Setting a Fantasy Fishing Line-up for Bassmasters Classic

As you read articles and info about this year’s Bassmaster Classic on the Red River, there are many factors that can play, like the weather, changing water levels and spectator crowds. So here are a list of good articles and fantasy picks, with my highlighted takeaways, I have found that I think will be helpful for you to make your picks:
Skeeter Anglers Red River Report – Kelly Jordan says this is my backyard
Bassmaster Classic Pundit Picks – All eyes on Greg Hackney
5 Classic ‘X’ Factors – Bet on Power Techniques
Bassmaster Practice Report – Ike reports finding “Magic Area”
BassFan Practice Report – Ish not on right fish?
Former Classic Angler Picks – Don’t bet on Bain
6 under the Radar – BassZone’s Dark Horses

Well enough of that, you can go batty reading all that info. Here are 10 guys that I like:
KVD – He is a favorite any where, Top 5 in last 5 Classics, 2nd place FLW Tour event on Red River 2001
Greg Hackney – Hungry for Signature Classic victory, love rivers, local angler
Kelly Jordan – Catches big fish, 90 minutes from home, 2nd place on Red River 2000
Scott Rook – Won a Major on a tough river system, lives close, Red River has been a cash cow for him in other events
Randy Howell – Shallow water junk fisherman, think he could do damage swimming a jig like when he won Dardanelle Elite 50, might run an Aluminum boat
Brent Chapman – Won a Red River Invitational, I think he needs the $$$, lots of dropped sponsors, might go Aluminum as well
Bill Lowen – The quintessential River RAT
Ike – Can grind it out with the best of them, says he has a “Magic Area”
Davy Hite – Won an event in November 2001 at this very site
Ricky Morris – He is my Dark Horse, he took 2nd at the Bassmaster Classic on Toho and I think he may get his chatterbait going here

If you are looking for some bargain picks, look at Matt Herren & Greg Pugh, both very accomplished FLW anglers, plus you may keep Herren on your roster for a value pick all year on the Elite Series.

So here is my near final lineup:

Rich’s Roster
Angler 1	Angler 2	Angler 3	Angler 4	Angler 5

Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI	Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX	Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA	Bill Lowen North Bend, OH	Rick Morris Virginia Beach, VA
MKT: $25.0 LKD: $25.0	MKT: $21.0 LKD: $21.0	MKT: $19.6 LKD: $19.6	MKT: $17.3 LKD: $17.3	MKT: $15.9 LKD: $15.9

Balance Sheet

Salary Cap

Team Value

Remaining Salary

$100.0

$98.8

$1.2

I am still wrestling with whether to go with KJ or Rook at that $20-21 price tag, they both fit, both seem like good choices. Right now I lean KJ for his knack at catching big fish. Plus KJ would be a better keeper for the season, so that is one thing to consider, these salaries adjust throughout the season, so if you see good value, get them now! Either way, I feel like I am wasting and leaving $1.2 on the table