perfect. Yesterday I had probably the worst day I think I've ever had. And today was better, but it was still pretty tough.

“But I think my family takes it harder than I do. I wish I wasn't second every year. I thought it would be impossible to get three second (places) in a row, but I proved that it wasn’t.”

Martens finished second in 2004 and 2002, and didn’t qualify for the 2003 Classic.

Last year’s Angler of the Year Gerald Swindle finished third with 11-13, followed by two-time Classic champion Cochran (11-10) and 2003 Classic winner — and clear favorite of the Mellon Arena crowd of 13,413 in — Michael Iaconelli (11-5).

Oklahoma's Edwin Evers, who finished sixth, won the $1,000 prize for the Purolator Big Bass Award with a 1-pound, 15-ounce bass.

In contrast to Martens, Swindle took finishing third (slightly more than 1 pound behind VanDam) particularly hard.

“This is probably as frustrated as I've been at coming up short in this Classic,” the Alabama pro said. “I'll tell you what it's like — it's like being at the buffet line with a muzzle on your face.”

In Classic XXXV, smallmouth dominated the catch from the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers, and the downtown Pittsburgh area proved to be the most productive.

Another dominating feature of the event was the large and enthusiastic crowds that flocked to Mellon Arena. Nearly 30,000 fans packed the arena over the three days to see the weigh-ins.

The 2005 CITGO Bassmaster Classic received unprecedented coverage on ESPN and ESPN2 this year. A total of 12 hours of programming was devoted to Classic tournament coverage July 29-31.

Final Pro Standings

Rank Name Hometown Bass Weight Pts. Winnings

1. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 11 12-15 0 $200,500.00

Day 1: 3 4-11 Day 2: 3 3-07 Day 3: 5 4-13

2. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 12 12-09 0 $50,000.00

Day 1: 5 5-01 Day 2: 4 4-00 Day 3: 3 3-08

3. Gerald Swindle Hayden, Ala. 11 11-13 0 $40,000.00

Day 1: 3 3-08 Day 2: 4 4-04 Day 3: 4 4-01

4. George Cochran Hot Springs, Ark. 11 11-10 0 $35,000.00

Day 1: 2 3-03 Day 2: 4 4-03 Day 3: 5 4-04

5. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J. 11 11-05 0 $25,000.00

Day 1: 4 4-07 Day 2: 4 3-12 Day 3: 3 3-02

6. Edwin Evers Mannsville, Okla. 9 11-03 0 $21,000.00

Day 1: 4 3-10 Day 2: 1 1-07 Day 3: 4 6-02

7. Davy Hite Prosperity, S.C. 9 10-02 0 $16,000.00

Day 1: 1 1-02 Day 2: 4 4-11 Day 3: 4 4-05

8. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 10 9-04 0 $15,000.00

Day 1: 5 4-10 Day 2: 3 2-14 Day 3: 2 1-12

9. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 9 8-14 0 $14,000.00

Day 1: 3 2-15 Day 2: 5 5-00 Day 3: 1 0-15

10. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 8 8-09 0 $13,000.00

Day 1: 4 4-07 Day 2: 2 2-04 Day 3: 2 1-14

11. Andre Moore Scottsdale, Ariz. 9 8-06 0 $12,000.00

Day 1: 4 3-10 Day 2: 2 1-09 Day 3: 3 3-03

12. Jeff Reynolds Platter, Okla. 7 8-01 0 $12,000.00

Day 1: 4 3-15 Day 2: 3 4-02 Day 3: 0 0-00

13. Terry Scroggins Palatka, Fla. 7 7-10 0 $10,500.00

Day 1: 3 3-03 Day 2: 3 3-01 Day 3: 1 1-06

14. David Walker Sevierville, Tenn. 7 7-06 0 $10,400.00

Day 1: 1 0-13 Day 2: 5 5-12 Day 3: 1 0-13

15. Preston Clark Palatka, Fla. 7 7-01 0 $10,300.00

Day 1: 5 4-14 Day 2: 0 0-00 Day 3: 2 2-03

16. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 5 6-02 0 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 6-02 Day 2: 0 0-00 Day 3: 0 0-00

17. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 6 5-15 0 $8,500.00

Day 1: 3 3-03 Day 2: 3 2-12 Day 3: 0 0-00

18. Marty Stone Linden, N.C. 6 5-14 0 $8,200.00

Day 1: 1 0-15 Day 2: 3 2-07 Day 3: 2 2-08

19. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 5 5-08 0 $8,100.00

Day 1: 3 3-10 Day 2: 1 0-15 Day 3: 1 0-15

20. Bradley Stringer Huntington, Texas 6 5-06 0 $8,000.00

Day 1: 4 3-04 Day 2: 0 0-00 Day 3: 2 2-02

21. Dave Wolak Warrior Run, Pa. 6 5-05 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 2 1-13 Day 2: 2 1-11 Day 3: 2 1-13

22. Stacey D King Reeds Spring, Mo. 3 5-01 0 $7,500.00

Day 1: 3 5-01 Day 2: 0 0-00 Day 3: 0 0-00

23. Cliff Pace Petal, Miss. 5 5-00 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 4 3-13 Day 2: 0 0-00 Day 3: 1 1-03

24. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 4 4-10 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 3 3-13 Day 2: 0 0-00 Day 3: 1 0-13

25. Chad Morgenthaler Coulterville, Ill. 4 3-15 0 $7,000.00

Day 1: 2 2-03 Day 2: 2 1-12 Day 3: 0 0-00

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Purolator Big Bass

Day Name   Hometown   Weight Winnings

1 Stacey D King Reeds Spring, Mo. 2-14 $500.00

1 Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 2-14 $500.00

2 Jeff Reynolds Platter, Okla. 1-15 $1,000.00

3 Edwin Evers Mannsville, Okla. 1-15 $1,000.00

Articles from BASS

Compiled by Brandon Shook