2005 Bassmaster Classic: Federation anglers

Part of the lore and allure of the CITGO Bassmaster Classic has always been the storybook participation of the fishermen who climb through the BASS Federation amateur ranks to earn a shot at winning professional fishing's crowning event.

Bassmaster Classic: Great moments

The Classic is the most prestigious, most watched, most exciting, most heavily anticipated, most publicized and the most lucrative tournament of all. It is simply the most important contest in competitive fishing.

2005 Bassmaster Classic: Clunn comeback

"I wasn't always fishing to win, and that was a direct departure from previous years," Clunn said. "I was going for quality fish instead of using my knowledge, and I just wasn't having fun."

2001 Bassmaster Classic: Chaotic year

"I have been totally shocked at the magnitude of what winning the Classic has meant." VanDam says. "Without a doubt, bass fishing is far more mainstream than ever before."

2001 Bassmaster Classic: Déjà vu

With air temperatures pushing the century mark each day and steamy water temperatures above 90 degrees, few bass experts believed the Classic's weight record would fall in the vast Louisiana Delta … except Hite, that is.

2001 Bassmaster Classic: Practice

Thanks to torrential rains in Louisiana and Texas from Tropical Storm Allison, the 45 Classic contenders didn't find the cooperative fish they were looking for during their six days of prefishing.

2001 Bassmaster Classic: VanDam wins

After all, he's considered one of bassing's greatest competitors, but the elusive Classic crown had always been missing from his trophy case.

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