2015 Bassmaster Classic Instant Coverage; a Good Thing for Fishing?

Has Social Media Altered Tournament Fishing?

By Luigi De Rose

We witnessed a revolution last weekend. Live coverage under the tutorage of expert commentators; what more could fans ever want? But, is all this instant coverage good for bass tournament anglers?

The recent 2015 Classic provided amazing coverage for devoted bass nuts. Live coverage allowed Internet gawking anglers right onto the deck of top anglers. We witnessed how Dean Rojas shook his finesse worm around the face of docks. Suddenly, BASS commenter Mark Zona jumped off the stage and tracks down finesse guru Don Iovino for his expert opinion. As both scrutinized Dean’s technique, Don corrected Mark explaining that West coast Rojas was actually doing a doodle slide trying to trigger magnum spots.

BASSTRAK and the BASS Blog might become too helpful to anglers as it
tries to please fans. (Photo: BASS) 

During the final press conference, the woulda coulda shoulda question was broached to the final six anglers. Each clearly declared that they honestly felt that they made the correct choices. Even though five of them didn’t win, they were pleased with themselves. But, what if competitors could adjust their game plan based on live footage happening instantly as it unfolds? Second-guessing decisions is the demise of any tournament angler but this could easily adverted with one peak to a cell phone or tablet.

2015 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell Day 2: Mid-day Report

Leaderboard Flip Flops as Clouds Scatter Fish
By Luigi De Rose

The weather has warmed but the clouds have rolled in this Saturday morning and many of yesterday's leaders are suffering. Here are some elements that should dramatically affect the anglers: locals say docks in cold water will not replenish. Anglers who are targeting docks might zero today or tomorrow simply because they will run out of bass to catch. Another factor is the weather. Surprisingly, the below zero temps on Friday didn't hurt everyone but many good anglers did very poorly and might not have the opportunities to challenge the leaders.  Many anglers are hoping the stormy weather that will roll into Lake Hartwell this afternoon might trigger a few monster bites. One big bite might vault an angler who has a decent limit well up the leader board. For any of the top 5 leaders, a good limit with a big kicker bass might seal the deal for this Classic.
Here is the unofficial Top 5 as of 11:55am.

1. Mike Iaconelli 30lbs 7oz
2. Dean Rojas  28lbs 10oz
3. Casey Ashley  27lbs 3oz
4. Brett Hite  26lbs 6oz
5. Jacob Wheeler 25lbs 4oz

2015 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell Day 1: Rojas Rules with Over 21 Pounds!

Despite Bitter Cold Dean was Red Hot!

By Bryan Brasher

bass press release

Doesn’t it just figure that after the coldest day in the history of the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro, four anglers from warm, sunny climates are sitting atop the standings?

Arizona angler Dean Rojas wowed the crowd at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C., with five Lake Hartwell bass that weighed 21 pounds, 2 ounces despite frigid temperatures that were in the neighborhood of 10 degrees just before takeoff at Green Pond Landing in Anderson.

Dean overcame the bass, weather, and
practice late penalty to take day 1 lead. He was
optimistic before the day started because this was
his 13th Classic, he is boat #13 and its was
Friday the 13th.
(Photo: James Overstreet BASS)

Rojas also overcame a 28-minute penalty that he was forced to spend in the tournament “penalty box” as punishment for being late for check-in to Wednesday’s practice period.

He leads California angler Skeet Reese (20-2), Texas pro Keith Combs (18-8) and fellow Arizona angler Brett Hite (15-7).

“This is our biggest stage that we perform on, and to be able to catch a big bag like that on the first day is amazing,” Rojas said. “How could you script it any better than that? Obviously, I’d rather finish it that way. But hey, I’ll take it.”

Though Rojas hasn’t won a Classic in 12 previous appearances – and hasn’t finished first in an event since the 2011 Elite Series event on Toledo Bend Reservoir – he said he’ll be more excited than nervous to lead the field into Saturday’s second round.

He’s taking his Day 1 success in stride, much like he did the 28-minute penalty he endured Friday morning. He said the infraction was due to a Lowrance unit on his boat that he kept promising himself he would switch from Central Time to South Carolina’s Eastern Time, but never did.