Next week, 55 of the world’s best bass anglers will converge on Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees for the Bassmaster Classic March 4-6. We can’t wait – the Classic is the single greatest competition in pro bass fishing, with a cool $1,000,000 at stake.
This year could be one for the books if the long range forecast of warm weather and water holds. The all-time 15-bass record of 69 pounds and change could fall.
The elite who will clash in bass battle include record holder Kevin VanDam, the approachable Aaron Martens, Tulsa local Edwin Evers, and our favorite, the excitable Mike Iaconelli. Hey, cheer for whomever you like, there isn’t a true underdog in this field of qualifiers. They’ve all won their way here.
Hobie Fishing is coming to town to take in the action. Catch us at the free Bassmaster Classic Expo, showing off many of our best hands-free lunker hunters. Walk over to booth 104 to check out our Mirage® Pro Angler 17T, rigged to the hilt with a MotorGuide Xi5 wireless trolling motor and big enough to fish two comfortably. We’re also bringing a couple of bass battleships, the Mirage Pro Angler 14 and the legendary Mirage Outback. And one up-and-comer, the new Mirage i11S, a low-profile inflatable ideal for otherwise inaccessible pocket water.
All of them are stealthy, efficient fish chasers, in large part due to Hobie’s unique hands-free MirageDrive. Pedal power means you never have to put your fishing pole down. Every feature has been thought out for a better fishing experience, says Keeton Eoff, Hobie fishing brand strategist.
“More and more people are seeing the benefits of bass fishing from a kayak. You’re close to the water and quiet, and can get into places no other boat can reach,” Eoff adds.
Bass legend Hank Parker gets it – he’s used the Outback in farm ponds and stony river headwaters. We think Iaconelli does too judging by this photo of his truck.
Iaconelli won the 2003 Classic. He’s often been in the hunt for a repeat. In 2013 he finished fourth; last year he was sixth. This could be his year.
We will cheer Ike on through media day and on the water. Follow along on the Hobie Fishing Facebook page.
#WeLikeIke
