Ronnie Moore and the Bassmaster LIVE crew just dealt out great Classic-cutline info, and a whole of it. You can watch the full video here.
Here are some of the highlights.
Jason Christie would likely be the favorite headed into the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic on his home waters of Grand Lake. That is, if he’s able to qualify. He’s fished his way out of a slump in the homestretch and given himself a great shot. But having stubbed his toe one last time on the St. Lawrence (finishing 81st), he now has to look on from the sidelines to see how it shakes out.
At the start of today, Jason Christie sat in 40th place in Progressive Angler of the Year points, one spot above the Classic bubble. For him to be bumped out of the Classic, all of these have to happen: Jacob Powroznik has to finish above 40th in the tournament, Bryan New must move up from 37th to 12th or better and a non-points qualifier wins. As long as this worst-case scenario doesn’t transpire, Christie will compete on Grand for a shot at his second Classic title.
With this being our only win-and-you’re-in Elite of the season, here are eight anglers in the Top 25 on the St. Lawrence who have no way into the Classic via the AOY points, they must win this event: Chris Zaldain, Scott Martin, Greg DiPalma, Matty Wong, Clent Davis, Jacob Foutz, KJ Queen and Alex Redwine.
Lastly, these anglers are just above the Classic bubble and can get into the Classic as long as they do not drop below these positions in the tournament standings today. David Gaston can do no worse than 43rd. Cody Huff needs to finish 48th or better. Paul Mueller must finish 24th or higher. Taku Ito can do no worse than 4th. And Cole Sands needs at least a 29th place finish.
