The more than 1,000 collegiate anglers who competed in the 2015 season have been whittled down to just two as Trevor Lo and Josh Bensema advance to the Final Round of the Carhartt College Bassmaster Classic Bracket.
Finishing runner-up in the National Championship two days ago on Lake DuBay, Trevor Lo has since brought in the biggest overall bag each day in the bracket-style format competition being held on the Wisconsin Flowage. Lo’s Round 2 bag worth 6 pounds, 2 ounces was enough to push him through to the Final Round, winning his matchup over Jake Whitaker. Like Lo, Whitaker brought in a 3-fish limit; however, his limit was only worth 5 pounds, 7 ounces.
“It’s been a grind out here,” said Trevor Lo. “I’m so glad to be here and I’m blessed to have the support of my family and friends. I would have never guessed I would make it this far since this is my first year fishing college.”
Reigning National Champion Josh Bensema brought in a 3-fish limit worth 5 pounds, 6 ounces on Monday to defeat his Round 2 competitor Tyler Rivet. Rivet fell short of the tournament limit, managing only two fish worth 3 pounds, 9 ounces.
“I sure am glad I made it into the finals,” said Bensema. “It’s definitely tough out there and I have my work cut out for me tomorrow. I haven’t brought in as much as Trevor has either day so far.”
The 2015 National Champion Josh Bensema will face off with the 2015 National Championship Runner-up on Tuesday in what promises to be a nail-biter of a finale. At stake: a berth to the 2016 Geico Bassmaster Classic to be held on Grand Lake in the spring, a fully-rigged Toyota Tundra, a sponsor-provided bass boat, entry fees for all nine of the 2016 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens as well as $7,500 cash provided by Carhartt for expenses in the 2016 season.
The fishing is tough and every bite will count. Follow along with all the action on Bassmaster.com, or make your way out to Bukolt Park to cheer on the anglers in person. Anglers leave the dock at 6 AM and return at 2 PM for the final weigh-in, where one angler will move on to the Bassmaster Classic.