Almost Classic Time

After watching coverage of Gerald Swindles big Bassmaster Southern Open on Lake Toho, I get more and more anxious to do some fishing and for the the two big tours to get started. That also means the start of Fantasy Fishing! Oh yeah, G-Man is the first qualifier for the 2012 Bassmaster Classic as of now.

Fifty of the world’s top anglers will compete for the title of
Bassmaster Classic champion on the Louisiana Delta, Feb. 18-20, 2011. The timing of this Classic could not be much better for the area, it will showcase how great the fishery is, despite the huge oil spill this past summer. Here is a great article, highlighting how B.A.S.S. has partnered to help preserve and restore the Delta and surrounding areas. B.A.S.S
has found a way to make the classic work out in the fish’s advantage,
too. They’ve partnered up with the Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF)
and the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) in campaigns to promote the
restoration and protection of Louisiana’s imperiled coastal wetlands
and reconnect the Mississippi River to its delta.

So taking a look at the 2011 Bassmaster Classic field below, I think it will be a super exciting Classic and some big bags should be weighed. The Delta being such a huge playing field, I actually think this opens things up and almost anyone could win. The more expansive the fishery, the more likely anyone could come a across a giant pod of untouched fish and have that all to themselves.

I will come up with some picks as we get closer to the event and Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing is open. Here is the full field, with qualification method, home state, classics participated in.