Fantasy Fishing: The big show

Written by

Solomon Glenn

The pinnacle in bass fishing is upon us once again in the 2025 Bassmaster Classic. While the anglers visited Ray Roberts only a few years back, the lake is sure to set up differently. High waters and summer conditions in 2021 displayed a magnificent showing of flipping and swimming the trees. The water conditions should be more stable this go-around and we will see a wide variety of tactics in play.

A predicted steady warming trend and big Texas bass is something to get excited about, and there will be fireworks whether we see fish staging a little deeper, pushing shallow or even on bed. Those who succeed will definitely need to be versatile and so having a versatile team should also help in the fantasy game. The Classic is not only different for the anglers but also for us as fantasy players. Most anglers will have the go big or go home mentality because everyone is there to win. Be sure to factor in home run hitters when building your Classic team.

Let’s get into some picks.

BUCKET A: PRZEKURAT

Call me crazy, but the young Wisconsin angler has been hot and is primed for another major win. Jay Przekurat is coming off nearly winning the season opener on the St. Johns and has been very successful in springtime Texas tournaments with a 16th and 25th. He has also experienced the Classic a couple of times and come away with a 7th and 4th.

Solid secondary pick: When big fish are involved (well, pretty much anytime) Patrick Walters is a threat. Its only a matter of time before he hoists the Classic trophy and it wouldn’t surprise me if it was in Fort Worth. By the way he finished 10th last time on Ray Roberts.

BUCKET B: BLAYLOCK

Stetson Blaylock burned me when I picked him at St. Johns, but I have faith he will make a run at the classic. Blaylock is a name that always comes to my mind in pre spawn scenarios whether they are still staging or are puling up shallow. Last year he came out of Texas with his best finishes of the year in a 6th and 15th. He can definatly catch them on the jerkbait and I’m sure that will play.

Solid secondary pick: Matt Arey just about won on Ray Roberts the last time the Classic visited. Granted it’s a different time of year and far different conditions but I think Arey would like to make another run at the title this go around.

BUCKET C: GEE

While next year’s Classic is in Robert Gee’s hometown, you best believe he has his sights on Ray Roberts. Gee is a master of forward facing sonar which will likely play in some shape of form. Texas has been either feast or famine for Gee but I think he has found his grove in big moments. I hope to see Gee make a mark in his first Classic.

Solid secondary pick: Will Davis Jr. is a full-on fish catcher and has started the 2025 season very strong. If junk fishing and changing conditions is in play, Davis should be one to make a run.

BUCKET D: ATKINS

Justin Atkins has been gaining momentum over the past year and has started to come up with some solid finishes. While he didn’t fish the last time at Ray Roberts, his history has some solid finishes in Texas, including a Top 5 on Lake Fork just last year. With the prime prespawn conditions on this visit to Texas, I could see it setting up for a good scenario for Atkins to thrive.

Solid Secondary pick: Easton Fothergill just made it to the Elites and is already entering his second Classic. Unfortunately, he had a hard start to his season in Florida but I am confident he won’t be held down for long. He thrives in grinder tournaments and Ray Roberts can sometimes fall into that category. Oh, and he catches giants when the fishing is tough.

BUCKET E: CAMPBELL

There are a lot of new faces in Bucket E, but Tyler Campbell sticks out to me. The former college angler has really started to find success on the Opens and qualified for the Classic through the Team Championship. The Georgia native is very accomplished at forward-facing sonar, which I have a hard time believing won’t play a role at Ray Roberts. Campbell finished 40th just this year in the Sam Rayburn Open about a month ago.

Solid secondary pick: I’m not sure if Bobby Blakewell has fished a tournament in Texas, but if big fish are pulled up in shallow cover, Blakewell could excel. The Florida angler is no stranger to big bass and has the ability to junk fish if Ray Roberts becomes a grinder.