
Those three days come next month, Nov. 17-19, on Texasâ Lake Conroe, the same fishery where the Classic will take place.
The 113 anglers hail from all over the world. A boater and a nonboater from each of 47 states and nine countries will join last yearâs defending champion, Albert Collins of Texas, and the Paralyzed Veterans Association Tourâs Angler of the Year, Kurt Glass.
The Top 3 out of the 113-angler field will earn a coveted spot in the 2017 Classic. What follows are bios of the 113 anglers who qualified to compete on Conroe in November.

Defending Champion
You probably recognize Albert Collins, not just from his win at the 2015 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, but also from the Classic stage earlier this year. One of the founders of Texasâ Nacogdoches Bass Club, Collins strikes fear into the hearts of most of his competitors, and for good reason. Heâs qualified for five Nation Championships and two Bassmaster Classics. Collins is known for having a heart of gold, taking many years off from fishing to take care of all of his kids, and now heâs relaxing â fishing tournaments when he can and raising beef cattle. Whenever you see him, his wife, Amanda, is right by his side. He has several sponsors, including Triton, Mercury, MotorGuide, Lowrance, Kistler Rods, 6th Sense, Missile Baits, Mister Twister, Elite Tungsten, Maui Jim, Rod Armorz, E2 Baits, Kickân Bass, Stanley Jigs, Hale Lure Co. and Sport Threads.

Alabama Nonboater
Justin Barnes is a member of the Monroe County Bass Anglers in Monroeville, Ala. Heâs a college student now, but in the very recent past, he was a hot topic on the Bassmaster High School trail, where he made it all the way to the Costa Bassmaster High School Championship. Now heâs showing off his skills in the adult arena. Barnes doesnât have time for much but fishing when heâs not studying, but when he does, he spends it duck hunting.

Alabama Boater
Danny Grantham is representing the LA PO Boys out of Mobile, Ala. Heâs a wiz with technology; he works as an audio and video designer. This is Granthamâs second time at the championship. He likes hunting, going to movies, traveling, and doing anything outdoors. But, basically, he says, heâll do whatever his 5-year-old son likes doing. Grantham is sponsored by Scotts Marine, Mercury, Lowrance, Castaway Rods, Nitro, Bass Pro Shops, Power-Pole, Net Bait, Costa Del Mar, Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation, Strike Zone Lures, Shell Gas Co. and Big Bite Baits.

Arizona Nonboater
Loren Bryant of Arizonaâs Valley Bass club will be competing in his first Nation Championship. Heâs a property and casualty claims trainer for his day job. He spends his weekends playing golf, enjoying auto racing and doing a little music production on the side.

Arizona Boater
Kalib Lund is one of the few, the proud, the Marines. Lund is only 25 years old, and this is his first championship. His dad, Steve Lund, however, made it to the championship a couple of years ago and qualified for the 2015 Bassmaster Classic. Both are members of the Surprise Bass Club in Glendale, Ariz. The younger Lund likes hunting, riding dirt bikes, playing paintball, hiking and traveling. His sponsors include iROD Fishing, P-Line and Picasso Lures.

Arkansas Boater
Josh Ray of Alexander, Ark., is a proud member of the Natural State Bassmasters. Heâs self-employed, and he spends all his free time fishing â and thatâs all. He says he does nothing but fish. This will be Rayâs first Nation Championship.

Arkansas Nonboater
Creighton Sawyer is a builder and remodeler in his hometown of Houston, Ark., where heâs a member of the Natural State Bassmasters. For fun, Sawyer will do anything that involves his son, Brock. (Aw!) He also likes hunting for turkey and deer. This is Sawyerâs first time qualifying for the Nation Championship.

Australia Boater
Mitchell Cone will be coming to Texas all the way from Down Under, where heâs a member of the relatively new BASS Australia Nation. Cone is a farmer in New South Wales, and for fun, he loves hunting and camping. He has several sponsors, including Millerods, McKnight Signs, Searing Tackle, Fish Arrow, Pontoon 21, Damiki, Bassman Spinnerbaits, Flow-rite and Lewâs.

California Nonboater
Michael Coleman, who is a member of the Oro Madre Bass Anglers, is also the tournament director for the California B.A.S.S. Nation. Heâs a painter by day, and he spends every free moment he can with his family. His lineup of sponsors includes Cal Coast fishing, rb bass fishing, Bass Angler magazine, tackleboxlabels.com, BIGOLPIG, River2Sea, Catching Concepts, THCG, Bite Club Soap Co., Procure SENTS, Pro Angler Hub, and monsterfishing.com.

California Boater
Mark Lassagne is a publisher by trade, and this â his first B.A.S.S. Nation Championship â will undoubtedly give him something to write about. Heâs a member of the Diablo Hawg Hunters in California, and he loves golf, baseball, camping and weight training. Lassagne is also really into bowling and country music. Heâs sponsored by Okuma, Garmin, Yamamoto, Gamakatsu, Mercury, DUO, Fish Nature, Top This and Marine Bass Anglers, Triton Boats, BedRug and Aqua Vu.

Colorado Boater
Nate Caldwell is a member of Coloradoâs Centennial Bass Club. He owns his own landscape/erosion control company, Foothills Landscape Maintenance LLC, which is also his sponsor. Donât talk smack about Colorado State University because his No. 2 passion (behind fishing) is supporting Cam the Ram athletics. He also loves hunting and hanging out with his family.

Colorado Nonboater
John Santos will be fishing his first Nation Championship this year. He is a member of Coloradoâs Pikes Peak Bassmasters, and he is joyfully retired. When heâs not spending his days fishing, you can find him in the kitchen, cooking up something amazing, or maybe youâll find him with a paintbrush in hand. Santos is sponsored by Life Vantage.

Connecticut Nonboater
Kevin Noel is a senior project manager for Petroleum Construction Co. Heâs also a member of the Mohawk Valley BassCasters, and this will be his first Nation Championship. Noel loves the outdoors; if heâs not fishing, heâs either camping, hiking or engaging in some sort of physical fitness outside. His sponsors include the Connecticut B.A.S.S. Nation, Triton, Mercury, Lowrance, MotorGuide, Bass Pro Shops, Thayerâs Marine, The Katie Dobroczynski Foundation, Brenda Noel Consulting and Castle Baits.

Connecticut Boater
Nicholas Papotto, a member of the Midconn Anglers, will be competing in his first Nation Championship, as the boater for Connecticut. Heâs a plumber for a living, but when heâs off duty, he likes to go swimming or to cook. He also loves binge-watching Netflix with his girlfriend, Sarah, whom he calls âlovely.â (Aw!) Papotto is sponsored by Keitech and Tackle Supply Depot.

Delaware Nonboater
Amos Dixon is a member of Delawareâs All-Waters Bass Club. Heâll be competing in his first Nation Championship this November. Besides fishing, he loves hunting and spending time with his family. Dixon works as a superintendent at a construction company.

Delaware Boater
Jason Vaughn works in retail, so with his long hours, he barely has the spare time and money just to go fishing, much less to do anything else. But the Last Cull club member already has some experience under his belt; he qualified for the Nation Championship once before, in 2013. He lists his sponsors as Jesus and his family.

Florida Nonboater
Dan Carrigan loves to deer hunt in Florida when heâs not fishing. The Citrus County Bassmasters member works as an apprentice lineman. This will be his first Nation Championship. Carrigan is sponsored by Fishing Supercenter.

Florida Boater
Arnie Lane is well-known in bass fishing circles. If you donât know him from his own reputation winning tournaments, you surely know his Elite Series brothers, Bobby and Chris. Lane is a member of Floridaâs enormous club, the Lakeland Bassmasters. He works in sales, and for fun, he plays golf and cards with family and friends. His sponsors include Power-Pole, Legend Boats, Mercury Motors, Charleston Rubber & Gasket Co., Bobâs Machine Shop, Raymarine Electronics, Costa Del Mar Sunglasses and Reaction Innovations Baits.

Georgia Boater
You might have heard Tony Beckâs name before, maybe in one of several articles about the good work heâs been doing as the Georgia B.A.S.S. Nation conservation director. He does that good work in his day job, too, where heâs a warmwater fish hatchery manager. Beck is a member of the Lake Oconee Bassmasters, and heâs already got one Nation Championship under his belt â in 2010. For fun, he likes to be involved in his church and in childrenâs ministries. His sponsors are Lowrance, Mercury, Triton, MotorGuide and Fishhead.

Georgia Nonboater
Bradley Rilling will be competing in his first Nation Championship. Heâs a member of the Clayton County Bassmasters in Georgia, where heâs a plumbing contractor. He likes playing golf and hunting when heâs not fishing.

Idaho Nonboater
Jon Hickey is following is his fatherâs footsteps. His dad, Jason Hickey, competed in the Nation Championship just a few years ago, and now Jon is taking his own stab at it. Jon Hickey is a college student, enrolled at the University of Idaho to study mechanical engineering. Heâs generally working hard to make all Aâs, but when he gets a break, he likes hunting, shooting archery and making fishing lures. Hickey is a member of the Payette River Bassmasters.

Idaho Boater
Darrell Ocamica, a member of the Boise Bass Busters, will be fishing his first Nation Championship. Heâs a maintenance manager by trade. When heâs not fishing or working, heâs doing something none of his Southern counterparts get to do for fun â go snowmobiling! He also likes hanging out with his family. Ocamicaâs sponsors are G.Loomis, Shimano, Power Pro, Jackall, A@Z Construction, Golden Wheel Drive Inn, and Complete Construction Concepts.

Illinois Boater
Michael Kazmierczak is a member of the Bass Pac in Illinois. Heâs a commercial real estate advisor, and this is his first time qualifying for the Nation Championship. He loves ice hockey, and he especially loves it when he gets to enjoy it with his 11-year-old son.

Illinois Nonboater
Kevin Voss, a member of Illinoisâ Maple Bassmasters, will be competing in his first Nation Championship. Heâs a carpenter, but on the weekends, he likes hunting pheasants with his dog and playing hockey. His sponsors are the Illinois B.A.S.S. Nation, Maple Bassmasters, Utermark & Sons Landscaping, Angry Bear Custom Rods, Bio Spawn, U.S. Bank, B and G Gunther Co., Bioenno Power, Jerozal and Associates and Ardent Reels.

Indiana Nonboater
Curt Hughes works as a private client advisor in Indiana, where heâs a member of the Shallow Minded Anglers. Hughes is an angler second, and a dad first; he adores his daughters, Courtney and Alaina.

Indiana Boater
Mark Nies loves two things related to fishing that donât involve actual fishing: He likes collecting lures and he likes making them. He also loves Kentucky basketball. Nies is a member of the Indiana Bass Junkies, and his day job is as a welder. His sponsors are Charmer Baits and El Grande Lures.

Iowa Nonboater
Kyle Coffman, a member of the Mid Iowa Bassmasters, will be competing in his first Nation Championship. Heâs a lab technician, and he likes hunting, camping and bowling.

Iowa Boater
You might recognize Greg Vanceâs name from this past yearâs Classic roster. Thatâs because the college student made it to the Nation Championship last year, won his region and qualified for the 2016 Classic. Heâs qualified again for the championship through his club, Dubuque Bass, and is hoping for yet another Classic spot. Vance, 22, enjoys hunting, going to concerts and cheering on Green Bay at the Packers games. His sponsors are Caseyâs General Store, Team Rainshadow, RSM, Hawkeye Custom Rods, Mercury, Lowrance, Power-Pole, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Hot Rod Baits and Bass-ett Baits.

Italy Boater
Luca Salvato is crossing the pond with his cousin, Mauro Salvato, to compete on behalf of Italy. Heâs a member of Spinning Club Beba, and he spends his days as an air worker. For fun in Curtarolo, Salvato goes snowboarding. His sponsor is Black Flagg & Tow.

Italy Nonboater
Mauro Salvato, along with his cousin, Luca, will be traveling from Italy to represent his country for the first time. Heâs a member of Spinning Club Beba, and his sponsor is Black Flagg & Tow. He is a metal worker. Salvato apparently only enjoys fishing because when we asked what other hobbies and interests he has, he simply said, âNo.â

Japan Boater
Naoaki Ishikawa of Tokyo will come to this side of the globe to compete on behalf of Japan. He works for the local government back home, and this will be his first Nation Championship. He is sponsored by North Wave, and heâs a member of the Shonan Bassmasters. Ishikawa likes rugby and football.

Japan Nonboater
Yuya Wakebe hails from Kanagawa, Japan, and heâll be representing Japan in his first championship. Heâs an engineer, and he loves to travel, which is good because he has a really long flight ahead of him. Heâs a member of the Shonan Bassmasters.

Kansas Boater
Chris Brimager will represent Kansas in his first championship. Heâs a member of the Chisholm Trail Bass Club, and he works in sales. Brimager likes hunting and hanging out with his family. His sponsors are Shady Creek Sales, Russell Marine Products, Ranger Boats, Power-Pole, MESU Fishing and Tightlines UV.

Kansas Nonboater
Justin Harris is a member of the Salina Bassmasters in Kansas, where heâs an electrician. Donât mess with Harris; he says his favorite thing to do is give people a hard time. His sponsors are Mondo Tackle, Shady Creek, Kansas B.A.S.S. Nation, Dodig Jewelry, Berkley, Toyota, Evan Williams, Yamaha Skeeter, MotorGuide, Lowrance, Triton, Mercury, Mesu and Huk.

Kentucky Boater
Michael Boggs is from Portsmouth, Ohio, but heâs representing Kentucky in the championship. Boggs is less likely to succumb to pressure because heâs already been to the championship before, back in 2014. Heâs a member of the Louisa Bass Club, and he works as a maintenance coordinator for Marathon Petroleum. He likes bowhunting for whitetail. Boggsâ sponsors are Power Team Lures, Border Sporting Goods and The Tacklebox.

Kentucky Nonboater
Tim Frohlich is a member of Kentuckyâs Big Sacks Bass Club. He works as a logistics and operations manager, but what he really enjoys is spending time with his family and watching his son play baseball. This will be Frohlichâs first championship.

Louisiana Boater
David Cavell is a big LSU fan. Youâll know it when you meet him because, unless heâs in his fishing gear, heâs wearing something with LSU on it. He likes tailgating (at LSU games), cooking and hanging out at the beach. Cavell competed in the championship the first time two years ago. The Ascension Area Anglers club member works as an insurance agent. His sponsors are Missile Baits, Fitzgerald Rods, Delta Lures, Bass Cat Boats, Mercury, Lowrance and the Toyota Bonus Bucks Program.

Louisiana Nonboater
Like his fellow Ascension Area Anglers club member, Ryan Lavigne has been to the championship once before. Lavigne is a process technician, but, honestly, he spends most of his time chasing around his 3-year-old daughter. When heâs not working or hanging out with his little girl, you can find him cooking or making his own lures. Lavigne is sponsored by Stratos Boats, Mercury Marine, Fishing for Tucker, Missile Baits, Phenix Rods, Delta Lures and the Louisiana B.A.S.S. Nation.

Maine Nonboater
Chris Brewer will be competing in his first Nation Championship. Heâs a member of the Western Maine Anglers, and he works as a raw material tech. He likes making his own lures.

Maine Boater
Mark Lodge, a member of the Southern Maine Anglers, works as a land surveyor. This championship will be his first. He likes hockey, hunting, ice fishing and snowmobiling. Lodge is sponsored by his family and friends.

Maryland Nonboater
Like his Team Outcast teammate, Andrew Sams, Duarte first honed his skills on the Bassmaster youth trails. Now heâs competing in his first Nation Championship. Duarte is in college now, and two of his favorite things, besides fishing, are basketball and baseball.

Maryland Boater
Andrew Sams is a former Junior Bassmaster champ, now plying his skills learned at a young age against adults in the club, Team Outcast. He works for FedEx now, as a freight dock worker. He likes hunting and crabbing when heâs not fishing. Sams is sponsored by the Maryland B.A.S.S. Nation.

Massachusetts Boater
Joe Burchill of Boston is a member of MASS Bass. This is his first championship. When heâs not working as a business analyst, he spends as much time with his family as he can. He is sponsored by Bico Jigs.

Massachusetts Nonboater
Josh Cotier, a Massachusetts at Large member, says he loves every day â so heâll definitely love the three days in November when he gets to compete for a Classic spot for the first time. Cotier works in trades, and he likes hunting on his days off. Cotier is sponsored by iRod.

Mexico Boater
Edgar Romero competes for Bass Centro in Guanajuato, Mexico. This will be Romeroâs fourth time fishing in a Nation Championship, with appearances in 2007, 2011 and 2014 already to his credit. Heâs an automotive engineer, and he goes hunting whenever he can. He is sponsored by Lewâs, RageTail, Vicious Line, Revenge, Bassar, Autocheck, Bernalejo, Minn Kota and Strike King.

Mexico Nonboater
Donât do anything illegal in front of Stefan Adamchick, at least not in Mexico: Heâs an attorney. He lives in Nuevo Leon and fishes with Bass Centro. This will be Adamchickâs first Nation Championship. He likes hunting, playing golf and beating others at racquetball. Adamchick is sponsored by GMX, Costa, Favorite, Megastrike, TBB Tungsten, Chevrolet and Tecate.

Michigan Boater
Tom Kiefer hails from Michiganâs Team High Voltage. He doubles as a teacher and a bass fishing guide. Kiefer made it to the championship once before, back in 2011. He loves music, going to concerts and traveling. Kieferâs sponsors include Case Plastics, D&R Sports Center, Commando Tackle, Michigan B.A.S.S. Nation, TFO Rods and Power-Pole.

Michigan Nonboater
Jarrod Sherwood is a design engineer, but he prefers to spend his time hunting or fishing. Heâs a member of Team Bass, and this will be his first Nation Championship.

Minnesota Nonboater
Michael Lebsack hails from the Duluth Bass Club. He works as a general manager. Lebsack, who will be competing in his first championship, likes hunting waterfowl, coaching, hockey and working with the Boy Scouts.

Minnesota Boater
Josh Nelson is a member of Minnesotaâs Crow River Basscasters, and this will be first championship. He loves spending time with his wife, which is sweet on its own, but even better because sheâs one of his two sponsors. His other sponsor is All Terrain Tackle.

Mississippi Boater
Danny Carter of the North Mississippi B.A.S.S. Association has qualified for the championship before, and heâs back at it for his second time. He likes duck hunting as well as gardening. His sponsors are Peanut Craft Lures and Sports of All Sorts.

Mississippi Nonboater
Michael Valentine is a member of Mississippiâs Rankin County Bass Nation. Heâll be fishing his first championship. He likes hunting and playing softball.

Missouri Boater
John Plumlee will be representing his home state of Missouri as part of the Joplin Backlashers. He loves his boss (he works for himself), and he digs hunting, too. This will be his first championship.

Missouri Nonboater
Chris Selsor is a member of Missouriâs Lost Creek Bassmasters. He works as an electrician, and his favorite thing to do besides fishing is to go hunting.

Montana Boater
Jay Evans, or Professor Evans to all his college students, works at a university in Montana, as well as serves as the CEO of Inimmune Corp., a biotech company. (Heâs a smartie.) Heâs also pretty experienced when it comes to competing at the championship; this will be his fifth one in 13 years. In 2009, he did so well, he made it to the Classic. When Evans isnât educating Montanaâs brightest kids, heâs outside hiking, hunting or snow skiing. Evans is a member of the Big Sky Bassers. His sponsors include Montana B.A.S.S. Nation, Triton, Mercury, MotorGuide and Lowrance.

Montana Nonboater
Jake Weaver will compete in his first championship as a member of the Western Montana Bassmasters. He delivers furniture on his work days and enjoys hunting and hockey on his play days.

Namibia Nonboater
Alec Williams, also a member of the Namibia Bass Angling Association, made the journey to our continent for the championship last year. Heâs a broker back home in Namibia, where he also enjoys hunting and golf. His sponsors include Outdoors365, Spro, Gamakatsu, Norman, Big Bite Baits, Seaguar, Jewel and Falcon Rods.

Namibia Boater
Neil Engelbrecht will be coming all the way from Namibia in Africa to compete in his first championship. Heâs a member of the Namibia Bass Angling Association, and he can talk a mile a minute â or at least we assume that because heâs an auctioneer. Engelbrechtâs free time is spent hunting.

Nebraska Boater
If youâre having trouble breathing, Dave McCoy is your man. Thatâs because heâs a respiratory therapist. This is McCoyâs first championship. The River City Bass Club member loves hunting also as much as he loves fishing. His sponsors are Bass Pro Shops, Rapala, Terminator, VMC, Storm, Luhr-Jensen, Lake Fork Tackle, Blue Fox and Lift Solutions.

Nebraska Nonboater
Lee Wubbels Jr. is a member of the Hidden Valley Bassmasters. Heâs retired from the military. Now that he has spare time, he can dedicate more to hunting and fishing. He is sponsored by Visa and Ranger.

Nevada Nonboater
Scott Hausman is a former Utah B.A.S.S. Nation member, but when his job as a regional sales manager transferred him to Las Vegas, he took up residency with the Nevada Bass Anglers. This is his first championship. He loves bass fishing, obviously, but he also loves a good fly fishing excursion. Hausman also likes cooking â but he requests you donât make him do the cleanup. Heâs sponsored by GCP Applied Technologies, St. Croix Rods, Dry Creek Outfitters, Nevada B.A.S.S. Nation and the Nevada Bass Anglers club.

Nevada Boater
Tim Klinger of the Nevada B.A.S.S. Nation has made it to the championship before; this will be his second time. He works as an IBEW groundman, and he likes hunting. Klinger is sponsored by Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits and Phenix Baits.

New Hampshire Nonboater
Jeremy Arnold is the person you want next to you if something goes wrong: Heâs an emergency medicine physician. When heâs not busy saving lives, the New Hampshire Bass Casters member is snowboarding or hiking. And whenever he can get his boys on a boat, heâs out teaching them how to fish. This is Arnoldâs first championship.

New Hampshire Boater
Mark DiMarzio is a member of the North Country Bronzebacks in New Hampshire. He works as a marketing executive. This championship will be his first. He likes the outdoors, especially hunting. Heâs sponsored by New Hampshire B.A.S.S. Nation, North Country Bronzebacks and Dobyns Rods.

New Jersey Boater
Brian Brooks of the clup Rippin Lipz will be competing in his first championship. Heâs an operations manager, but the water is his passion â either fishing, kayaking or boating is where he wants to be. Heâs sponsored by Omni Logistics, Powell Rods and Brooks Hydraulics.

New Jersey Nonboater
Dave Frost is a member of the Bucketmouth Brigade and will be representing New Jersey, even though heâs from the neighboring state of â Florida? Thatâs because Frost recently moved to Florida so he can fish year-round. Itâs a move he says has made him a more well-rounded angler. Frost works in furniture service, and in his time off, heâs spends time with Diane, whom he calls his âwonderful and supportive partner.â (Aw!) Heâs sponsored by Enigma, Basscat Boats, Lowrance, MotorGuide, Minn Kota, Mega Strike, Mare Marine VA and the New Jersey B.A.S.S. Nation.

New Mexico Boater
Randy Campbell, a member of the Socorro Bass Club, is a real estate broker in New Mexico. He likes snow skiing and golfing. Campbellâs sponsors are Denali Rods, Mofish Baits and ME Development Inc. This will be Campbellâs first championship.

New Mexico Nonboater
Danny Fourr is a manufacturers rep. Heâs a member of the Four Corners Bassmasters, and he loves camping and hanging out with his family. This will be Fourrâs first championship. He is sponsored by Clow Valve Co. and Denali Rods.

New York Boater
William Lortz gets more time on the water than most of his Nation Championship competitors; heâs a bass fishing guide! And when heâs not guiding, heâs still doing whatever he can to be outdoors. Lortz, a member of the New York B.A.S.S. Nation, will be fishing his first championship. His sponsors are Triton, Mercury, TFO Rods, Under Armour, Sunline and Navionics.

New York Nonboater
Jonathan Robla owns his own business in New York. When he takes time off, he spends it predator hunting. Robla is sponsored by Keitech, Excessive Adrenaline RC, Robla’s Carpet Care, and JCâs River Run Bar and Grill. This will be his debut championship.

North Carolina Boater
Rob Digh of the Outdoor Rush Bassmasters does double duty: He works in property management, and heâs also a big game outfitter. Heâs made it to the championship twice before. He likes camping, hunting and cooking. Dighâs sponsors include Triton Boats, Carolina Coach and Marine, Mercury Marine, Barry Sullivan Custom Lures, The Great Outdoors Cherryville, Shooter Lures, Izorline, Daiwa, Cashion Rods, DCC Construction, Brookwood Restaurant and Linebergers Steak House. He also thanks his family â Hope, Aaron and Anna â for their sponsorship.

North Carolina Nonboater
Jeff Hager has not only been to the championship before (twice), heâs also made it all the way to the Classic. Back in 2005, he competed against the best in the world on Pittsburghâs Three Rivers. The general contractor is a member of the Alexis Bassmasters. Hager likes to golf and hike. Heâs sponsored by War Eagle Custom Baits, E&L Lures, Westport Marina and Great Outdoors of Cherryville.

Ohio Nonboater
Jody Adkins will represent Ohio, where heâs a supervisor at the Akron Canton Airport. Like his Ohio teammate, Adkins has made it to the championship before. He even made it to the Classic, on Alabamaâs Lay Lake in 2010. Heâs a member of the Bent Rod Bass Club, and if heâs not fishing, heâs hunting. Heâs sponsored by Kames Sports and the Ohio B.A.S.S. Nation.

Ohio Boater
Brian Mailot is an Out Cast Bassmasters member from Ohio. He works as a hydrologic technician at the U.S. Geological Survey. He made it to the championship once before, in 2010. He has lots of interests, from hunting, archery and golf to snowboarding and bowling. He also likes watching sports. Mailot is sponsored by Ohio B.A.S.S. Nation, Out Cast Bassmasters and Cool Drain Flow Inc.

Oklahoma Nonboater
Brock Enmeier of Enid Bass Club works as a manager at Shoreline Boat & RV Repair. This is his first championship. Heâs sponsored by Zee Bait Co., Shoreline Boat & RV Repair and Dixie Fowl Co. Enmeier likes hunting and golf.

Oklahoma Boater
If youâve been to a Bassmaster Elite Series event in the last few years, youâve most likely seen Matt Pangrac. The North Oklahoma City Bassmasters member is a freelance writer for the outdoors. And when he was a little bit younger, he used to compete in Bassmaster youth events. Now, heâs competing in his first adult championship. Pangrac is a fan of golf and hockey.

Ontario Nonboater
Chris Barrett of Ontario likes putting rounds of golf, playing hockey and snowboarding in Ontario. He is a municipal inspector, and the Aurora Bassmasters member will be fishing his first championship. His sponsors include Lowrance, Mercury, MotorGuide, Vigor Glasses, Ultra Tungsten, Live Target and Triton Boats.

Ontario Boater
Mark Cavanaugh is a utility coordinator in Ontario. The Canadian angler will be fishing his first championship. He likes hockey, being outdoors and coaching kidsâ sports. Heâs a member of the Port Perry Bassmasters, and heâs sponsored by Quantum, The Perfect Jig, Smith Brothers, T2 Utility Engineers and Nichols Lures.

Oregon Nonboater
Donât judge Addam Gross by his name; heâs not gross at all. He works as an electrical project manager in Oregon, where heâs a member of the Mid-Columbia Bass Anglers. He hunts, camps and goes 4-wheeling in his Jeep whenever he can. Heâs sponsored by Nixonâs Marine, GP Custom Baits, MotorGuide and Lowrance.

Oregon Boater
David Mays of Portland works as a network technician. Heâs a member of the Eugene Bassmasters, and heâs already been to the championship once, in 2012. He loves bow hunting. Mays is sponsored by Power-Pole.

Pennsylvania Nonboater
John Bernard works as a client service officer. He likes spending time with friends and family, as well as cooking and sports. Heâs a member of the Mariner Bassmasters, and this will be his first championship. His sponsors are the Pennsylvania B.A.S.S. Nation and Hedgehog Custom Tackle.

Pennsylvania Boater
If youâre in the mood for a good barbecue, make friends with Pennsylvaniaâs Ryan Buttermore. Grilling out is one of his favorite things to do. He also likes hanging out with his family and traveling. Buttermore is a member of the Fort Pitt Bass Anglers, and he works as a retail buyer. Heâs sponsored by Field & Stream, Dickâs Sporting Goods, Minn Kota, Humminbird and the Pennsylvania B.A.S.S. Nation.

Portugal Nonboater
Agostinho Almeida will make the journey to the United States with teammate Filipe Almeida. Heâs a member of Bass Lisboa, and he works in construction. Heâs sponsored by Pampilhosa da Serra and B.A.S.S. Nation Portugal.

Portugal Boater
Filipe Almeida will be crossing the ocean to represent his club, Bass Lisboa, and his nation of Portugal. This will be his first championship. He likes football (er, futbol) and heâll crush you in video games. Heâs sponsored by Pampilhosa da Serra, B.A.S.S. Nation Portugal and Agostinho Almeida, who will be accompanying him to the United States.

PVA Boater
Kurt Glass is a disabled U.S. Army veteran who will represent the Paralyzed Veterans Association Tour in the championship. It wonât be his first time, either; he qualified for it when it was in Florida about a decade ago, when he managed only one fish. The Georgia angler is hoping for more than one this time.

Rhode Island Nonboater
Steven Conde is a construction worker in Rhode Island, where heâs a member of the Northern Rhode Island Bass Anglers. This will be his first championship. One of his favorite things to do with watch NFL games.

Rhode Island Boater
Mike Wolfenden is retired now after years of working for UPS. Now he has more time for his family â and billiards and poker. Wolfenden has been to four championships already, with his first nearly 20 years ago in 1997. Heâs a member of Rhode Islandâs Bass Stalkers club. Wolfenden is sponsored by Veracity Baits, Thayerâs Marine, Stratos Boats, Evinrude Motors, Minn Kota, Lowrance and Power-Pole.

South Africa Boater
Donât mess with Adrian Luff because he could put a hurtinâ on you. Heâs a martial arts instructor in Western Cape, South Africa. He will travel all the way to the U.S. to do pretty much the only thing he likes doing â fishing for bass! Heâs a member of SABAA, and heâs sponsored by Thornveld Angling (Strike King, ZMan, Halo, Lewâs and Lunkerhunt) and Tribal Boats.

South Carolina Boater
Brent Long has a strong history in B.A.S.S. Nation Championships. The Young Guns Bass Club member has made it to the championship three times over the last 20 years, and two of those times, heâs qualified for the Classic. Long thinks his twin daughters are the best; his favorite thing to do is be at their track and cross-country meets to cheer them on. Heâs sponsored by Ranger Boats, Denver Marine, Evinrude, Lewâs, Scott Clark Toyota, Tater Hog Lures, E&L Lures, Strike King, T.H. Marine, Lowrance and Turf connections.

South Carolina Nonboater
Edward Owens is retired now from being a director of software support, and that gives him plenty of time to do what he loves â golf and fish. This is his first championship, and heâs going on behalf of his club, Conway Bassmasters, which is also one of his sponsors. Owens is also sponsored by Marshallâs Marine and the South Carolina B.A.S.S. Nation.

South Dakota Boater
Brett Logue can fix anything; heâs a maintenance mechanic. He lives in Nebraska but is representing South Dakota as a member of BonHomme Bass. This will be Logueâs first championship. He loves racing, and he enjoys family time whenever he can get it. Heâs sponsored by Dr. Wendy Meir, Tyndall Motors, BonHomme Bass, Wolf Tackle and ThunderBullets.com.

South Dakota Nonboater
Shane Stiehl is a member of South Dakotaâs Borderline Bassmasters. He works as a journeyman electrician. He likes hunting and spending time with his family, and this will be Stiehlâs first championship. He credits his family and Borderline Bassmasters as his sponsors.

Tennessee Nonboater
Bert Cooper is retired, which gives him plenty of time to spend on one of his favorite pastimes, hunting. Heâs a member of the Stones River Bass Anglers, and this will be his first championship.

Tennessee Boater
Grayson Smith is a land surveyor in Tennessee, where heâs a member of the Montgomery County Bass Club. His favorite things to do besides go fishing including paddleboarding, kayaking and duck hunting. This championship will be his first. He is sponsored by DBS & Associates Engineering, Cumberland Bank and Trust, Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Lowrance, Vicious, Strike King Lure Co., Maloneâs Blue and Gray Marine.

Texas Boater
Jon Harshbarger is a project superintendent in Texas, where heâs a member of the Century Bass Club. He loves duck hunting. This championship will be Harshbargerâs first.

Texas Nonboater
David Porter is a senior vice president in sales advertising. He likes hunting, golfing and traveling, as well as fishing with his comrades in the Century Bass Club. This will be his first championship. Heâs sponsored by Waffle House, Resource One Credit Union, George Welch Custom Homes, Coy Rays BBQ, Thermosensors and PIGI.

Utah Boater
Bill Brown lives in Colorado, but heâll be representing Utah with the Top of Utah Bass Anglers. He works as a contractor and hunts whenever he can. His sponsors include Pepper Custom Baits, Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits, Evinrude, Ranger Boats, Budâs Signs and Mattas Marine.

Utah Nonboater
Riley Hansen is a general contractor in Utah, where heâs a member of the Top of Utah Bass Anglers. He likes archery, hunting and waterfowl hunting. This will be Hansenâs first championship. Heâs sponsored by Topwater Construction.

Vermont Boater
Scott Green is a member of the Champlain Valley Anglers. Heâs doing good in the world, working as a youth counselor and social worker. When heâs not making life better for those who need it most, heâs into hunting and hockey. This will be Greenâs first championship. Heâs sponsored by Lowrance, Lewâs, Krank5baits, River Rat Custom Baits and Richmond Market.

Vermont Nonboater
Bob Wetzler is retired from the Air Force. Now, he delves into travel and history, when heâs not fishing with the Rutland B.A.S.S. Club. This championship will be Wetzlerâs first.

Virginia Boater
Ivan Morris of Virginia has one of the most unique jobs of any angler in the field. He owns his own glass-blowing company, Glass Baron. The Lake Gaston Bass Holes member made it to the championship once before, back in 2007. He loves politics (plenty of material these days!) and golf. Heâs sponsored by Glass Baron, Capt. Max King Marine, Virginia B.A.S.S. Nation, BassCat Boats, Mercury, MotorGuide, Lowrance, Power-Pole, MotorTech, Tackle Warehouse and Gamma Lines.

Virginia Nonboater
Larry Witt likes seeing fish up close, and not just on the end of his line. When heâs not bass fishing, you can probably catch him scuba diving. Heâs a member of Virginiaâs Backyard Bassmasters, and heâs sponsored by Pro Choice Sporting Goods.

Washington Boater
Ron Mace works as a union sheet metal worker in Washington. Heâs a member of the Tri-City River Runners, and this will be his first championship. He likes to get in lots of hunting and long-range shooting. Mace is sponsored by Sniper Lures and Pure Fishing.

Washington Nonboater
Zackery Shaff is a member of Washingtonâs Tri-City River Runners, but he lives right next door in â Kentucky? Long commute. He works as a chemical engineer, and heâs really into video games. This will be his first championship.

West Virginia Boater
JJ Dickens is a production supervisor in West Virginia. Heâs a member of the New River Bassmasters, and this championship will be his first. He likes deer hunting and spending time with his family. Heâs sponsored by Cramer Security.

West Virginia Nonboater
Rich Hamer has two jobs: Heâs a union iron worker, and he owns Hamer Tree Service. This will be the second championship for the Aces of Indian Lake club member. He likes hunting and serving the Lord. He is sponsored by Hamer Tree Service.

Wisconsin Nonboater
Daniel Elsner owns two businesses, Construction Specialists and Get Bit Baits. The Great Lakes Bassmasters member likes video games, movies and music. This championship will be his first. Elsner is sponsored by Get Bit Baits, RPM Custom Rods and Dirty Jigs Tackle.

Wisconsin Boater
Ted Heitschmidt is a member of Wisconsinâs Northern Lakes Bassmasters. He is his own boss in residential construction. Heitschmidt likes golf, pool and bowling. He is sponsored by Northern Lakes Bassmasters.

Wyoming Nonboater
Becca Golightly differs from everyone else in the field because â sheâs female! Sheâll definitely be easy to pick out of the crowd. The lone woman is a member of the Cache Valley Bassmasters, and sheâs the president of the Wyoming B.A.S.S. Nation. She works as an insurance agent, and she loves hunting, camping and being outdoors. Golightlyâs sponsors are the Wyoming B.A.S.S. Nation and Livingston Lures. Bill and Jaxon Golightly, her husband and son, are also her sponsors. And if you see Jaxon in person (he usually goes across the Bassmaster stage with either of his parents), youâll never forget his sweet face.

Wyoming Boater
Bubba OâNeill works as an athletic director in Wyoming, where heâs a member of the Bear River Bass Masters. This will be the second championship for OâNeill. He likes hunting and golfing. He is sponsored by the B.A.S.S. Nation official sponsors.

Zimbabwe Boater
Strati Orphanides, besides having maybe the coolest name of all the competitors, is also the president of the Zimbabwe B.A.S.S. Nation. Heâs competing in his second championship; his first was in 2014. Orphanides works as a chicken farmer, and for fun, he likes field hockey, squash and cricket. Heâs a member of the Bigmouth BASS Chapter, and heâs sponsored by Evolution Insurance, Zimnat Lion and Marine Centre.

Australia Nonboater
Garry Harman of Queensland makes a living as a concreter in Australia. He also loves hunting. This is his first Nation Championship. His sponsors include St. Croix, Somerset Fishing Tackle, Smak Lures and Legend Boats Australia.

Zimbabe Nonboater
Ronald Hanhart hails from Mashonaland, where heâs a member of the Bigmouth BASS Chapter. Heâs an entrepreneur, and heâs fascinated by gems. This championship will be his first. Hanhart is sponsored by Zimnat Insurance and Alliance Health.
