The Daily Limit recently looked back at 2020, the year of the pandemic, as an awful one for humanity but awesome for the sport of fishing.
The delayed and revamped Bassmaster tournament schedule provided fantastic storylines with redemption, renewal, first-time winners and live major network television coverage that led to a historic deal with FOX Sports.
Sure, it seemed like a really long year, but it was chock-full of enthralling stuff. Following are the author’s favorite posts of 2020.
No. 10: Skill sets of bass pros
Let’s start with a look at the varied skills required to be a Bassmaster Elite Series pro. The idea came as the Bassmaster LIVE crew worked to entertain and inform a new audience for ESPN2. Tournament bass fishing is so much more complicated than dunking a worm on a hook.
Davy Hite was enlisted to illuminate on the topics, and he enjoyed discussing the many hats worn by a bass pro, from weatherman to race-boat driver to strategist and more. Only snippets of the interview were used, and Hite said there’s enough information to fill a book on the many skills of a pro angler.
No. 9: Yelas makes HOF
Jay Yelas had plenty to celebrate on his 55th birthday in September. The 2002 Classic champ and 2003 Angler of the Year was coming off a Top 10 at Lake St. Clair and had recently been announced as an inductee into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.
Yelas said it was a great honor to be recognized for his life’s work, but much of his attention centers around his work as executive director of the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, which organizes fishing trips for special needs children. With a kind heart and always seeming to be enjoying a beautiful day in the neighborhood, Yelas seems a perfect fit for that rewarding work. He was just as pleased to be referred to as The Mr. Rogers of bass fishing.
No. 8: Murray looks back 50 years
Bobby Murray won the first Bassmaster Classic in 1971, and it was interesting to hear his take on the then and now and what the title meant to him. Murray said winning opened doors in the industry for him.
Shortly after becoming the second to win multiple titles in 1978, Murray quit competitive fishing for a successful career in the industry. There are now 40 men who can claim to be Classic champions, and Murray is on the short list of multiple winners, but he remains proud to say he’ll always be first.
No 7: Elite Marshals witness history
The Elite Series Marshal program gives the public, many tournament anglers themselves, a front-row seat to the action. Most Marshals report leaving the pro’s boat with a head full of ideas, new techniques to try and, at times, friendship.
For Bret Schmitz and Bobby Friedrich, their experiences allowed them to witness history, like the biggest fish of the year and the single-best day, respectively. Both said they learned a lot, and most Marshals do enjoy their time on the front line.
No. 6: Rifling through Clunn’s history
Rick Clunn is the active leader in B.A.S.S. with 19 victories, but he might never have become a legend in the sport if not for pawning his hunting rifle to get to the 1976 Classic, where he won his first of four championships.
That year, the floundering Texas guide didn’t have enough cash to get to New Orleans to take the mystery flight to Alabama’s Lake Guntersville. Details like this from Clunn are still being unearthed, and the Zen master might never have been known if not for Clunn’s Classic pawn.
No. 5: Monti guides favorite receiver
Third-year Elite Kyle Monti was surprised after a fellow Okeechobee guide asked him if he could help take out a group, mentioning only “Randy.” As the window on the Escalade rolled down, Monti immediately recognized he’d be taking out NFL Hall of Famer Randy Moss, his favorite receiver.
Monti said he tried not to be a total fanboy, but he snuck in some football questions, learning about Patriots coach Bill Belichick and news that Tom Brady was going to play in Tampa Bay. They had a great day on the water with Moss following his instructions. There were plenty of catches, and Monti will always remember the day he coached Randy Moss.
No. 4: Something in the Ozarks water
In southwest Missouri, there seems to be something in the water — besides bass — that creates competitive anglers. Three of the six Team Champion Classic qualifiers have come from the Ozarks, with Josh Busby the latest. He followed Ryan Butler and Scott Clift, all of whom live about an hour apart.
The area that can lay claim as the birthplace of tournament fishing boasts varied fisheries and competitive trails putting anglers through the paces. The homeboys there are certainly proud when one of their own continues the Ozarks’ Classic connection.
No. 3: Tribute to pioneer’s passing
With the passing of Forrest Wood and Jerry McKinnis just months apart, other legends in the sport were asked for their impressions on the fishing icons.
Jimmy Houston, Bobby Murray and Rick Clunn gave some perspective of what Wood and McKinnis meant to the industry, as well as personally. They added that men like them don’t come around often, lamenting the loss of legends.
No. 2: Cherry’s wife gets telepathic
You just never know who you might run into at the Classic Expo. With her children blowing off some steam at a hands-on booth, Jaclyn Cherry was spotted and approached after a stressful Championship Sunday of fishing was complete. Asked how her day went watching husband Hank vie to win the 50th anniversary Classic, she was extremely forthcoming.
Jaclyn shed light on what it’s like to sit helpless 70 miles away and only being able to offer prayer. But the night before, after a missed fish let doubts creep into Hanks’ mind, she gave him a pep talk. During his slow start on Day 3, she knew her words would reach him in the Cherry’s mind-meld.
No. 1: Forrest guided Jerry for life
The passing of Wood and McKinnis tops the list of 2020 favorite stories. There was great emotion elicited writing this, and while re-reading, akin to when my father passed.
Reactions from those who knew them showed how much they meant to the industry and those they touched. The most poignant might be their relationship, rock solid after one day of fishing and continuing for decades. It’s so simple yet complex that a day trip for trout on the White River would create a bond as guides for life.
The Daily Limit is now curious to see what’s in store for 2021.