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Classic Gear
Mighty Lake Michigan has chewed up and spit out more trolling motors than
anglers care to think about. During this years' Classic however, contenders
need not worry about the ferocity of the Great Lake because they will be
using Motorguide's Tour Edition 107-pound thrust, 36-volt trolling motor.
The motor utilizes three batteries to ensure a day full of performance in
the toughest of situations and a reliable "pull-pull," two-cable
steering
system. The contenders noted the motor performed flawlessly during the
practice day, making the Motorguide Tour Edition a contender in its own
right.
Ranger Boats, longtime sponsor of the BASS Masters Classic, once again
rises to a challenge set by the world championship of bass fishing -
tackling Lake Michigan. After the official practice day the anglers all
agreed that the opponent they were facing was not each other, but a massive
body of water that can look like an ocean when the wind blows steadily from
the north. "During practice the wind hasn't really been a factor, even
though we've seen three-foot rollers," said Classic contender Mark Pack of
Texas. "The deep hull of these Ranger boats handles this rough water like
it's nothing. The overall weight of the boat also makes it much more stable
in rough conditions - which allows you to fish while other guys have to
head back to the ramp," Pack continued.
Pro's Predictions
"I'm still searching like everyone else. I imagine though, if someone
catches 11 to 13 pounds a day with a 15-pound stringer to boot, he'll have
a great chance at winning this thing."
Gary Klein, Weatherford, Tex.
"I didn't talk to anyone before coming to Chicago because I didn't want any
preconceived notions about how to fish this body of water. So it's
basically going to be a crapshoot for me. I'm going to fish a primary
pattern I believe in, switching to a secondary one if necessary, and hope
for the best."
Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich.
"I imagine the tournament will be won with smallmouth. But if the water
doesn't clear up a little bit they will be harder to catch since they rely
heavily on sight for feeding. If the wind kicks up and forces everyone to
stay in the river it could make for some small catches. We are at the mercy
of Mother Nature."
Lendell Martin, Nacogdoches, Tex.
Classic Trivia
The lowest winning weight of a BASS Masters Classic is 15 pounds, 5 ounces
caught by Arkansas' George Cochran in 1987.
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