Who’s the odds on favorite to win the Classic?

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The 52nd Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk will be held March 4-6 on Lake Hartwell, a picturesque 56,000-acre fishery that encompasses parts of the Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca rivers between the Georgia and South Carolina borders. Daily weigh-ins will be held at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. The field will feature 55 anglers who qualified through the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, B.A.S.S. Nation, the College Series and the Bassmaster Team Championship. <em>All captions: Bryan Brasher</em>” class=”wp-image-567923″ width=”1632″ height=”1224″/><figcaption>The 52nd Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk will be held March 4-6 on Lake Hartwell, a picturesque 56,000-acre fishery that encompasses parts of the Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca rivers between the Georgia and South Carolina borders. Daily weigh-ins will be held at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. The field will feature 55 anglers who qualified through the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, B.A.S.S. Nation, the College Series and the Bassmaster Team Championship.</p> <p><em>All captions: Bryan Brasher</em></figcaption></figure> <div class=
You won't find a casino that will allow you to plunk down actual cash on these odds. This is just for fun, a simple set of talking points before pro fishing's biggest annual event. But if you did, here's how it would work... The odds next to each angler's name determine how much money you'd win if he won. For example, if you put down $1,000 on an angler with 100-1 odds — and he actually hoisted the trophy — you'd win $100,000. If he finished second by an ounce, you'd win nothing and lose your $1,000. The odds aren't a reflection of who will do well, but rather an off-the-cuff look at each competitor's chances of winning it all.
You won’t find a casino that will allow you to plunk down actual cash on these odds. This is just for fun, a simple set of talking points before pro fishing’s biggest annual event. But if you did, here’s how it would work… The odds next to each angler’s name determine how much money you’d win if he won. For example, if you put down $1,000 on an angler with 100-1 odds — and he actually hoisted the trophy — you’d win $100,000. If he finished second by an ounce, you’d win nothing and lose your $1,000. The odds aren’t a reflection of who will do well, but rather an off-the-cuff look at each competitor’s chances of winning it all.
Brandon Cobb will serve as the local favorite at 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.
Brandon Cobb will serve as the local favorite at 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.
<h4>Jacob Powroznik (3-1)</h4> <p><b>North Prince George, Virginia </b><br /> Jacob Powroznik spent all of 2021 working vigorously to requalify for the Bassmaster Elite Series after a three-season hiatus. He accomplished that goal, and one of the major perks of his quest was the Classic berth he received for winning the Bassmaster Central Open on Smith Lake — his fifth major victory with B.A.S.S. It’s good news for Powroznik and for pro-fishing fans, but it might be bad news for the rest of this year’s field. This will be the veteran pro’s sixth Classic appearance. Two of those happened on Hartwell — in 2015 and 2018 — and both of those trips produced fifth-place finishes. Powroznik still laments that 2015 Classic when a weather-delayed takeoff on Day 1 kept him from fishing the “Best spot he’s ever found in a tournament — ever.” This is not your typical Opens Classic qualifier. He’s battle-tested and knows where to find them on Hartwell.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567925″ width=”1440″ height=”960″/><figcaption> <h4>Jacob Powroznik (3-1)</h4> <p><b>North Prince George, Virginia </b><br /> Jacob Powroznik spent all of 2021 working vigorously to requalify for the Bassmaster Elite Series after a three-season hiatus. He accomplished that goal, and one of the major perks of his quest was the Classic berth he received for winning the Bassmaster Central Open on Smith Lake — his fifth major victory with B.A.S.S. It’s good news for Powroznik and for pro-fishing fans, but it might be bad news for the rest of this year’s field. This will be the veteran pro’s sixth Classic appearance. Two of those happened on Hartwell — in 2015 and 2018 — and both of those trips produced fifth-place finishes. Powroznik still laments that 2015 Classic when a weather-delayed takeoff on Day 1 kept him from fishing the “Best spot he’s ever found in a tournament — ever.” This is not your typical Opens Classic qualifier. He’s battle-tested and knows where to find them on Hartwell.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <div class=
<h4>Patrick Walters (3-1)</h4> <p><b>Summerville, South Carolina</b><br /> With the home-state jinx out of the mix, Cobb and fellow South Carolina pro Patrick Walters are basically interchangeable in the top spot. Cobb narrowly gets the nod because his major victory at Hartwell came during an Elite Series event and Walters’s Hartwell win happened during the 2020 Bassmaster Eastern Open. Walters finished a rock-solid 11th in the 2019 Elite event. The 27-year-old pro already has an Elite Series win and two Century Belts on his resume — and with a good recent track record on Hartwell, he’s a solid pick.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567926″ width=”960″ height=”640″/><figcaption> <h4>Patrick Walters (3-1)</h4> <p><b>Summerville, South Carolina</b><br /> With the home-state jinx out of the mix, Cobb and fellow South Carolina pro Patrick Walters are basically interchangeable in the top spot. Cobb narrowly gets the nod because his major victory at Hartwell came during an Elite Series event and Walters’s Hartwell win happened during the 2020 Bassmaster Eastern Open. Walters finished a rock-solid 11th in the 2019 Elite event. The 27-year-old pro already has an Elite Series win and two Century Belts on his resume — and with a good recent track record on Hartwell, he’s a solid pick.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Jason Christie (4-1)</h4> <p><b>Park Hill, Oklahoma</b><br /> When he was forced to work the Classic Expo instead of fishing last year at Ray Roberts, Christie said it was like a “kick to the head.” So, no one will be hungrier this year than this eight-time Classic qualifier. During his seven previous trips, he has three Top 10s, including a second at Grand Lake in 2016 and a third in 2018 at Hartwell. With Elite Series victories everywhere from Lake St. Clair to the Sabine River, Christie has proven he can catch them anywhere, under any conditions. But he seems especially dangerous in this spot if the weather happens to be a little milder than usual.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567927″ width=”960″ height=”540″/><figcaption> <h4>Jason Christie (4-1)</h4> <p><b>Park Hill, Oklahoma</b><br /> When he was forced to work the Classic Expo instead of fishing last year at Ray Roberts, Christie said it was like a “kick to the head.” So, no one will be hungrier this year than this eight-time Classic qualifier. During his seven previous trips, he has three Top 10s, including a second at Grand Lake in 2016 and a third in 2018 at Hartwell. With Elite Series victories everywhere from Lake St. Clair to the Sabine River, Christie has proven he can catch them anywhere, under any conditions. But he seems especially dangerous in this spot if the weather happens to be a little milder than usual.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Seth Feider (4-1)</h4> <p><b>New Market, Minn. </b><br /> The reigning Bassmaster Angler of the Year is fishing his fifth career Classic — and he’s coming in hot, having finished in the Top 30 of 11 straight tournaments to finish 2021. In two trips to Hartwell, Feider finished a respectable 18th at the 2018 Classic and 24th at the 2019 Bassmaster Elite. His highest Classic finish was fourth in 2020 at Guntersville. Remember how this guy fished all last season with the AOY pressure mounting at every event? Well, there are no points on the line at this event — and he’s fishing on house money with an AOY trophy already on the mantle. A relaxed Feider is a solid bet anywhere in the world.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567928″ width=”2000″ height=”1125″/><figcaption> <h4>Seth Feider (4-1)</h4> <p><b>New Market, Minn. </b><br /> The reigning Bassmaster Angler of the Year is fishing his fifth career Classic — and he’s coming in hot, having finished in the Top 30 of 11 straight tournaments to finish 2021. In two trips to Hartwell, Feider finished a respectable 18th at the 2018 Classic and 24th at the 2019 Bassmaster Elite. His highest Classic finish was fourth in 2020 at Guntersville. Remember how this guy fished all last season with the AOY pressure mounting at every event? Well, there are no points on the line at this event — and he’s fishing on house money with an AOY trophy already on the mantle. A relaxed Feider is a solid bet anywhere in the world.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <div class=
<h4>Greg Hackney (5-1)</h4> <p><b>Gonzales, Louisiana</b><br /> With 15 Classics on his resume, Hackney is one of the most seasoned anglers in the field. He’s made three Classic appearances at Hartwell, including a fifth-place finish in 2008, a 26th-place finish in 2015 and a 35th-place showing in 2018. Hartwell Classics have largely been “jig tournaments” — anglers either won them with a jig or reluctantly abandoned fishing a jig when the weather just wouldn’t allow it. If a jig tournament develops, look out for Hackney.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567929″ width=”960″ height=”540″/><figcaption> <h4>Greg Hackney (5-1)</h4> <p><b>Gonzales, Louisiana</b><br /> With 15 Classics on his resume, Hackney is one of the most seasoned anglers in the field. He’s made three Classic appearances at Hartwell, including a fifth-place finish in 2008, a 26th-place finish in 2015 and a 35th-place showing in 2018. Hartwell Classics have largely been “jig tournaments” — anglers either won them with a jig or reluctantly abandoned fishing a jig when the weather just wouldn’t allow it. If a jig tournament develops, look out for Hackney.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Scott Martin (6-1)</h4> <p><b>Clewiston, Florida</b><br /> Call me crazy, but I think fate sometimes has a Classic favorite. Watching Denny Brauer win in 1998 on Hick Rock Lake — when it just felt like his time — convinced me of that. If fate is rooting for someone this year, Scott Martin would likely be its pick. The 46-year-old angler from Clewiston, Fla., fished hard during the 2020 Bassmaster Opens to qualify for the Bassmaster Elite Series — and only qualified at the end of the race because other anglers were double-qualified in front of him. He was outside the Classic cut this year, but made it in again, because of double-qualifications. He snuck in the Classic and now has a chance to claim the one major trophy his famous father, Roland Martin, never did. How could fate not like that story? Martin’s most recent trip to Hartwell produced a fifth-place finish in the 2020 Eastern Open.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567930″ width=”960″ height=”540″/><figcaption> <h4>Scott Martin (6-1)</h4> <p><b>Clewiston, Florida</b><br /> Call me crazy, but I think fate sometimes has a Classic favorite. Watching Denny Brauer win in 1998 on Hick Rock Lake — when it just felt like his time — convinced me of that. If fate is rooting for someone this year, Scott Martin would likely be its pick. The 46-year-old angler from Clewiston, Fla., fished hard during the 2020 Bassmaster Opens to qualify for the Bassmaster Elite Series — and only qualified at the end of the race because other anglers were double-qualified in front of him. He was outside the Classic cut this year, but made it in again, because of double-qualifications. He snuck in the Classic and now has a chance to claim the one major trophy his famous father, Roland Martin, never did. How could fate not like that story? Martin’s most recent trip to Hartwell produced a fifth-place finish in the 2020 Eastern Open.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Brandon Palaniuk (6-1)</h4> <p><b>Rathdrum, Idaho</b><br /> If fate doesn’t like the feel-good story of the Martins, maybe it has an interest in Brandon Palaniuk. The veteran Idaho pro, who should be mentioned in every argument about the best angler on the planet, has won every major title B.A.S.S. has to offer except a Classic. He’s fished 10 of them during his career and managed two top fives, but no victory. His resume at Hartwell isn’t the best — a 53rd-place finish at the 2015 Classic and a 22nd at the 2018 Classic. But the 2017 Bassmaster Angler of the Year has been on fire since returning to the Elite Series, and he’s as dangerous as anyone in this field.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567931″ width=”640″ height=”360″/><figcaption> <h4>Brandon Palaniuk (6-1)</h4> <p><b>Rathdrum, Idaho</b><br /> If fate doesn’t like the feel-good story of the Martins, maybe it has an interest in Brandon Palaniuk. The veteran Idaho pro, who should be mentioned in every argument about the best angler on the planet, has won every major title B.A.S.S. has to offer except a Classic. He’s fished 10 of them during his career and managed two top fives, but no victory. His resume at Hartwell isn’t the best — a 53rd-place finish at the 2015 Classic and a 22nd at the 2018 Classic. But the 2017 Bassmaster Angler of the Year has been on fire since returning to the Elite Series, and he’s as dangerous as anyone in this field.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <div class=
<h4>Hank Cherry (6-1)</h4> <p><b>Lincolnton, N.C. </b><br /> Everyone knows Cherry’s story. He’s fished six previous Classics, winning two of them — the last two, in fact. He’s one of only four anglers ever to win two straight Classics. In some people’s minds that might make him the favorite. But history leans heavily against a competitor attempting to do something that’s literally never been done. He finished 33rd in the 2018 Classic on Hartwell and 10th at the Bassmaster Elite on Hartwell in 2019. Cherry has hinted that he might actually stage a mic-drop, on-the-spot retirement if he racked up his third Classic title in a row, but I don’t think the competitive fire in him would allow it.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567932″ width=”1880″ height=”1252″/><figcaption> <h4>Hank Cherry (6-1)</h4> <p><b>Lincolnton, N.C. </b><br /> Everyone knows Cherry’s story. He’s fished six previous Classics, winning two of them — the last two, in fact. He’s one of only four anglers ever to win two straight Classics. In some people’s minds that might make him the favorite. But history leans heavily against a competitor attempting to do something that’s literally never been done. He finished 33rd in the 2018 Classic on Hartwell and 10th at the Bassmaster Elite on Hartwell in 2019. Cherry has hinted that he might actually stage a mic-drop, on-the-spot retirement if he racked up his third Classic title in a row, but I don’t think the competitive fire in him would allow it.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Stetson Blaylock (7-1)</h4> <p><b>Benton, Arkansas</b><br /> Many signs point to Blaylock being capable of winning the Super Bowl of Professional Bass Fishing. His two previous Classic appearances included a third-place finish at Guntersville in 2019, and his most recent trip to Hartwell was a second-place performance in the 2019 Elite Series event held there. It was one of three second-place finishes he’s had with B.A.S.S.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567933″ width=”1000″ height=”667″/><figcaption> <h4>Stetson Blaylock (7-1)</h4> <p><b>Benton, Arkansas</b><br /> Many signs point to Blaylock being capable of winning the Super Bowl of Professional Bass Fishing. His two previous Classic appearances included a third-place finish at Guntersville in 2019, and his most recent trip to Hartwell was a second-place performance in the 2019 Elite Series event held there. It was one of three second-place finishes he’s had with B.A.S.S.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Jeff Gustafson (8-1)</h4> <p><b>Keewatin, Canada</b><br /> The timing and location of this event — sort of spring, but sort of still late winter and sort of in the South, but inching northward — make the weather and water conditions impossible to predict. But if it’s a cold-weather event with bass hanging out deep, Gustafson could make a major impact. He could be especially dangerous if a few big spotted bass come into play. His two previous Classic appearances produced so-so 31st- and 21st-place finishes, but he placed 13th in his only trip to Hartwell with B.A.S.S., the 2019 Bassmaster Elite.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567934″ width=”960″ height=”540″/><figcaption> <h4>Jeff Gustafson (8-1)</h4> <p><b>Keewatin, Canada</b><br /> The timing and location of this event — sort of spring, but sort of still late winter and sort of in the South, but inching northward — make the weather and water conditions impossible to predict. But if it’s a cold-weather event with bass hanging out deep, Gustafson could make a major impact. He could be especially dangerous if a few big spotted bass come into play. His two previous Classic appearances produced so-so 31st- and 21st-place finishes, but he placed 13th in his only trip to Hartwell with B.A.S.S., the 2019 Bassmaster Elite.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <div class=
<h4>Drew Cook (8-1)</h4> <p><b>Midway, Florida</b><br /> Cook is an accomplished jig fisherman who seems to be figuring out the Classic drill. After placing 22nd during his first trip in 2020 Classic at Guntersville, the 2019 Rookie of the Year broke into the Top 10 with a ninth-place finish last year at Ray Roberts. He placed fourth in the 2019 Bassmaster Elite at Hartwell, which was held in April.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567935″ width=”960″ height=”540″/><figcaption> <h4>Drew Cook (8-1)</h4> <p><b>Midway, Florida</b><br /> Cook is an accomplished jig fisherman who seems to be figuring out the Classic drill. After placing 22nd during his first trip in 2020 Classic at Guntersville, the 2019 Rookie of the Year broke into the Top 10 with a ninth-place finish last year at Ray Roberts. He placed fourth in the 2019 Bassmaster Elite at Hartwell, which was held in April.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Chris Johnston (10-1)</h4> <p><b>Peterborough, Canada</b><br /> The second-place finisher in last year’s Bassmaster Angler of the Year race has proven himself a threat on any fishery in the United States. He earned his first career Elite Series victory in 2020 on the St. Lawrence River and was the one who pushed Feider hardest during his run toward last year’s AOY title. This is Johnston’s third Classic appearance. He finished 34th at Guntersville in 2020 and eighth at Ray Roberts in 2021. He finished 38th in the 2019 Elite on Hartwell.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567936″ width=”960″ height=”641″/><figcaption> <h4>Chris Johnston (10-1)</h4> <p><b>Peterborough, Canada</b><br /> The second-place finisher in last year’s Bassmaster Angler of the Year race has proven himself a threat on any fishery in the United States. He earned his first career Elite Series victory in 2020 on the St. Lawrence River and was the one who pushed Feider hardest during his run toward last year’s AOY title. This is Johnston’s third Classic appearance. He finished 34th at Guntersville in 2020 and eighth at Ray Roberts in 2021. He finished 38th in the 2019 Elite on Hartwell.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Cory Johnston (10-1)</h4> <p><b>Cavan, Canada</b><br /> Cory Johnston was one of several anglers who double-qualified for this year’s Classic, finishing fifth in the AOY standings and claiming his first career victory with B.A.S.S. at the Bassmaster Northern Open at 1000 Islands. He finished 11th or better in four of his last five tournaments to finish 2021, including his Opens victory. During his one trip to Hartwell with B.A.S.S., he placed 14th at the Elite in 2019. Since the Johnstons have been such a force working together on the Elite Series, it’s only sensible to think they’ll finish somewhere near each other in the standings at the Classic.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567937″ width=”1440″ height=”960″/><figcaption> <h4>Cory Johnston (10-1)</h4> <p><b>Cavan, Canada</b><br /> Cory Johnston was one of several anglers who double-qualified for this year’s Classic, finishing fifth in the AOY standings and claiming his first career victory with B.A.S.S. at the Bassmaster Northern Open at 1000 Islands. He finished 11th or better in four of his last five tournaments to finish 2021, including his Opens victory. During his one trip to Hartwell with B.A.S.S., he placed 14th at the Elite in 2019. Since the Johnstons have been such a force working together on the Elite Series, it’s only sensible to think they’ll finish somewhere near each other in the standings at the Classic.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <div class=
<h4>Brock Mosley (12-1)</h4> <p><b>Collinsville, Mississippi</b><br /> Strangely enough, the Classic has at times been a breakthrough event for anglers who had been close but still hadn’t managed their first win. That description certainly suits Mosley, who now has four second-place finishes to his credit on fisheries ranging from the St. Lawrence to the Sabine. He can catch ‘em anywhere, and he’s due to finally hoist a trophy.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567938″ width=”1400″ height=”788″/><figcaption> <h4>Brock Mosley (12-1)</h4> <p><b>Collinsville, Mississippi</b><br /> Strangely enough, the Classic has at times been a breakthrough event for anglers who had been close but still hadn’t managed their first win. That description certainly suits Mosley, who now has four second-place finishes to his credit on fisheries ranging from the St. Lawrence to the Sabine. He can catch ‘em anywhere, and he’s due to finally hoist a trophy.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Brandon Lester (12-1)</h4> <p><b>Fayetteville, Tennessee</b><br /> The 33-year-old Lester has now fished 113 tournaments with B.A.S.S., and he’ll be making his seventh appearance in the Classic. He has two Top 10 finishes in fishing’s biggest event — 2019 in Knoxville and 2020 on Guntersville — and he’s spent his share of time on Hartwell, albeit with mixed results. He finished 19th at the 2015 Classic, 27th at the 2018 Classic, 16th at the 2019 Elite and 84th at the 2020 Eastern Open.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567939″ width=”960″ height=”540″/><figcaption> <h4>Brandon Lester (12-1)</h4> <p><b>Fayetteville, Tennessee</b><br /> The 33-year-old Lester has now fished 113 tournaments with B.A.S.S., and he’ll be making his seventh appearance in the Classic. He has two Top 10 finishes in fishing’s biggest event — 2019 in Knoxville and 2020 on Guntersville — and he’s spent his share of time on Hartwell, albeit with mixed results. He finished 19th at the 2015 Classic, 27th at the 2018 Classic, 16th at the 2019 Elite and 84th at the 2020 Eastern Open.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Taku Ito (12-1)</h4> <p><b>Chiba, Japan</b><br /> This guy’s magnetic enthusiasm makes it hard to tell if he’s overly excitable or working on a constant natural high. That kind of reverse poker face could serve him well in an event where many anglers have crumbled under the massive weight of a $300,000 first-place prize and a permanent spot in history. The popular 35-year-old pro is fresh off a 2021 season that saw him record three Top 10s, including his first career victory in the regular-season finale at the St. Lawrence River.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567940″ width=”960″ height=”640″/><figcaption> <h4>Taku Ito (12-1)</h4> <p><b>Chiba, Japan</b><br /> This guy’s magnetic enthusiasm makes it hard to tell if he’s overly excitable or working on a constant natural high. That kind of reverse poker face could serve him well in an event where many anglers have crumbled under the massive weight of a $300,000 first-place prize and a permanent spot in history. The popular 35-year-old pro is fresh off a 2021 season that saw him record three Top 10s, including his first career victory in the regular-season finale at the St. Lawrence River.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <div class=
<h4>Gerald Swindle (13-1)</h4> <p><b>Guntersville, Alabama</b><br /> Those of us who remember Gerald Swindle as a young, lanky huckster might find it hard to believe he’s fishing his 19th career Classic. But the two-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year (2004 and 2016) is the field’s elder statesman in terms of experience. In his 18 previous trips, Swindle finished as high as third place during the 2005 event at Three Rivers in Pittsburgh. During that event, he had the winning fish on three times during the latter stages only to see it break water and throw his hook. His three Hartwell Classic trips produced finishes of 21st, 27th and 10th.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567941″ width=”960″ height=”640″/><figcaption> <h4>Gerald Swindle (13-1)</h4> <p><b>Guntersville, Alabama</b><br /> Those of us who remember Gerald Swindle as a young, lanky huckster might find it hard to believe he’s fishing his 19th career Classic. But the two-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year (2004 and 2016) is the field’s elder statesman in terms of experience. In his 18 previous trips, Swindle finished as high as third place during the 2005 event at Three Rivers in Pittsburgh. During that event, he had the winning fish on three times during the latter stages only to see it break water and throw his hook. His three Hartwell Classic trips produced finishes of 21st, 27th and 10th.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Matt Robertson (15-1)</h4> <p><b>Central City, Kentucky</b><br /> This may seem like a generous placement to some, but Robertson has been gradually proving himself as an angler like few have in recent memory. He’s now qualified for the Classic three different ways — through the Bassmaster Team Championship for 2019, through the Bassmaster Opens for 2021 and through the Elite Series standings for 2022. At that first Classic in Knoxville in 2019, he seemed understandably overwhelmed and finished 47th. But last year at Ray Roberts, he scored a Classic Top 10 with a seventh-place finish. He’s grown considerably as an angler and should be considered a threat on this stage.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567942″ width=”960″ height=”540″/><figcaption> <h4>Matt Robertson (15-1)</h4> <p><b>Central City, Kentucky</b><br /> This may seem like a generous placement to some, but Robertson has been gradually proving himself as an angler like few have in recent memory. He’s now qualified for the Classic three different ways — through the Bassmaster Team Championship for 2019, through the Bassmaster Opens for 2021 and through the Elite Series standings for 2022. At that first Classic in Knoxville in 2019, he seemed understandably overwhelmed and finished 47th. But last year at Ray Roberts, he scored a Classic Top 10 with a seventh-place finish. He’s grown considerably as an angler and should be considered a threat on this stage.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Caleb Sumrall (15-1)</h4> <p><b>New Iberia, Louisiana</b><br /> Sumrall, who first appeared on the Classic stage as the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship winner in the 2018 event at Hartwell, had a breakout season in 2021, finishing seventh in the AOY standings. This will be his third Classic appearance after a 49th-place finish at Hartwell in 2018 and a 26th-place finish at Guntersville in 2020. He still has to learn to tame Hartwell — he placed 50th at the Elite held there in 2019 — but there are signs indicating his time could be now.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567943″ width=”960″ height=”640″/><figcaption> <h4>Caleb Sumrall (15-1)</h4> <p><b>New Iberia, Louisiana</b><br /> Sumrall, who first appeared on the Classic stage as the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship winner in the 2018 event at Hartwell, had a breakout season in 2021, finishing seventh in the AOY standings. This will be his third Classic appearance after a 49th-place finish at Hartwell in 2018 and a 26th-place finish at Guntersville in 2020. He still has to learn to tame Hartwell — he placed 50th at the Elite held there in 2019 — but there are signs indicating his time could be now.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <div class=
<h4>Lee Livesay (15-1)</h4> <p><b>Longview, Texas</b><br /> After missing the 2021 Classic in his home state of Texas, Livesay rebounded with a sixth-place finish in the 2021 AOY standings. He has some solid Classic experience, having placed eighth at the Guntersville event in 2020, and he’s proven he can win virtually any type of event — from a tough fall affair on Chickamauga in 2020 to an all-out slugfest on Lake Fork in 2021. He earned a blue trophy and a Century Belt for the latter. He finished 62nd in the 2019 Elite at Hartwell, but there’s no telling what he’ll figure out with his second swing at the fishery.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567944″ width=”960″ height=”540″/><figcaption> <h4>Lee Livesay (15-1)</h4> <p><b>Longview, Texas</b><br /> After missing the 2021 Classic in his home state of Texas, Livesay rebounded with a sixth-place finish in the 2021 AOY standings. He has some solid Classic experience, having placed eighth at the Guntersville event in 2020, and he’s proven he can win virtually any type of event — from a tough fall affair on Chickamauga in 2020 to an all-out slugfest on Lake Fork in 2021. He earned a blue trophy and a Century Belt for the latter. He finished 62nd in the 2019 Elite at Hartwell, but there’s no telling what he’ll figure out with his second swing at the fishery.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Chris Zaldain (15-1)</h4> <p><b>Fort Worth, Texas</b><br /> Zaldain took a slight dip during the 2021 season, finishing 40th in AOY standings and barely slipping into the Classic as one of the final few Elite Series qualifiers. But now that he’s in, he brings Classic experience — he’s made six previous trips with a high finish of 12th in 2019 — and a combination of power and finesse skills that could prove vital in this event. He finished 25th at 2019 Hartwell Elite.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567945″ width=”960″ height=”540″/><figcaption> <h4>Chris Zaldain (15-1)</h4> <p><b>Fort Worth, Texas</b><br /> Zaldain took a slight dip during the 2021 season, finishing 40th in AOY standings and barely slipping into the Classic as one of the final few Elite Series qualifiers. But now that he’s in, he brings Classic experience — he’s made six previous trips with a high finish of 12th in 2019 — and a combination of power and finesse skills that could prove vital in this event. He finished 25th at 2019 Hartwell Elite.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Matt Herren (15-1)</h4> <p><b>Ashville, Alabama</b><br /> Another of the old hands in terms of Classic experience, Herren is making his 10th career appearance in pro fishing’s biggest event. He’s a jig-fishing whiz who also brings Hartwell experience to the table. He fished the frigid 2015 Classic on Hartwell and says if he hadn’t zigged when he should have zagged, he would have placed much higher than his eventual landing spot of 31st place. He also finished 19th at 2019 Elite on Hartwell.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567946″ width=”1600″ height=”1068″/><figcaption> <h4>Matt Herren (15-1)</h4> <p><b>Ashville, Alabama</b><br /> Another of the old hands in terms of Classic experience, Herren is making his 10th career appearance in pro fishing’s biggest event. He’s a jig-fishing whiz who also brings Hartwell experience to the table. He fished the frigid 2015 Classic on Hartwell and says if he hadn’t zigged when he should have zagged, he would have placed much higher than his eventual landing spot of 31st place. He also finished 19th at 2019 Elite on Hartwell.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <div class=
<h4>John Crews (17-1)</h4> <p><b>Salem, Virginia</b><br /> The Virginia pro is another with double-digit years of Classic experience, having fished the event a dozen times already. His career-best Classic finish came in 2020 when he placed sixth at Guntersville. His results on Hartwell have been OK, but not spectacular. He placed 33rd at the 2015 Hartwell Classic and 23rd at the 2019 Hartwell Elite.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567947″ width=”960″ height=”540″/><figcaption> <h4>John Crews (17-1)</h4> <p><b>Salem, Virginia</b><br /> The Virginia pro is another with double-digit years of Classic experience, having fished the event a dozen times already. His career-best Classic finish came in 2020 when he placed sixth at Guntersville. His results on Hartwell have been OK, but not spectacular. He placed 33rd at the 2015 Hartwell Classic and 23rd at the 2019 Hartwell Elite.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Drew Benton (20-1)</h4> <p><b>Blakely, Georgia</b><br /> The 2016 Elite Series Rookie of the Year is now a seasoned pro with one victory and 11 Top 10 finishes. He’s making his fifth Classic appearance, but this will be his first time fishing the big show at Hartwell. His only other major trip to Hartwell with B.A.S.S. was a 20th-place finish in the 2019 Bassmaster Elite held there.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567948″ width=”960″ height=”640″/><figcaption> <h4>Drew Benton (20-1)</h4> <p><b>Blakely, Georgia</b><br /> The 2016 Elite Series Rookie of the Year is now a seasoned pro with one victory and 11 Top 10 finishes. He’s making his fifth Classic appearance, but this will be his first time fishing the big show at Hartwell. His only other major trip to Hartwell with B.A.S.S. was a 20th-place finish in the 2019 Bassmaster Elite held there.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>John Cox (20-1)</h4> <p><b>DeBary, Florida</b><br /> That Cox will even be at Hartwell is a surprise to many, considering he was ruled ineligible to fish the final regular-season event of the year due to an off-limits violation. But it would be just like Cox — one of the quirkiest anglers on the Elite Series — to grab the spotlight in such a situation. Cox is making his fourth career Classic appearance. His highest finish was in 2018 when he placed 20th on Hartwell.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567949″ width=”960″ height=”640″/><figcaption> <h4>John Cox (20-1)</h4> <p><b>DeBary, Florida</b><br /> That Cox will even be at Hartwell is a surprise to many, considering he was ruled ineligible to fish the final regular-season event of the year due to an off-limits violation. But it would be just like Cox — one of the quirkiest anglers on the Elite Series — to grab the spotlight in such a situation. Cox is making his fourth career Classic appearance. His highest finish was in 2018 when he placed 20th on Hartwell.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <div class=
<h4>Tyler Rivet (20-1)</h4> <p><b>Raceland, Louisiana</b><br /> Rivet is another angler who crept into the Classic field late due to double qualifications ahead of him in the Elite Series standings. Now that he’s in, he’ll definitely have the best mentor in the field, as he spends much of his time during the regular season running with two-time champion Hank Cherry. Rivet was present last year in the “decompression” room after Cherry received his trophy, so he’s had a taste of what that moment is like — and that’s hard for an angler to shake once he’s experienced it. Rivet’s only trip to Hartwell, for the 2019 Elite, produced a respectable 18th-place finish.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567950″ width=”960″ height=”640″/><figcaption> <h4>Tyler Rivet (20-1)</h4> <p><b>Raceland, Louisiana</b><br /> Rivet is another angler who crept into the Classic field late due to double qualifications ahead of him in the Elite Series standings. Now that he’s in, he’ll definitely have the best mentor in the field, as he spends much of his time during the regular season running with two-time champion Hank Cherry. Rivet was present last year in the “decompression” room after Cherry received his trophy, so he’s had a taste of what that moment is like — and that’s hard for an angler to shake once he’s experienced it. Rivet’s only trip to Hartwell, for the 2019 Elite, produced a respectable 18th-place finish.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Joey Nania (20-1)</h4> <p><b>Cropwell, Alabama</b><br /> Though he’s making his first Classic appearance, Nania is an accomplished guide and a veteran of 46 major B.A.S.S. events. Last season saw him win the 2021 Bassmaster Central Open on Pickwick Lake — the victory that earned him his Classic berth — and notch a second-place finish at the 2021 Eastern Open on Lake Norman. Fishing the Classic is an immense step up from fishing the Opens, but most Opens anglers don’t bring this much high-level experience to their first Classic try.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567951″ width=”960″ height=”531″/><figcaption> <h4>Joey Nania (20-1)</h4> <p><b>Cropwell, Alabama</b><br /> Though he’s making his first Classic appearance, Nania is an accomplished guide and a veteran of 46 major B.A.S.S. events. Last season saw him win the 2021 Bassmaster Central Open on Pickwick Lake — the victory that earned him his Classic berth — and notch a second-place finish at the 2021 Eastern Open on Lake Norman. Fishing the Classic is an immense step up from fishing the Opens, but most Opens anglers don’t bring this much high-level experience to their first Classic try.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Matt Arey (22-1)</h4> <p><b>Shelby, North Carolina</b><br /> Arey has to be fueled by his near miss at last year’s Classic when he had the potential winning fish on during the waning moments at Ray Roberts — and though one of his usual running mates, Scott Canterbury, didn’t make this year’s field, he has a strong relationship with other competitors who know the lake well. He finished 29th at the 2019 Hartwell Elite, but he did have one Top 10 at Hartwell during his time with FLW.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567952″ width=”960″ height=”506″/><figcaption> <h4>Matt Arey (22-1)</h4> <p><b>Shelby, North Carolina</b><br /> Arey has to be fueled by his near miss at last year’s Classic when he had the potential winning fish on during the waning moments at Ray Roberts — and though one of his usual running mates, Scott Canterbury, didn’t make this year’s field, he has a strong relationship with other competitors who know the lake well. He finished 29th at the 2019 Hartwell Elite, but he did have one Top 10 at Hartwell during his time with FLW.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <div class=
<h4>David Mullins (25-1)</h4> <p><b>Mt. Carmel, Tennessee</b><br /> Mullins followed his second-place finish in the 2020 AOY standings with a 36th-place showing in the 2021 race to earn his third Classic appearance. His best finish in fishing’s biggest event came on Guntersville in 2020 when he finished 13th. Hartwell wasn’t kind to him during his most recent visit there — a 58th-place finish at 2019 Elite. But if he gets hot, he tends to put fish in the boat one after another. At 25-1, if real money was on the line, this might be the best buy in the field.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567953″ width=”960″ height=”640″/><figcaption> <h4>David Mullins (25-1)</h4> <p><b>Mt. Carmel, Tennessee</b><br /> Mullins followed his second-place finish in the 2020 AOY standings with a 36th-place showing in the 2021 race to earn his third Classic appearance. His best finish in fishing’s biggest event came on Guntersville in 2020 when he finished 13th. Hartwell wasn’t kind to him during his most recent visit there — a 58th-place finish at 2019 Elite. But if he gets hot, he tends to put fish in the boat one after another. At 25-1, if real money was on the line, this might be the best buy in the field.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Buddy Gross (25-1)</h4> <p><b>Chickamauga, Georgia </b><br /> Gross is making his second Classic appearance — and hopefully he’ll get to attack this one with both feet. Gross severely injured his ankle in a horseback riding accident before last year’s Classic on Ray Roberts and hobbled, literally, to a 52nd-place finish. In some ways, this feels like his first Classic appearance. But the accomplished ledge and brushpile angler, who claimed his first Elite Series victory in 2020 on Lake Eufaula, is healthy now and could make noise at Hartwell.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567954″ width=”1440″ height=”960″/><figcaption> <h4>Buddy Gross (25-1)</h4> <p><b>Chickamauga, Georgia </b><br /> Gross is making his second Classic appearance — and hopefully he’ll get to attack this one with both feet. Gross severely injured his ankle in a horseback riding accident before last year’s Classic on Ray Roberts and hobbled, literally, to a 52nd-place finish. In some ways, this feels like his first Classic appearance. But the accomplished ledge and brushpile angler, who claimed his first Elite Series victory in 2020 on Lake Eufaula, is healthy now and could make noise at Hartwell.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Marc Frazier (25-1)</h4> <p><b>Newnan, Georgia</b><br /> The second-year Georgia pro is making his first appearance in the Classic after finishing 37th in the AOY standings. But his most recent experience on Hartwell — a ninth-place finish in the Eastern Open in 2020 — suggests he knows the lake well.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567955″ width=”960″ height=”540″/><figcaption> <h4>Marc Frazier (25-1)</h4> <p><b>Newnan, Georgia</b><br /> The second-year Georgia pro is making his first appearance in the Classic after finishing 37th in the AOY standings. But his most recent experience on Hartwell — a ninth-place finish in the Eastern Open in 2020 — suggests he knows the lake well.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <div class=
<h4>Chad Pipkens (30-1)</h4> <p><b>Lansing, Michigan</b><br /> The Michigan deep-water specialist has some experience on Hartwell, having finished ninth in the 2019 Elite there and 41st in the 2015 Classic. But Classics overall have not been his strong suit. In four previous appearances, he’s finished no higher than 24th.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567956″ width=”960″ height=”540″/><figcaption> <h4>Chad Pipkens (30-1)</h4> <p><b>Lansing, Michigan</b><br /> The Michigan deep-water specialist has some experience on Hartwell, having finished ninth in the 2019 Elite there and 41st in the 2015 Classic. But Classics overall have not been his strong suit. In four previous appearances, he’s finished no higher than 24th.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Steve Kennedy (30-1)</h4> <p><b>Auburn, Alabama</b><br /> Kennedy is making his 11th career Classic appearance, and he’s finished as high as second place on Lake Conroe in 2017. But Hartwell has been…less than kind to him. He placed 39th in the 2008 Classic there, 34th in the 2018 Classic and 54th in the 2019 Elite. Like the Auburn University football team that inspired his boat wrap — one of the sharpest on the Elite Series —Kennedy tends to perform best when he’s feeling disrespected. So, he’ll likely read this 30-1 and laugh all the way to the winner’s circle.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567957″ width=”960″ height=”640″/><figcaption> <h4>Steve Kennedy (30-1)</h4> <p><b>Auburn, Alabama</b><br /> Kennedy is making his 11th career Classic appearance, and he’s finished as high as second place on Lake Conroe in 2017. But Hartwell has been…less than kind to him. He placed 39th in the 2008 Classic there, 34th in the 2018 Classic and 54th in the 2019 Elite. Like the Auburn University football team that inspired his boat wrap — one of the sharpest on the Elite Series —Kennedy tends to perform best when he’s feeling disrespected. So, he’ll likely read this 30-1 and laugh all the way to the winner’s circle.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Brandon Card (30-1)</h4> <p><b>Salisbury, North Carolina</b><br /> Card has been on the Elite Series since 2012, and his career really seems to be hitting its stride. The 2021 Elite season saw him notch a pair of Top 5s and finish 24th in the AOY standings. He’s fished the Classic four times, including a career-best finish of ninth place in 2020 on Guntersville. He placed 49th at the 2019 Elite on Lake Hartwell, but something tells me he could be a major factor in this event if the early-morning herring bite comes into play.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567958″ width=”1440″ height=”960″/><figcaption> <h4>Brandon Card (30-1)</h4> <p><b>Salisbury, North Carolina</b><br /> Card has been on the Elite Series since 2012, and his career really seems to be hitting its stride. The 2021 Elite season saw him notch a pair of Top 5s and finish 24th in the AOY standings. He’s fished the Classic four times, including a career-best finish of ninth place in 2020 on Guntersville. He placed 49th at the 2019 Elite on Lake Hartwell, but something tells me he could be a major factor in this event if the early-morning herring bite comes into play.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <div class=
<h4>Bryan New (30-1)</h4> <p><b>Belmont, North Carolina</b><br /> Like Buddy Gross, New fished last year’s Classic wounded after slipping on some gravel and fracturing his left wrist. His 34th-place finish at Ray Roberts was impressive, considering he was learning to use left-handed baitcasters on the fly. New’s season went well as a whole, as he finished 34th in the AOY standings after starting the year with his first career Elite Series victory on the St. Johns River. At the 2020 Eastern Open on Lake Hartwell, New placed 44th. But before coming to the Elite Series, he had 44 Top 10s in FLW-sponsored events, including three at Hartwell.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567959″ width=”960″ height=”540″/><figcaption> <h4>Bryan New (30-1)</h4> <p><b>Belmont, North Carolina</b><br /> Like Buddy Gross, New fished last year’s Classic wounded after slipping on some gravel and fracturing his left wrist. His 34th-place finish at Ray Roberts was impressive, considering he was learning to use left-handed baitcasters on the fly. New’s season went well as a whole, as he finished 34th in the AOY standings after starting the year with his first career Elite Series victory on the St. Johns River. At the 2020 Eastern Open on Lake Hartwell, New placed 44th. But before coming to the Elite Series, he had 44 Top 10s in FLW-sponsored events, including three at Hartwell.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Bryan Schmitt (35-1)</h4> <p><b>Deale, Maryland</b><br /> Schmitt is a born tidal fisherman and a whiz at catching mixed bags of largemouth and smallmouth — neither of which would indicate he’s a real threat to win this particular event. But after covering his first career Elite Series victory last year at Champlain, I have to say there’s just something about the guy. He’s a whale of an angler and a savvy competitor with the even-keel personality it takes to keep his head in the game for an event as big as the Classic.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567960″ width=”960″ height=”552″/><figcaption> <h4>Bryan Schmitt (35-1)</h4> <p><b>Deale, Maryland</b><br /> Schmitt is a born tidal fisherman and a whiz at catching mixed bags of largemouth and smallmouth — neither of which would indicate he’s a real threat to win this particular event. But after covering his first career Elite Series victory last year at Champlain, I have to say there’s just something about the guy. He’s a whale of an angler and a savvy competitor with the even-keel personality it takes to keep his head in the game for an event as big as the Classic.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Shane LeHew (35-1)</h4> <p><b>Catawba, North Carolina</b><br /> LeHew had a solid 2021 Elite Series season, earning $10,000 checks at all but three events. He’ll be fishing his third-straight Classic after finishing 28th in 2020 and 53rd in 2021. His career-best Elite Series finish was a fifth-place showing in 2019 at Hartwell.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567961″ width=”960″ height=”540″/><figcaption> <h4>Shane LeHew (35-1)</h4> <p><b>Catawba, North Carolina</b><br /> LeHew had a solid 2021 Elite Series season, earning $10,000 checks at all but three events. He’ll be fishing his third-straight Classic after finishing 28th in 2020 and 53rd in 2021. His career-best Elite Series finish was a fifth-place showing in 2019 at Hartwell.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <div class=
<h4>Josh Stracner (35-1)</h4> <p><b>Vandiver, Alabama</b><br /> Stracner finished 27th in the 2021 AOY standings and earned Bassmaster Rookie of the Year honors. This will be his first Classic appearance, but he’s had one career Top 20 at Hartwell — and 18th-place finish in the 2020 Eastern Open.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567962″ width=”960″ height=”540″/><figcaption> <h4>Josh Stracner (35-1)</h4> <p><b>Vandiver, Alabama</b><br /> Stracner finished 27th in the 2021 AOY standings and earned Bassmaster Rookie of the Year honors. This will be his first Classic appearance, but he’s had one career Top 20 at Hartwell — and 18th-place finish in the 2020 Eastern Open.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Austin Felix (35-1)</h4> <p><b>Eden Prairie, Minnesota</b><br /> The 2020 Bassmaster Rookie of the Year saw his career continue trending upward in 2021 with a 12th-place finish in the AOY standings. His season featured four Top 10s and a fifth-place finish at Lake Champlain that matched his career best. He finished 39th in his first Classic appearance last year at Ray Roberts.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567963″ width=”1440″ height=”960″/><figcaption> <h4>Austin Felix (35-1)</h4> <p><b>Eden Prairie, Minnesota</b><br /> The 2020 Bassmaster Rookie of the Year saw his career continue trending upward in 2021 with a 12th-place finish in the AOY standings. His season featured four Top 10s and a fifth-place finish at Lake Champlain that matched his career best. He finished 39th in his first Classic appearance last year at Ray Roberts.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Wes Logan (35-1)</h4> <p><b>Springville, Alabama</b><br /> The highlight of Logan’s 2021 season was his first career victory on his home lake of Neely Henry. It was an impressive bit of fishing during a week when all eyes were on him as one of the favorites and the lake swelled well beyond its banks due to flooding in central Alabama. He followed that with a second-place finish on Guntersville and cruised into the Classic with a 13th-place AOY finish.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567964″ width=”960″ height=”540″/><figcaption> <h4>Wes Logan (35-1)</h4> <p><b>Springville, Alabama</b><br /> The highlight of Logan’s 2021 season was his first career victory on his home lake of Neely Henry. It was an impressive bit of fishing during a week when all eyes were on him as one of the favorites and the lake swelled well beyond its banks due to flooding in central Alabama. He followed that with a second-place finish on Guntersville and cruised into the Classic with a 13th-place AOY finish.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <div class=
<h4>Luke Palmer (40-1)</h4> <p><b>Coalgate, Oklahoma</b><br /> Palmer is making his third-straight appearance in the Super Bowl of Professional Bass Fishing, having finished 15th in 2020 and 28th in 2021. When the Elites visited Hartwell in 2019, he finished a respectable 33rd. He has six Top 10s with B.A.S.S., including a career-best third-place finish at the 2020 Bassmaster Elite on Guntersville.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567965″ width=”960″ height=”640″/><figcaption> <h4>Luke Palmer (40-1)</h4> <p><b>Coalgate, Oklahoma</b><br /> Palmer is making his third-straight appearance in the Super Bowl of Professional Bass Fishing, having finished 15th in 2020 and 28th in 2021. When the Elites visited Hartwell in 2019, he finished a respectable 33rd. He has six Top 10s with B.A.S.S., including a career-best third-place finish at the 2020 Bassmaster Elite on Guntersville.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Kyle Welcher (40-1)</h4> <p><b>Opelika, Alabama</b><br /> Welcher cut his teeth fishing the Chattahoochee River lakes near his home in southeastern Alabama and has proven competitive during his first two seasons on the Elites with a 10th-place finish in the AOY standings in 2020 and a 22nd-place showing in 2021. He finished 16th in his first career Classic on Ray Roberts last year, but finished the Elite season on a down note with back-to-back 85th-place finishes in the final two regular-season events.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567966″ width=”960″ height=”640″/><figcaption> <h4>Kyle Welcher (40-1)</h4> <p><b>Opelika, Alabama</b><br /> Welcher cut his teeth fishing the Chattahoochee River lakes near his home in southeastern Alabama and has proven competitive during his first two seasons on the Elites with a 10th-place finish in the AOY standings in 2020 and a 22nd-place showing in 2021. He finished 16th in his first career Classic on Ray Roberts last year, but finished the Elite season on a down note with back-to-back 85th-place finishes in the final two regular-season events.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Justin Hamner (45-1)</h4> <p><b>Northport, Alabama</b><br /> Hamner earned his first Classic berth with a 33rd-place finish in the 2021 AOY standings.<br /> The high point of his season was a 10th-place showing — his first Elite Series Top 10 — at Lake Champlain. His last trip to Hartwell was a 23rd-place showing in the 2020 Eastern Open.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567967″ width=”960″ height=”540″/><figcaption> <h4>Justin Hamner (45-1)</h4> <p><b>Northport, Alabama</b><br /> Hamner earned his first Classic berth with a 33rd-place finish in the 2021 AOY standings.<br /> The high point of his season was a 10th-place showing — his first Elite Series Top 10 — at Lake Champlain. His last trip to Hartwell was a 23rd-place showing in the 2020 Eastern Open.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <div class=
<h4>Hunter Shryock (45-1)</h4> <p>Ooltewah, Tennessee</b><br /> Shryock has seven career Top 10 finishes with B.A.S.S., but the Classic and Lake Hartwell haven’t been good to him in limited experience. His two previous Classic appearances resulted in middle-of-the-pack showings — 25th in 2020 and 26th in 2021 — and during his only trip to Hartwell with B.A.S.S., he landed in 59th place at the 2019 Bassmaster Elite.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567968″ width=”960″ height=”540″/><figcaption> <h4>Hunter Shryock (45-1)</h4> <p>Ooltewah, Tennessee<br /> Shryock has seven career Top 10 finishes with B.A.S.S., but the Classic and Lake Hartwell haven’t been good to him in limited experience. His two previous Classic appearances resulted in middle-of-the-pack showings — 25th in 2020 and 26th in 2021 — and during his only trip to Hartwell with B.A.S.S., he landed in 59th place at the 2019 Bassmaster Elite.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>KJ Queen (50-1)</h4> <p><b>Catawba, North Carolina</b><br /> Queen is another Classic rookie who qualified by finishing in 34th place in the 2021 AOY standings. He finished 63rd in his only other trip to Hartwell with B.A.S.S., the 2020 Eastern Open.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567969″ width=”1440″ height=”962″/><figcaption> <h4>KJ Queen (50-1)</h4> <p><b>Catawba, North Carolina</b><br /> Queen is another Classic rookie who qualified by finishing in 34th place in the 2021 AOY standings. He finished 63rd in his only other trip to Hartwell with B.A.S.S., the 2020 Eastern Open.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Ray Hanselman Jr. (50-1)</h4> <p><b>Del Rio, Texas</b><br /> After missing last year’s Classic on Ray Roberts, Hanselman will be making his second appearance in the Super Bowl of Professional Bass Fishing at Hartwell. He finished 44th in the 2020 event on Guntersville.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567970″ width=”960″ height=”540″/><figcaption> <h4>Ray Hanselman Jr. (50-1)</h4> <p><b>Del Rio, Texas</b><br /> After missing last year’s Classic on Ray Roberts, Hanselman will be making his second appearance in the Super Bowl of Professional Bass Fishing at Hartwell. He finished 44th in the 2020 event on Guntersville.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <div class=
<h4>Daisuki Aoki (55-1)</h4> <p><b>Yamanashi, Japan</b><br /> Like Powroznik, Aoki accomplished a goal of qualifying for the 2022 Bassmaster Elite Series by tearing up the 2021 Opens circuit — and just like Powroznik’s, Aoki’s run included a victory (Southern Open on Douglas Lake) that earned him a spot in the Classic. The 39-year-old Japanese pro has fished 20 career tournaments with B.A.S.S, notching six Top 20s and three Top 10s.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567971″ width=”960″ height=”640″/><figcaption> <h4>Daisuki Aoki (55-1)</h4> <p><b>Yamanashi, Japan</b><br /> Like Powroznik, Aoki accomplished a goal of qualifying for the 2022 Bassmaster Elite Series by tearing up the 2021 Opens circuit — and just like Powroznik’s, Aoki’s run included a victory (Southern Open on Douglas Lake) that earned him a spot in the Classic. The 39-year-old Japanese pro has fished 20 career tournaments with B.A.S.S, notching six Top 20s and three Top 10s.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Nick LeBrun (60-1)</h4> <p><b>Bossier City, Louisiana</b><br /> LeBrun has fished only five tournaments with B.A.S.S. after spending the bulk of his career tackling FLW-sponsored tournaments. He qualified for the Classic this year for the first time by winning the 2021 Bassmaster Central Open on Grand Lake and also had a second-place finish at Smith Lake. During his time with FLW, he had three career wins and 20 Top 10s — mostly in the Louisiana/Texas region.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567972″ width=”1440″ height=”960″/><figcaption> <h4>Nick LeBrun (60-1)</h4> <p><b>Bossier City, Louisiana</b><br /> LeBrun has fished only five tournaments with B.A.S.S. after spending the bulk of his career tackling FLW-sponsored tournaments. He qualified for the Classic this year for the first time by winning the 2021 Bassmaster Central Open on Grand Lake and also had a second-place finish at Smith Lake. During his time with FLW, he had three career wins and 20 Top 10s — mostly in the Louisiana/Texas region.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Keith Tuma (90-1)</h4> <p><b>Brainerd, Minnesota</b><br /> Tuma showed excellent gamesmanship after winning the 2021 Bassmaster Southern Open on the Harris Chain of Lakes in Florida — the first event of 2021 for B.A.S.S. Knowing he had the Classic berth locked up if he fished the other two Southern Opens, he trudged through the Opens season finishing 129th at Douglas Lake and 159th at Lake Norman. Those are the only three events he’s ever fished with B.A.S.S.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567973″ width=”960″ height=”640″/><figcaption> <h4>Keith Tuma (90-1)</h4> <p><b>Brainerd, Minnesota</b><br /> Tuma showed excellent gamesmanship after winning the 2021 Bassmaster Southern Open on the Harris Chain of Lakes in Florida — the first event of 2021 for B.A.S.S. Knowing he had the Classic berth locked up if he fished the other two Southern Opens, he trudged through the Opens season finishing 129th at Douglas Lake and 159th at Lake Norman. Those are the only three events he’s ever fished with B.A.S.S.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <div class=
Every year, I take flack for giving less-than-flattering odds to the anglers who qualify through the B.A.S.S. Nation. It’s not a knock on anyone’s talent, but rather a reflection of history. In 51 years, only one Nation angler — the late Bryan Kerchal in 1994 — has claimed the Classic trophy. So…Can it happen? Absolutely it can — and I believe someday it will. But until that day comes, the odds of it happening are small. Nation qualifier Justin Kerr turned in a stellar fourth-place finish last year, but he’d only fished one Nation tournament in his life. Kerr, in simple terms, is a professional angler who chooses to fish West Coast events near his home instead of traveling the country like many others. That made him a different kind of Nation qualifier and thus, an exception to the rule.
Every year, I take flack for giving less-than-flattering odds to the anglers who qualify through the B.A.S.S. Nation. It’s not a knock on anyone’s talent, but rather a reflection of history. In 51 years, only one Nation angler — the late Bryan Kerchal in 1994 — has claimed the Classic trophy. So…Can it happen? Absolutely it can — and I believe someday it will. But until that day comes, the odds of it happening are small. Nation qualifier Justin Kerr turned in a stellar fourth-place finish last year, but he’d only fished one Nation tournament in his life. Kerr, in simple terms, is a professional angler who chooses to fish West Coast events near his home instead of traveling the country like many others. That made him a different kind of Nation qualifier and thus, an exception to the rule.
<h4>Matty Wong (90-1)</h4> <p><b>Culver City, California</b><br /> I get the feeling that 2021 B.A.S.S. Nation champion Matty Wong is a different kind of angler as well. His charisma and enthusiasm have already drawn comparisons to Elite star Taku Ito, and I can’t wait to follow him on the 2022 Bassmaster Elite Series. But jumping from the Nation ranks to the Classic stage will be by far the biggest hill he’s had to climb.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567975″ width=”1440″ height=”960″/><figcaption> <h4>Matty Wong (90-1)</h4> <p><b>Culver City, California</b><br /> I get the feeling that 2021 B.A.S.S. Nation champion Matty Wong is a different kind of angler as well. His charisma and enthusiasm have already drawn comparisons to Elite star Taku Ito, and I can’t wait to follow him on the 2022 Bassmaster Elite Series. But jumping from the Nation ranks to the Classic stage will be by far the biggest hill he’s had to climb.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Taylor Smith (90-1)</h4> <p><b>Spokane Valley, Washington</b><br /> This isn’t Smith’s first Classic rodeo. The winner of the 2021 B.A.S.S. Nation Western Regional and second-place finisher in the 2021 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, qualified for the 2020 Classic on Guntersville and finished in 40th place. He should know a little more about what to expect this time around.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567976″ width=”6048″ height=”4024″/><figcaption> <h4>Taylor Smith (90-1)</h4> <p><b>Spokane Valley, Washington</b><br /> This isn’t Smith’s first Classic rodeo. The winner of the 2021 B.A.S.S. Nation Western Regional and second-place finisher in the 2021 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, qualified for the 2020 Classic on Guntersville and finished in 40th place. He should know a little more about what to expect this time around.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <div class=
<h4>Jared Miller (90-1)</h4> <p><b>Norman, Oklahoma</b><br /> Miller, the third-place finisher in the 2021 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, brings a wealth of high-level B.A.S.S. experience to the Classic. He’s fished events since 2010 and spent a brief stint on the Bassmaster Elite Series from 2013-15. He has six career Top 20s and one Top 10. He’ll no doubt recognize some of the faces in the crowd — and not just from TV.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567977″ width=”6048″ height=”4024″/><figcaption> <h4>Jared Miller (90-1)</h4> <p><b>Norman, Oklahoma</b><br /> Miller, the third-place finisher in the 2021 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, brings a wealth of high-level B.A.S.S. experience to the Classic. He’s fished events since 2010 and spent a brief stint on the Bassmaster Elite Series from 2013-15. He has six career Top 20s and one Top 10. He’ll no doubt recognize some of the faces in the crowd — and not just from TV.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Tristan McCormick (95-1)</h4> <p><b>Clarksville, Tennessee</b><br /> College qualifiers have come a long way since many people considered them novelties, being allowed a token spot in the Classic as a reward for accomplishments at lower level. That was never the case — and that becomes more apparent with each college season. As the college ranks get tougher and tougher, the young anglers reaching the Classic via that path are better and better — and some believe McCormick may be the most well-prepared college qualifier yet. Still, jumping from the college ranks to the Classic is a lot to ask of anyone.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567978″ width=”1440″ height=”962″/><figcaption> <h4>Tristan McCormick (95-1)</h4> <p><b>Clarksville, Tennessee</b><br /> College qualifiers have come a long way since many people considered them novelties, being allowed a token spot in the Classic as a reward for accomplishments at lower level. That was never the case — and that becomes more apparent with each college season. As the college ranks get tougher and tougher, the young anglers reaching the Classic via that path are better and better — and some believe McCormick may be the most well-prepared college qualifier yet. Still, jumping from the college ranks to the Classic is a lot to ask of anyone.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <figure class= <h4>Shane Powell (100-1)</h4> <p><b>Dothan, Alabama</b><br /> Fishing the Super Bowl of Professional Bass Fishing is an incredible honor for the Bassmaster Team Championship qualifier. But winning through that route might also be the tallest task in the sport. After conquering a tough Classic Fish-Off at Lake Eufaula, Powell said he’d never fished Lake Hartwell. That makes it even tougher. But great things sometimes happen when a guy can fish with no expectations — and no pressure.<br /> ” class=”wp-image-567979″ width=”1440″ height=”960″/><figcaption> <h4>Shane Powell (100-1)</h4> <p><b>Dothan, Alabama</b><br /> Fishing the Super Bowl of Professional Bass Fishing is an incredible honor for the Bassmaster Team Championship qualifier. But winning through that route might also be the tallest task in the sport. After conquering a tough Classic Fish-Off at Lake Eufaula, Powell said he’d never fished Lake Hartwell. That makes it even tougher. But great things sometimes happen when a guy can fish with no expectations — and no pressure.<br /> </figcaption></figure> <div class=