Both call North Carolina home. They’ve known each other for years. One became a back-to-back Bassmaster Classic last June, the other finished second. Yet they remain good buddies and gracious souls.
And on the eve of a brand new Bassmaster Elite Series season, they shared their thoughts on what fans can expect this year at the St. Johns River.
Q: What was the highlight of your offseason?
Arey: Seeing my oldest daughter Reese get accepted into her school’s academically gifted program. She’s worked really hard to achieve that.
Cherry: Hunting with Mark Zona in Texas, and killing a giant 192-inch whitetail.
Q: How many 20-pound limits can fans expect to see weighed-in Thursday?
Arey: 7
Cherry: 4
Q: What will be the biggest challenge this week on the St. Johns?
Arey: It’s Florida, and I’ve always struggled in this state.
Cherry: Being patient for the next bite, because I haven’t had a ton of bites in practice.
Q: Tell us two lures you won’t leave the dock without Thursday.
Arey: A salty Lunkerhunt Lunker Stick, and a jerkbait.
Cherry: A 5-inch Berkley General and a topwater prop bait.
Q: Each of you are towing with the all new 2022 Toyota Tundra. What are your two favorite attributes of this new truck?
Arey: The 14-inch touchscreen on the dash, and it’s the most comfortable truck I’ve ever driven.
Cherry: The body cosmetics are so cool, and it tows like a dream.
Q: Valentine’s Day is this coming Monday, name two things you love most about your wife.
Arey: I love Emily’s selflessness and her work ethic.
Cherry: I love Jaclyn’s positive attitude and her passion for life.