Classic Week

     Classic week has finally arrived. For some of you, that means a trip to the Delta, and for others, it means hours upon hours in front of your TV watching Classic coverage on ESPN. Just as Ray Scott intended, Classic week brings with it excitement and suspense that is unrivalled at any other BASS event.

     For the fans, there is the Outdoor Show, the chance to meet favorite pros, and of course, the final day's weigh-in where the 2003 Bassmaster Classic champion will be crowned. For the pros, this is the ultimate tournament - to win could mean over one million dollars to them.

     Lately, you may have noticed the large amount of articles on UltimateBassin.com that are geared towards the upcoming Classic. Who will win is the main theme of them all. Featured pros have been Jay Yelas, Roger Boler, Shaw Grigsby, Gary Klein, Homer Humphreys, Kevin VanDam, and more. VanDam and Davy Hite certainly have a good shot at winning again, considering that the Louisiana Delta is where they have both won Classics within the past few years. The weather conditions are shaping up to be nearly the same as well: there have been severe storms in the area lately.

     Of course, even though VanDam and Hite may have won there before, there is no saying who could come in and win this event. For example, take Roger Boler. The 43-year-old pro from Slidell, LA, says that the Delta is his "home water." However, you can't help but thinking that the massive Delta is a bit different than an ordinary lake. How well can you know such a large body of water? Well, Boler says. "I know the Delta real well, but still, you learn something new every day that you go out on the water down there. My only advantage is I know what the fish relate to that time of the year. Being able to run and hit spots - running the tide as they call it - is the key."

     Certain anglers certainly have some form of advantage over others. Jay Yelas, last year's champion, has had a particularly hot year this year, which included winning BASS Angler of the Year.

     In spite of all this, there is no way of knowing who will come off with the title. Any pro in the 61-man field could come off with the win. Some will swing and miss. Some will risk everything and finish well. But only one will be the champion. Only God knows who that will be. However, don't forget to check back right here every afternoon during the Bassmaster Classic. UltimateBassin.com will have results, standings and stories up as soon as possible. Keep it right here.

Click here to view the list of this year's Bassmaster Classic contenders.

By Brandon Shook

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