Bassmaster 2013 Special Section by Tulsa World

TULSA WORLD PREVIEW SECTION | FEBRUARY 17, 2013 | TULSAWORLD.COM/BASSMASTER

Talala’s Edwin Evers among locals vying for title in the Super Bowl of bass fishing at Grand Lake, BOK Center

BASSMASTER CLASSIC Central location could make 2013 Classic biggest one yet 3 Find out where all the action will take place on Grand Lake 20-22 Get collectable trading cards for all 53 Classic anglers 31-38

2 • TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT

February 17, 2013

TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT • 3

TULSAWORLD.COM

FOLLOW THE BASSMASTER CLASSIC ONLINE

GRAND I EVENT

BY KELLY BOSTIAN

World Outdoors Writer

Find everything you need to know about the Bassmaster Classic, which comes to Grand Lake and Tulsa on Feb. 22-24. This site will be home to news, videos, maps, schedules and guides to follow the event.

Anatomy of a bass boat A multimedia look at every inch of a bass boat, similar to what the anglers will use during the 2013 Bassmaster Classic at Grand Lake.

The Bassmaster Classic, the main event of fishing, comes to Tulsa, Grand Lake

Play our contest Enter the Tulsa World Outdoors Weigh-in Challenge. In this challenge, you must guess the biggest bag weight for each of the three days of the Bassmaster Classic. There will be one winner for each day of the Classic. You have until Thursday at 11:59 p.m. to submit your guesses for each day of the tournament. Winners will be announced on Feb. 25. Go to tulsaworld.com/ bassmaster to find out more information.

tulsaworld.com/ bassmaster

Expo expected to draw big crowds ....................................... 3 Fan’s guide ................................ 8 Where to go: Downtown Tulsa ..............10-11 Where to go: Tulsa and the suburbs ... 14-15 How they got here: Guide to qualifying ................................ 18 Guide to Grove, Grand Lake area .............................17, 20-22 Features on anglers to watch in the Classic ............ 19,24-30 Meet the anglers: Bios on every competitor ............31-38

JAMES GIBBARD/Tulsa World file

TABLE OF CONTENTS

T’S A CONTEST, a TV production, a stage show, a family-oriented weekend event, a sporting goods show, a tourist destination, a celebration, and a chance for a career angler to make his mark on history; it’s the Bassmaster Classic and since Tulsa and Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees were announced as the 2013 venue people have been saying the 43rd Classic may be the biggest yet. Booked for Feb. 22-24 at Grand Lake, the BOK Center and the Tulsa Convention Center, the 2013 Bassmaster Classic presented by Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa will begin arriving a week ahead of the event to practice fishing and to attend sponsor events and banquets. Tulsa Sports Commission organizers say 3,000 or more daily spectators might crowd in to see the launch at sunrise at Wolf Creek Park. Media and VIPs will total 350 or so. ESPN will be on the ground and overhead in a helicopter. Dozens of fans in boats will follow anglers on the water, more than 100,000 are expected to filter through the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors EXPO presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods at the Convention Center, and the weigh-in at the BOK Center is expected to attract capacity crowds, especially Saturday and Sunday. SEE EVENT 6

2013 Bassmaster Classic Presented by Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa Feb. 22-24, All venues free and open to the public

Production credits Sports Editor: Michael Peters Assistant editor: Patrick Prince Layout and design: Steve Reck-

inger, James Royal and Patrick Prince Cover photo: Mike Simons/ Tulsa World

THE TOURNAMENT Launch event: Daily 6-7 a.m. at Wolf Creek Park and Boat Ramp, Grove Field: 53 of the world’s best anglers First prize: $500,000 with World Champion trophy and Bassmaster Classic Champion ring Total purse: $1.2 million Weigh-in show: Doors open at 3 p.m. daily, BOK Center, Tulsa

OUTDOOR EXPO PRESENTED BY DICK’S SPORTING GOODS Venue: Tulsa Convention Center Friday: Noon-8 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

BASS BASH STREET FAIR Venue: Third Street between the BOK Center and Convention Center Opens 11 a.m. daily

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Outdoors carnival

February 17, 2013

OUTDOOR GAME ZONE SCHEDULE at the Tulsa Convention Center/Bassmaster Expo

Friday Daisy Range: Open to public, National Wild Turkey Foundation, noon to 5 p.m. SRS Eukanuba Super Dock Noon: Super Dock Dogs 1 p.m.: Scott Greer and Robb Watts: Ducks and Dogs at Work 1:15 p.m: Pro Super Dock Dogs Competition 2 p.m.: Fun Jumps audience participation 3:15 p.m.: Casting with Pro Fishermen 3:30 p.m.: Pro Super Dock Dogs 4:30 p.m.: Fun Jumps audience participation 5 p.m.: Super V Pro Dock Dogs

Saturday Daisy Range: Open to public, National Wild Turkey Foundation, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. SRS Eukanuba Super Dock 10 a.m.: Super Dock Dogs 11 a.m.: Scott Greer and Robb Watts — Ducks and Dogs at Work 11:15 a.m.: Pro Super Dock Dog Competition 12:15 p.m.: Casting with the Pros — Fishing 1:15 p.m.: Scott Greer and Robb Watts — Ducks and Dogs at Fans view a live demonstration tank at the Bassmaster Classic Outdoor Expo in February 2012. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World file

Expo offers gear, games, demonstrations Vendors create a carnival-like atmosphere with games, giveaways and spontaneous onthe-spot seminars at booths, on the floor and The Bassmaster Classic Outdoor Expo at the large fishing tank inside. People looking presented by Dicks Sporting Goods will fill the for boats, or bobbers, might find some great 300,000-square-foot Tulsa Convention Center bargains. Friday through Sunday. Top professional anglers will be working Admission is free and it is open to the public at industry booths at the show and celebrity Noon-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m-7 p.m. Saturday and anglers like Bill Dance and Hank Parker usu10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. While the ally make appearances. Fans get anglers are on the water, this is ‘This is a different up close and ask questions, take where the crowds will be. Early photos and get autographs. kind of show, the projections have up to 100,000 “You see (Auburn, Calif., pro) people through the doors over Skeet Reese and ask, ‘Hey, Skeet, first aspect being the three days. what would you be doing if you it is free and “This is a different kind of were on Grand right now?’ and show, the first aspect being it is he may get out those baits and most people are free and most people are accustalk with you or give a demontomed to consumer shows where accustomed to stration right there,” Mulone they have to pay an entry fee,” said. “It’s a welcoming, open and consumer shows said Michael Mulone, director of atmosphere.” where they have to friendly event and tourism partnerships Added to the show this year is for BASS. the Outdoor Game Zone with the pay an entry fee.’ The show is for anyone Daisy Inflatable Shooting Educainterested in any aspect of the tion Range and Super Retriever Michael Mulone, outdoors but it is especially apSeries Dock Dogs competition pealing to people who love to fish, director of event and tourism and demonstrations. partnerships for BASS would like to fish, or only get to The show changes and grows go fishing once or twice a year. year-to-year, and the timing of “People get excited about it because they get the show lines up with the release of most of to see all the new tackle for the new year and the new gear for the season, Mulone said. people get excited by the show and get inspired “That’s why people want to travel to see it to get outside,” Mulone said. year after year,” he said. This year the EXPO is near the weigh-in “It is a true 360-degree outdoor lifestyle site, and an outdoor Bass Bash street fair that expo that offers a great family friendly expewill fill Third Street, between the Convention rience.” Center and the BOK Center, creates an added dimension that should enhance the experience, Kelly Bostian 918-581-8357 kelly.bostian@tulsaworld.com Mulone said.

Work

1:30 p.m.: Pro Super Dock Dog Competition 2:15 p.m.: Casting with the Pros — Fishing 2:30 p.m.: Super V Pro Competition Semifinals 3 p.m.: Retriever Trial Finalists introduction on the dock 4 p.m.: Fun Jumps audience participation

BY KELLY BOSTIAN

World Outdoors Writer

Sunday Daisy Range: Open to public, National Wild Turkey Foundation, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. SRS Eukanuba Super Dock 10 a.m.: Super Dock Dogs 11 a.m.: Scott Greer and Robb Watts — Ducks and Dogs at Work 11:15 a.m.: Pro Dock Dogs Semifinals 12:15 p.m.: Casting with the Pros — Fishing 12:30 p.m.: Fun Jumps audience participation 1:30 p.m.: Pro Dock Dogs Finals 2:30 p.m.: Casting with the Pros — Fishing 2:45 p.m.: Super V Finals

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February 17, 2013

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Chris Lane hoists a large bass after realizing he had won the Bassmaster Classic during weigh-ins on the final day of the 2012 tournament in Shreveport, La. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World file

February 17, 2013

EVENT

“We will have a big contingent, bigger than usual,” he said. “That two, three hours less driving time makes a differFROM 3 ence for people.” Immediate support from businesses There is no admission fee; all events and community leaders, Tulsa’s reputaare free and open to the public. tion as a great outdoor community and The commission issued numbers its history with the fishing industry, predicting more than 100,000 visitors and proximity of the BOK Center for a and an economic benefit of up to $26 weigh-in venue to the Tulsa Convenmillion. Comparisons have been drawn tion Center as the EXPO site all figured between Tulsa and when the Classic into the decision to bring the Classic to first came to Shreveport, La., where Tulsa, said Michael Mulone, director 137,000 patrons shattered all attendance of event and tourism partnerships for records in 2009. BASS. Anglers, BASS officials, bass industry The Tulsa Sports Commission and writers and local business leaders are dozens of community and business unanimous in their statements that leaders pulled together more than a year Tulsa and Grand Lake will draw a big ago to start the process. The numbers crowd. involved in the process continue to It starts with the location. grow. Mulone said the BASS organiza“This is the farthest north and west tion alone will bring nearly 200 staff and it’s ever been held,” said 2012 Bassmassub-contractors to town to put on the ter Angler of the Year Brent Chapman show. Tulsa organizers will train and of Lake Quivira, Kan. “I know I have 10 recruit hundreds of volunteers to do times the people coming to watch me everything from helping as tour guides as I normally do and, not just people to directing parking lot traffic. coming to watch me, a lot of people are “The venues, the people, support from coming from Kansas, Nebraska, Misthe business community, that’s what it souri, Iowa, even Colorado because it’s takes to bring the Bassmaster Classic to never been this close before.” your town,” Mulone said. “We’re looking It’s closer to Kansas City, but still rela- forward to reaching new fans that have tively close to past venues in Arkansas, never seen the event before and to help Alabama and Louisiana. them find out what we’re all about.” Top angler Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., said the location figures Kelly Bostian 918-581-8357 kelly.bostian@tulsaworld.com into it for people in the far north as well.

Shopping: Don’t miss Bass Pro Shops, the authentic western wear at Drysdales or the upscale shopping at Utica Square, Cherry Street and Brookside.

c atch some fun . Welcome to Tulsa, where you’ll find everything you’d expect in a big city, except the long lines, huge crowds and big attitudes.

Dining: From national chains to one-of-a-kind eateries, fine dining to down-home cooking, we’ve got your taste buds covered in every corner of the city. AnD More: Check out the largest bull sharks in captivity at the Oklahoma Aquarium, 2,500+ animals at the Tulsa Zoo, and Vegas-style gaming at one of our many casinos.

2013 bASSMASter clASSic preSenteD by hArD rock hotel & cASino tulSA.

www.visittulsa.com

February 17, 2013

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February 17, 2013

2013 BASSMASTER CLASSIC: FAN’S GUIDE

BY KELLY BOSTIAN | World Outdoors Writer People who have been to a Bassmaster Classic say it’s not just a bass tournament and it’s not just for bass anglers. It’s a full-spectrum outdoors

event and entertainment production. BASS, the Tulsa Sports Commission, local sponsors and hundreds of area volunteers are working to bring to life what BASS Director of Event and Tourism Partnerships Michael Mulone called “a

celebration of the outdoors lifestyle.” Feb. 22-24 there is a tournament, an outdoor expo, a street fair, and weigh-in show. Admission to all those venues is free of charge. Following is a primer to help you prepare and find your way around:

PRECEDING THE EVENT Anglers will arrive in Tulsa and Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees a week or more before the event. Friday through Sunday they will concentrate on the lake for practice. Most days they are on the lake sunrise to sunset. Wednesday is an “official practice” and “dry run” for the tournament launch and check-in. Wednesday night anglers, sponsors, media and VIPs meet at Classic presenting sponsor Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for the Night of Champions banquet. Thursday the anglers are around town for a conservation summit and media day. Thursday morning BASS and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership bring together media, anglers and experts to talk about the top freshwater conservation issues at the Downtown Doubletree Hotel.

THE LAUNCH The big show begins about 6 a.m. Friday at Wolf Creek Park and Boat Ramp near Grove. Official takeoff is 7 a.m., but the process of putting the boats in the water and setting up for the takeoff is accompanied by music, angler interviews, fan interaction with the anglers and of course a ceremony with display of the colors and playing of the national anthem. Fans gather by the thousands on shore each morning, fan and angler boats multiply in the water and the ESPN helicopter hovers overhead. “People put boats in the water every day, but they make it an exciting, actionpacked process,” said local organizing committee chairman Jeff Stava. He recommends people come mindful of the weather. Wear sturdy shoes and prepare to spend time outside. Parking will be available on-site and parkand-ride free shuttle service will operate from a lot just a half-mile south on U.S. 59 at the Cheapo Depo. Vendors will be on site with hot drinks and snacks for sale. Some bleachers will be on-site,

dinner and induction ceremony tickets are $100. For information go to tulsaworld.com/hoftickets or call 888-690-2277.

GETTNG AROUND The Tulsa Sports Commission is providing free shuttle bus service between area hotels, entertainment districts, Bass Pro Shops and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa, 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. The fleet includes 20 to 25 full coaches each day with six key hotel hubs servicing other local hotels on those routes. Park-and-ride service will be available daily from Bass Pro Shops in Broken Arrow and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa. A main drop-off and pickup spot for passengers is Third Street and South Frisco Ave. Fans cheer during the launch on the final day of last year’s Bassmaster Classic in Shreveport, La. This year’s event begins about 6 a.m. Friday morning at Wolf Creek Park and Boat Ramp near Grove. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World file but “there will be a lot of standing room and it’s a gradual slope so people will be able to see what’s happening,” he said.

FOLLOWING THE ANGLERS Boaters are welcome to follow anglers on the water, but they are asked to keep their distance and please respect the seriousness of the event. Grand Lake is public water, but disturbing the anglers is considered unethical behavior for an outdoorsman, as is motoring into their fishing spots and fishing behind them. Spectators are asked to turn off their motors while anglers are fishing and to turn off all sonar equipment.

GROVE BOAT SHOW The annual Grove Boat Show has been moved up from midMarch to coincide with the Bassmaster Classic. Located downtown on Main Street in the Grove Civic Center, it will be open Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

“We’re excited for all these folks to see everything Grand Lake has to offer,” said Tad Jones, a member of the local organizing committee.

THE EXPO Nearly 100,000 people are expected to trip the turnstiles over three days of sales and showmanship at The Bassmaster Classic Outdoor Expo in the Tulsa Convention Center. Hours are Friday noon to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. “It’s the largest outdoors show in America,” Stava said. “Fishing, hunting, camping, it’s everything and anything fishing and the outdoors.” It features big boats, the latest little fishing gadgets and everything in-between. Part of the appeal is celebrity-driven. Top tour anglers who didn’t qualify to fish the Classic will be on hand in sponsor booths and celebrity anglers like Hank Parker will be on hand as well. “It will take you a good four, five, six hours to see the show,” Stava said. “It’s sensory overload

and can be overwhelming. Just take your time. Wear comfortable shoes.”

BASS BASH The Tulsa Sports Commission is shutting down Third Street between the Tulsa Convention Center and the BOK Center to provide an additional entertainment area for people making their way from the Expo across the street to the weigh-in. It will feature live music, food and drink vendors. Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and Toyota Tundra Extreme Trucks will have exhibit trailers there. “It will be kind of a fun fan zone,” Stava said.

BASS FISHING HALL OF FAME One event open to the public that does require advance tickets is the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame induction banquet Friday night. Inductees include Tulsa’s Darrell Lowrance of fishing electronics innovation fame. Reception is at 6:30 p.m. and dinner is at 8 p.m. Keynote speaker is 2013 Classic competitor Mark Davis. The

THE WEIGH-IN The BOK Center opens at 3 p.m. each day. People are advised to arrive early and get a seat. Admission is free and it is general seating, with some areas blocked off for angler families, sponsors and other VIPs. Entertainment and activities precede the actual weighing of the fishes. The Timberworks Lumberjack Show powered by STIHL will be there Saturday and Sunday. “You should get there and get a seat, but you won’t be sitting there waiting for something to happen,” Mulone said. Anglers arrive in front of the stage on their boats to their own theme music, overhead video and special stage effects and the competition. All 53 anglers weigh-in Friday and Saturday. The big finale Sunday. Early Sunday is weigh-in and finding out the winner of the College Bass Classic between University of Arkansas, Oklahoma State University and University of Oklahoma bass teams. Then, with the pro field cut to 25, comes the final weigh-in and the crowning of the Bassmaster Classic Champion with the trophy ceremony and $500,000 top prize.

February 17, 2013

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118 N Boston • Tulsa, OK 74103

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A BOK Center, 200 S. Denver Ave. B Tulsa Convention Center, 100 Civic Center C Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N. Main St. D Brady Theater, 105 W. Brady St. E ONEOK Field, 201 N. Elgin Ave.

1 Baxter Interurban 2 Billy's On the Square (on Main) 3 Billy's On the Square (inside BOK) 4 Spaghetti Warehouse 5 Juniper Restaurant 6 Prhyme Downtown Steakhouse 7 Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory 8 Atlas Art 9 Elote

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WALK TO THE BOK CENTER!

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February 17, 2013

TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT • 11

WHERE TO GO: DOWNTOWN TULSA

Destination downtown Cain’s — which ranked No. 25 worldwide in club venue sales, by the way Just 10 years ago, — helms the far end of downtown pretty much the Brady District. This rolled up its sidewalks, burgeoning entertainso to speak, by 5 p.m. on ment neighborhood’s week days. namesake is home to And you could forget “the Old Lady on Brady,” finding anything to do also known as the Brady on weekends. Theater, yet another local But things have landmark on the National changed — rapidly, even, Register of Historic in the past couple of Places. years — as more opporThe Brady District has tunities for wining, din- experienced explosive ing and general playing growth, with the addition are available in the heart of a hotel, high-rated resof downtown, as well as taurants (like The Tavern its adjacent entertainand PRHYME), art galment districts: Brady leries, lofts and condos, Arts, Blue Dome and bars and the new Guthrie Greenwood. Green, an urban garden Arguably, the crownand performance space. ing jewel of downtown It’s also the home of the revitalization is the César brand-new Hardesty Arts Pelli-designed BOK Center, chief residence of Center, which ranked the Arts and Humanities 17th nationally and 45th Council of Tulsa. worldwide in arena To the immediate east ticket sales in 2012. The is the state-of-the-art BOK Center will host ONEOK Field baseball daily weigh-ins for the park and the historic 2013 Bassmaster Classic Greenwood District, Presented by Hard Rock once called “America’s Hotel & Casino Tulsa, Black Wall Street.” with the nearby, recently And a three-minute renovated Tulsa Conven- walk south of there is tion Center holding the the Blue Dome District, Classic Outdoors Expo. another growing enterFour hotels have tainment neighborhood, opened up in recent with a variety of bars, years, including the shops (Dwelling Spaces renovation and reopenis a must-see), and food ing of the legendary options ranging from Mayo, which is listed on salads and sandwiches to the National Register of sushi and New OrleansHistoric Places. style seafood. So is Cain’s Dance Myriad flavors and Academy, better known entertainment tastes as Cain’s Ballroom, abound here now — and where Bob Wills and His the sidewalks don’t roll Texas Playboys broadcast up anymore. their radio show — and where the Sex Pistols Jason Ashley Wright 918-581-8483 had one of their few jason.wright@tulsaworld.com American stops.

BY JASON ASHLEY WRIGHT World Scene Writer

PLACES OF INTEREST 200 S. Denver Ave. One of the world’s top-selling arenas and hub of activity during the Bassmaster Classic. For more, 918-894-4200. tulsaworld.com/bok

Cain’s Ballroom

423 N. Main St. The legendary stomping grounds of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. For more, 918-584-2306. tulsaworld.com/cains

Brady Theater

105 W. Brady St. Its stage has supported some of the world’s most recognizable musical artists. For more, 918-582-7239. tulsaworld.com/brady

ONEOK Field

201 N. Elgin Ave. This state-of-the-art stadium is where the Tulsa Drillers call home. For more, 918-744-5998. tulsaworld.com/drillers

JAMES GIBBARD/ Tulsa World

For more, 918-587-4440. tulsaworld.com/40meatballs

Juniper Restaurant

324 E. Third St. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday Our favorites: Seared King Salmon ($28) and Herbed Gnocchi and Bleu Cheese Crème ($16). For more, 918-794-1090. tulsaworld.com/juniper

Prhyme Downtown Steakhouse

717 S. Houston Ave. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, 4:30-11 p.m. Saturday Our favorites: Honey Pepper Bacon Burger ($9.99) and Cajun Chicken Pasta ($13.99). For more, 918-585-3134. tulsaworld.com/baxters

111 N. Main St. 4-9 p.m. Sunday, 4-11 p.m. MondaySaturday Our favorites: Blue Crab Ravioli ($34.50) and USDA Prime 21-day wet aged tenderloin filet ($36.50, 8 ounces). For more, 918-794-7700. tulsaworld.com/prhyme

Billy’s On the Square

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Baxter’s Interurban Grill

424 S. Main St 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday Our favorites: Mushroom Swiss Burger ($4.49) with fry/ring combo ($1.89). For more, 918-583-8703. tulsaworld.com/billys

410 S. Main St. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday Our favorites: Amaretto truffles ($2.50 each) and English toffee caramel apples ($7.50 each). For more, 918-299-7623. tulsaworld.com/rockymtchoc

Billy’s On the Square

Atlas Art Gallery and Studio

Inside the BOK Center Open for all BOK events Our favorite: Theta Burger ($6.50) For more, 918-583-8703. tulsaworld.com/billys

Spaghetti Warehouse

221 E. Brady St. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.11 p.m. Friday-Saturday Our favorites: Chicken Parmigiana ($12.99) and Spaghetti Pesto Basilica ($8.99).

Create a Glass Paperweight

Fresh Mexican Food Downtown

The Brady District offers many entertainment options, including several bars and restaurants.

BOK Center

TULSA GLASSBLOWING SCHOOL

514 S. Boston Ave. Tulsa, Ok 74103 Elotetulsa.com 918-582-1403

Area is filled with restaurants, activities

415 S. Boston Ave. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday You’ll find local and Oklahoma artists in this charming gallery, including beautiful works by owner Betty Dalsing. For more, 918-808-1508.

Elote

514 S. Boston Ave. 11 a.m.-9/9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday Our favorites: Smokin’ Hot Quesa-

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Enjoy our Concession by Section 121

dilla with Free Range Chicken ($8.99) and Fried Avocado Tacos ($9.99). For more, 918-582-1403. tulsaworld.com/elote

Classic Cigars & Lounge

118 N. Boston Ave. 12 p.m.-midnight Monday-Friday, 2 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday, 12 p.m.-2 a.m. Sunday Attention, cigar aficionados: You’ll only find Montecriso Reserva Negra cigars here in all of Green Country. For more, 918-960-2646. tulsaworld.com/classiccigars

The Hunt Club Pub & Grub

224 N. Main St. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Friday, 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday, 5 p.m.-midnight Sunday Our favorites: The Yardbird sandwich ($7.49), mac and cheese ($6.49) and Frito Pie ($4.99). For more, 918-599-9200. tulsaworld.com/huntclub

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114 N. Boston Ave. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-10 p.m. MondayThursday; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-11 p.m. Friday; 4-11 p.m. Saturday; 4-8 p.m. Sunday Our favorites: Dattero Scialle (goat cheese-stuffed Medjoul dates wrapped in prosciutto, $12) and The Center of the Universe pizza (pesto cream, artichoke, spinach, pepper bacon, prosciutto, tomatoes and feta, $25) For more, 918-508-7000. tulsaworld.com/heymambo

Teri’s Coney

3 E. Fifth St. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday Our favorites: Reuben dog ($1.60), Chicago dog ($2.10) and three-way chili ($5.50) For more, 918-582-6639.

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19 E. Brady St. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday An open-access studio you can either come and watch or create an art piece out of molten glass ($25-$95). For more, 918-582-4527. tulsaworld.com/tulsaglassblowing

12 • TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT

Catch and release

February 17, 2013

Anglers take care to ensure that caught fish survive

BY KELLY BOSTIAN

World Outdoors Writer

The true stars of the 2013 Bassmaster Classic at Grand Lake are the fish, but from the time the tournament location was announced many have wondered if the fish can survive transport from the lake to the Classic stage at Tulsa’s BOK Center and back to the lake again, especially if the weather is extremely cold. The answer from the man who literally wrote the book on catch-and-release bass care is that the bass will not only survive, they’ll thrive. “I feel extremely confident that we will have very high survivals,” said Gene Gilliland, assistant chief of fisheries with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and co-author of the BASS fish care bible for anglers and tournament directors, “Keeping Bass Alive.” Keeping fish alive has become a science since tournament anglers turned from “catch-and-grease” to catch-and-release when BASS founder Ray Scott first popularized the idea in the 1970s. “It’s been studied over and over, all across

Jeff Kriet holds up fish at the weigh-in of the Bassmaster Classic in Shreveport, La., in February 2012. Photos by MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World file

the country,” Gilliland said. “We actually used Grand (Lake) for research projects in the early 1990s to look at survival of fish after tournaments.” Gilliland will personally be on hand as part of the crew looking after Grand’s bass backstage at the BOK Center in Tulsa on Feb. 22-24, as

he has at many Bassmaster Classic events across the country. The man handling the fish on stage, BASS Tournament Director Tripp Weldon, is a 23-year veteran on the tour. “We fully expect to have 100 percent live release,” Weldon said. “That certainly is our goal and we fully intend to hit that goal.” Gilliland spelled out a few reasons why he believes the

bass will remain healthy. Professional anglers experienced in fish care are fishing for a $500,000 prize and get penalized for having dead fish. The water temperature will be cool, roughly 45 degrees. A fish’s metabolism will be slower (less oxygen needed and fewer wastes excreted). And cold water holds higher levels of oxygen. Bass boats have live wells

of more than 40 gallons with circulation/aeration pumps. Two fish on one side and three on the other will have 20 to 25 gallons on each side. Even if the outside weather is unseasonably cold (or warm) the 90-minute drive to Tulsa will have little impact on the temperature of water inside the tank. Additional treated water and anything else needed, just in case, will be available at a staging area near the BOK Center before the angler takes the fish to the stage. The fish are transported inside the boat live wells right up to the BOK stage and spend only a short time out of the water for the weigh-in. Backstage, the fish are placed in an ODWC hatchery truck for transport back to the lake. Gilliland said a second hatchery truck will be available, just in case. “I doubt we’ll need it but it’s there if we do,” he said. Where fish will be released after the weigh-in is top secret, Gilliland said. “We’ve got game warden escorts and we’re working with (Grand River Dam Authority) to arrange places to release the fish,” he said. The fish will be delivered to various locations. “We’re not going to just back up to the first boat ramp and just dump them in,” he said. Weldon said he often gets the question about fish care. “I often say it, and I’ve been doing this a long time, priority one is the safety of all the competitors and oneA is care of the resource, care of the fish and getting them back to the lake and in good shape,” he said. Kelly Bostian 918-581-8357

kelly.bostian@tulsaworld.com

February 17, 2013

TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT • 13

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14 • TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT

February 17, 2013

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1972 — Don T. Butler of Tulsa: A lifelong friend of BASS founder Ray Scott, Butler was the first member of the Bass Angler Sportsman Society. He won on Percy Priest Reservoir in Kentucky in 1972. In those days the Classic location was secret until the top 26 anglers boarded an airplane on the way to the tournament. 1986 — Charlie Reed of Broken Bow: Reed is the oldest angler ever to win a Classic at age 51 in 1986. In his relatively short BASS career, the Classic was his only tournament victory. 1991 — Ken Cook of Meers: A state fisheries biologist, Cook came up through the BASS Federation Nation and went pro after winning the 1980 Bassmaster Chapter Championship on Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees. — KELLY BOSTIAN, World Sports Writer

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February 17, 2013

TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT • 15

WHERE TO GO: TULSA AND SUBURBS

Clockwise from above, the Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa Zoo, Oklahoma Aquarium and Philbrook Museum of Art are popular destinations for visitors to Tulsa. Tulsa World file photos

Take a lake break Museums, shopping, casinos, other excursions await Bass fans BY NOUR HABIB

World Scene Writer

Tulsa is home to a variety of attractions and venues to suit the taste of any and all visitors. From museums to casinos to shopping districts, Bassmaster Classic visitors will have much to choose from. The art lovers will enjoy the exhibits at the local museums, including Philbrook Museum of Art, 2727 S. Rockford Road, and Gilcrease Museum, 1400 N. Gilcrease Museum Road. Visit tulsaworld.com/philbrook and tulsaworld.com/gilcrease for information on hours, admission costs and current exhibits. Those who like animals should consider a visit to the Tulsa Zoo, 6421 E. 36th St. North. Jaguars, sea lions, elephants and snakes are among the numerous animals housed at the Tulsa Zoo, a perfect place for a

southeast corner of 21st and Utica. More shopping options inRead more about where to clude the various boutiques shop, eat and hang out duron Cherry Street (15th Street ing this week’s Bassmasbetween Peoria and Utica) or ter Classic in Thursday’s at Brookside (Peoria AvWeekend magazine. enue between 31st and 41st), where you can also take a break and catch a bite at any family excursion. For more, of the various restaurants. visit tulsaworld.com/zoo. If you’re a bigger fan of Area casinos — Osage Caunderwater creatures, head sino, 951 W. 36th St. North; to the Oklahoma Aquarium, River Spirit Casino, 8330 300 Aquarium Drive in Riverside Parkway; and Hard Jenks. Jellyfish, sharks, eels Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa, and numerous colorful crea- 777 W. Cherokee St., Catoosa tures inhabit the tanks at this — also offer various ameniattraction. Visit tulsaworld.com/ ties. And on Feb. 23, during aquarium. the Bassmaster Classic weekIf a shopping excursion is end, REO Speedwagon will what you seek, Tulsa’s got perform at the Hard Rock. plenty of options. Check out For more, visit Woodland Hills Mall, 7021 S. tulsaworld.com/osagecasino, tulsaworld.com/riverspirit or Memorial Drive, or Promenade Mall, 4107 S. Yale Ave. tulsaworld.com/hardrockcasino. For an outdoor shopping center experience, head to Nour Habib 918-581-8369 nour.habib@tulsaworld.com Tulsa Hills, 7300 S. Olympia Ave., or browse the upscale shops at Utica Square, at the

Coming Thursday

16 • TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT

Going ‘all out’

February 17, 2013

Grove creates a Classic launch pad

BY KELLY BOSTIAN

World Outdoors Writer

Grove is not only rolling out a red carpet to welcome the 2013 Bassmaster Classic, it is rolling out a few million dollars worth of concrete and asphalt. The little town on the lake that could purchased 22 acres and teamed up with the state Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Grand River Dam Authority to sink a collective $3.6 million into creation of the site that will host the Classic launch site at Wolf Creek Park and Boat Ramp. In an expedited effort, work began on the area in November. A first phase of the project is to be ready for the Feb. 22 launch, but the full building project is expected to continue past the Classic with an additional $2.5 million expenditure planned. What was an indistinct 16th Street boat ramp now is in the midst of a project to create a world-class launch and tournament site and lakeside park with enough parking to accommodate 300 vehicles with boat trailers or an estimated 900 cars. A 3,800 square-foot courtesy dock in a “tuning fork shape” will serve as the anchor point for the 53 anglers in the Classic as they prepare to launch. “Grove and Grand Lake are going all-out for this event and we’re excited for all these folks to get a chance to see what Grand Lake has to offer,” said Tad Jones, Local Organizing Committee member and former Grand Lake Association executive director. Several area businesses plan to adjust their hours to accommodate Classic visitors and the city moved its Boat Show from mid-March to February to coincide with the Classic. “We thought that could be one more thing for visitors to do who came for the launch,” Jones said. “We’re hoping people will decide to stick around, maybe have some breakfast in town and come over to the boat show.”

Alvah Johnson with Rayco Marinas Inc. works to assemble a floating boat ramp in the parking lot at Wolf Creek Park and Boat Ramp. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

The boat show will be at the Grove Civic Center, 1720 Main Street. Hours for the show are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. The boat show showcases Grand Lake area businesses including boats, fishing guide services, real estate, and resorts. The local “Santa’s Old Broads” will be cooking in the kitchen all day, including breakfast. “If you want some good homecooked food they are really great,” Jones said. Live entertainment at the show includes The Green Country Squares 1-2 p.m. Saturday and Clint Walker 2-3:30 p.m. and 5-6:30 p.m. on Saturday. Admission to the show is $5 for adults. Children 16 and under enter free and, while supplies last, they will be fitted with a free life jacket courtesy of the Grand River Dam Authority. Kelly Bostian 918-581-8357 kelly.bostian@tulsaworld.com

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Out of the water

There are plenty of attractions around Grand Lake area Antique store and flea market fans won’t want to miss the many places around Grove. Though most water activities are It’s also a good bet that some suspended until spring, Bassmater might want to try their luck at one of Classic visitors to Grand Lake O’ the the dozen casinos within easy drivCherokees will find fun attractions ing distance. Grand Lake Casino in to lure them in their spare time. Grove, Downstream Casino in QuaThe most activity will be found paw, and Buffalo Run Casino & Hotel around Grove, near the launch site and Stables Casino, both in Miami, for the fishing tournament. are among the most notable. Darryl Starbird’s National Rod About 30 minutes south of Grove & Custom Car Hall of Fame usuis Monkey Island, home of Shangrially doesn’t open until March, but it La Golf Club, Resort & Marina, plans to have all 51 of its custom cars where guests may play a round of under roof for the weekend of Feb. golf, work out in the fitness center or 22-24. Cost is $8 adults and $5 ages have a fine-dining experience at The 8-12. More information: tulsaworld.com/ Summit Restaurant. darrylstarbird. Hungry visitors to the lake have Want to get a closeup and permany tasty choices. Grove has everysonal look at an alpaca? Zena Suri thing from Mexican and barbecue to Alpaca Ranch offers hands-on tours homestyle diners such as Nu-Taste of the alpaca ranch by appointment and American Grill, waterfront spots (804-389-2579), and also operates a such as The Parrot Steakhouse & unique gift shop. Suzzy to Fabulous, SEE FOOD 37 in downtown Grove.

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World Scene Writer

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Classic contenders

18 • TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT

February 17, 2013

2013 Bassmaster Classic Qualifiers by the numbers

Skill and a little luck can help anglers qualify BY KELLY BOSTIAN

Defending Bassmaster Classic Champion Elite Series Tournament Champions

Bassmaster Opens Series Champions

World Outdoors Writer

They are billed as 53 of the best anglers in the world but maybe “53 of the best and luckiest” is more accurate. The 2013 Bassmaster Classic field is made up of top-scoring pros and tournament winners on the top pro circuit in BASS (the Elite Series), tournament winners in the regional Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens, regional BASS Nation series champs, the BASS College series champions, and the Weekend series winner. Of course the defending Bassmaster Classic champion also has a spot in the field. The number 53 comes by chance but it’s the secondhighest number of anglers ever to compete in a Classic. More, or less, could qualify year-to-year. The difference in line-ups comes because some top anglers double-qualify as both tournament winners and as Angler of the Year points earners in the Elite Series. The 100 anglers in that top pro circuit fish eight tournaments and earn cumulative points based on their placement in each tournament. This year angler Brent Chapman of Lake Quivira, Kan., provides a good example of how the system works. Chapman won Angler of the Year in 2012 as the top points-earner on the Elite tour. He won an Elite tournament and also won a Central Open tournament in February. Those accomplishments made him a triple-qualifier for the 2013 Classic. He technically is in the tournament as an Open Series winner. Another big name on the list is a triple-qualifier, defending champ Chris Lane. He also won a Southern Open Series tournament and was 14th in angler of the year points. The Classic takes the top 28 points earners on the Elite tour, but thanks to Chapman, Lane and other doublequalifiers among the top 28 scoring Elite pros the list of

1 7 7

6 1 1 30

BASS Nation Champions

Bassmaster Weekend Series Champion Bassmaster College Champion

Elite Series Angler of The Year Points qualifiers

Total anglers in this year’s Bassmaster Classic

PAST WINNERS

Boyd Duckett won the year’s last event to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic. BUTCH DILL/AP file

Elites in the 2013 Classic actually includes those ranked down to No. 33. Because Lane and Chapman triplequalified two more points earners were allowed in the mix, bringing the actual number to 30. It’s no cakewalk making it into the Bassmaster Classic, and those top 100 Elite pros enter each season knowing the field is limited. It’s a simple fact: not everyone in that top 100 can make it. Needing a little luck along the way can be the only explanation why guys like Rick Clunn, four-time Classic champ and unquestionably one of the best in the world, didn’t qualify this year. He simply fell short on Angler of the Year points. Had he caught just one more fish in the last tournament of the year he could easily have covered the seven points between himself and No. 33, Jared Lintner, the last points-qualifier. In that same last tournament, 2007 Classic champ Boyd Duckett did as well as he could but still fell just two points behind Lintner. The catch is he won the tournament and is in by virtue

of the victory, not points earned. Open Series anglers also enjoy a “win and you’re in” chance in three tournaments held regionally in the South, Central and Northern series. It is an avenue for both pro and semi-pro anglers to compete head-to-head for winnings, plus a coveted Classic berth. Technically, Chris Lane is in the Classic by virtue of a Southern Open win, but he will be recognized as the defending champ. Oklahoma’s Jason Christie, who fished only FLW Tour events before learning the Classic was coming to his home lake, made time to compete in the Bassmaster Northern Open Series in 2012. He would have to win one of the tournaments but also had to enter and compete in all three tournaments of the Northern series to officially qualify. It was a big travel and time commitment, but it paid off when he eclipsed 147 other anglers on Lake St. Clair out of Detroit, Mich., in July. BASS Nation and Weekend series anglers compete in local, regional and national tournaments to work

their way to the brass ring, a Classic berth. The top six finishing regional anglers in the BASS Nation championship get Classic berths. A single Weekend Series angler makes it in by qualifying locally and regionally and then winning the Bassmaster Weekend Series National Championship Tournament. College anglers do the same as teams and then compete as individuals in a bracketed tournament after the national team championship. The 2012 Carhartt College Series Bassmaster Classic Bracket came down to a pair of brothers this year, Jordan and Matt Lee of Auburn University. Brothers and teammates, they faced each other in a showdown to see who would make the Classic. Matt Lee emerged the victor, acknowledging his good fortune to BASS writers at the time. “If we fished 20 times, he’d win 18,” Matt said. “I hate it for him, but I’m happy for me.” Happy and, perhaps, just a little bit lucky. Kelly Bostian 918-581-8357 kelly.bostian@tulsaworld.com

2012: Chris Lane (Guntersville, Ala.) 2011: Kevin VanDam (Kalamazoo, Mich.) 2010: Kevin VanDam (Kalamazoo, Mich.) 2009: Skeet Reese (Auburn, Calif.) 2008: Alton Jones (Waco, Texas) 2007: Boyd Duckett (Demopolis, Ala.) 2006: Luke Clausen (Spokane Valley, Wash.) 2005: Kevin VanDam (Kalamazoo, Mich.) 2004: Takahiro Omori (Emory, Texas) 2003: Michael Iaconelli (Woodbury Heights, N.J.) 2002: Jay Yelas (Tyler, Texas) 2001: Kevin VanDam (Kalamazoo, Mich.) 2000: Woo Daves (Spring Grove, Va.) 1999: Davy Hite (Prosperity, S.C.) 1998: Denny Brauer (Camdenton, Mo.) 1997: Dion Hibdon (Stover, Mo.) 1996: George Cochran (Hot Springs, Ark.) 1995: Mark Davis (Mount Ida, Ark.) 1994: Bryan Kerchel (Newtown, Conn.) 1993: David Fritts (Lexington, N.C.) 1992: Robert Hamilton Jr. (Nashville, Tenn.) 1991: Ken Cook (Meeks) 1990: Rick Clunn (Montgomery, Texas) 1989: Hank Parker (Denver, N.C.) 1988: Guido Hibdon (Gravois Mills, Mo.) 1987: George Cochran (N. Little Rock, Ark.) 1986: Charlie Reed (Broken Bow) 1985: Jack Chancellor (Phenix City, Ala.) 1984: Rick Clunn (Montgomery, Texas) 1983: Larry Nixon (Hemphill, Texas) 1982: Paul Elias (Laurel, Miss.) 1981: Stanley Mitchell (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1980: Bo Dowden (Natchitoches, La.) 1979: Hank Parker (Clover, S.C.) 1978: Bobby Murray (Hot Springs, Ark.) 1977: Rick Clunn (Montgomery, Texas) 1976: Rick Clunn (Montgomery, Texas) 1975: Jack Hains (Rayne, Louisiana) 1974: Tommy Martin (Decatur, Ala.) 1973: Rayo Breckenridge (Paragould, Ark.) 1972: Don Butler (Tulsa) 1971: Bobby Murray (Hot Springs, Ark.)

February 17, 2013

TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT • 19

One special season Chapman ready to build on successes in 2012 BY KELLY BOSTIAN

World Outdoors Writer

Chris Lane celebrates at the Bassmaster Classic weigh-ins in February 2012. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World file

Defending champ Alabama fisherman aiming for back-to-back Classic titles BY KELLY BOSTIAN

World Outdoors Writer

Last year, in Shreveport, La., the dream came true for Chris Lane. This year the question is, can he go backto-back as defending Bassmaster Classic champion? “I’m going into the tournament as the champion and I’m just going to enjoy each day of it and when it comes time I’ll be ready to put my game face on and try to repeat,” said the Guntersville, Ala., angler. Consecutive wins is a feat accomplished only by Ava, Mo., veteran Rick Clunn in 1976-77 and the inimitable Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., in 2010-11. Each

Chris Lane Age: 37 Hometown: Guntersville,

Running errands a couple weeks ago, family members talked about events to come and Brent Chapman’s 7-yearold daughter, Makayla, asked the question, “What’s the Super Bowl?” Her father, who happens to be 2012 Bassmaster Angler of the Year, had the answer that would make the most sense to a youngster who has lived a fishing family’s life from day one. “It’s the Bassmaster Classic of football.” “It made perfect sense to her,” Chapman said. “People call the Classic the Super Bowl of bass fishing, but we are an outdoors family.” Chapman, of Lake Quivira, Kan., is approaching the 2013 Bassmaster Classic in Tulsa and Grand Lake as a potential exclamation point on a stellar 2012 season. The man was on a roll in 2012, will it continue into 2013? “I see it, the Classic, as kind of a finale, a pinnacle for 2012, as good as it was, I could hopefully end on the best note of all,” he said.

Brent Chapman speaks during media day at the Bassmaster Classic in Shreveport in February 2012. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World file

With an early victory in the Central Open at Lewisville Lake in Texas last year, Chapman had his Bassmaster Classic berth in-hand. It changed the way he fished — and put him on a roll. “It made a huge difference,” he said. “It’s like a team when they get a good lead in a football game they relax and maybe do some crazy plays and you see some big things SEE CHAPMAN 38

Brent Chapman Age: 40 Hometown: Lake Quivira,

Kan.

Family: Wife, Bobbi,

son Nason, 9, daughter Makayla, 7 Pro angler since: 1994 Notables: Reigning (2012) Bassmaster Angler of the Year

Ala.

Family: Wife, Holly; and

four children, Cal, Hunter, Hannah and Coleman Pro angler since: 2000 Notable: 2012 Bassmaster Classic champion

man has claimed four Classic titles. Winning the Classic is “a game-changer, a life-changer for my whole family, for all of SEE CHAMP 30

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February 17, 2013

TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT • 21

Getting to Grand Lake launch site from Tulsa 60

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Spectators may park in the large lot near the boat ramp or they may use a shuttle service by parking at the Cheapo Depo, located on U.S. 59 on the west edge of Grove, about 1/2 mile south of the 16th turnoﬀ to Wolf Creek Park and boat ramp. The boat ramp is roughly 90 miles from the BOK Center in downtown Tulsa. Allow at least 1 hour, 30 minutes drive time to reach the launch site. Launches are at 7 a.m. daily.

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Key areas around Grand Lake for viewing the Classic, page 22

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22 • TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT

February 17, 2013

GRAND LAKE: KEY PLACES BY KELLY BOSTIAN, World Outdoors Writer

Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees

Bernice State Park/ Horse Creek

Sixty-six miles from the Pensacola Dam to upper reaches fed by the Neosho, Spring and Elk Rivers, Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees has 46,500 surface acres that lie 742 feet above sea level (at normal pool) and offers 1,300 miles of shoreline. The lake was created in 1940 with completion of the dam and hydroelectric project managed by the Grand River Dam Authority. It is the uppermost of a chain of popular Northeast Oklahoma lakes with Hudson and Fort Gibson lakes downstream before the Grand River joins the Arkansas River.

The Oklahoma 85A Bridge at the community of Bernice spans the mouth of Horse Creek and is another potential lookout spot for shore-bound spectators with binoculars, especially from the fishing pier at the bridge. Bernice State Park also offers a public boat ramp. A public fishing pier near the bridge is another potential spot for spectators — or for those tempted to dip a line for crappie or catfish.

Wolf Creek Park and Boat Ramp

TULSAWORLD.COM

Take a narrated 3-D map tour of Grand Lake Go on a tour of Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees made with Google Earth at the Tulsa World’s Bassmaster Classic web page.

tulsaworld.com/bassmaster

Photos by MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Sailboat Bridge A Grand Lake landmark, the high, arching Sailboat Bridge, on U.S. 59, is the unofficial dividing line between the “upper” and “main” or “middle” lake areas. It was one of 47 federally funded, Depression-era projects involved in the building of Pensacola

Dam on the Neosho River to create the lake and provide hydroelectric power. Its 3,044foot span was upgraded in 2000-2001 at a cost of $24.5 million. It is the state’s second-longest and most expensive bridge.

Twin Bridges State Park

Honey Creek

The Twin Bridges area marks the confluence of the Neosho and Spring rivers, the lake’s main feeder streams. The park, off U.S. 60, offers one of few access points to this more remote portion of the lake. Some experienced anglers say this area is a long shot during the time of the Classic, but still others say it can’t be counted out completely.

The U.S 59/Oklahoma 10 bridge over Honey Creek, just south of Grove, may be a spot

for shore-bound spectators to try to catch a glimpse of anglers on the water. Honey Creek State Park (off the aptly named

Recently redesigned and in the midst of a $2 million makeover, the old “16th Street Boat Ramp” is now the 20-plus acres of Wolf Creek Park and Boat Ramp, the launch site for the 2013 Bassmaster Classic (see driving directions from Tulsa and parking instructions on map page).

State Park Road) also has a public boat ramp and access to the water’s edge for spectators who might be launching a boat.

Pensacola Dam Pensacola is the first hydroelectric facility built in Oklahoma, a federal Depression-era project completed 1938-1940. The dam covers a 1-mile span between the communities of Langley and Disney. The dam has 21 floodgates on the main spillway and 21 on the east spillways. The six units at the dam have a combined generation capacity of approximately 120 megawatts, according to the Grand River Dam Authority. Public recreation areas at Disney offer lakeshore access, viewing and a boat ramp.

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TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT • 23

24 • TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT

Evers is prepared

February 17, 2013

The Talala angler put in practice and explored prior to Classic

water or even 45-degree from the Louisiana Delta to water and fishing 41-degree Lake Erie, but he said he had water,” he said. beginnings similar to others. The top-ranked local BassReeling in back-to-back “The first few years on the master Elite pro in the 2013 trail I was pretty much a one- 6-pounders on Eucha, he Bassmaster Classic is the least showed the practice was paydimensional shallow-water familiar with Grand Lake, but ing off. guy. I never used the perennial Classic threat “I’ve been a spinnin’ rod,” knows it well enough. working at it this he said. Edwin Evers of Talala has he said. He learned to Edwin Evers winter,” been a top performer in the “I’ll be prepared as be versatile. Age: 38 Elite Series since he went pro I can be.” “It almost Hometown: Talala in 2000. An all-star angler, he The tough part came by necesFamily: Wife, Tueshas been a close contender about Grand Lake sity,” he said. “If day; son, Kade, for Angler of the Year sevin February is I was going to 4; and daughter eral times and back-to-back the weather and survive in the Kylee, 14 runner-up in 2010 and 2011. water conditions sport I needed to In his free time: Going into his 14th year, he is are so unpredictget better at difLoves deer hunting fishing his 12th Classic. This able, he said. That ferent things so I and also has a new year he was ranked eighth in unpredictability is would fish with pecan orchard. Angler of the Year points on something he can as many people Pro angler since: the tour and narrowly placed manage, thanks to as I could or go 2000 second in a tough all-star postthe versatility and out and practice Notables: Consecseason tournament. professional expeand learn.” utive runner-up His definition of “local rience that allows Practice is for Angler of The angler” is a little more specific him confidence in something differYear in 2010 and than just living in the neighswitching gears if ent Evers has go2011. ... Qualified borhood. Talala is about an need be. ing for him this for Classic 12 out hour’s drive west of Grand “I think the time around with of 14 years as a Lake. biggest thing is the Classic. Usuprofessional. “A local guy, in my opinion, just making adjustA month before the Classic, Edwin Evers fished nearly every day ally he doesn’t he’s fishing that body of water at lakes such as Tenkiller and Eucha. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World ments on the fly,” visit the Classic every weekend or tournahe said. “Not being venue until the ment fishing there every other scared halfway event. He fished weekend,” he said. through the day to notice college years at Southeastern uncle. and explored Grand Lake Evers moved to Talala seven State University. He fished every tournament before the lake went off-limits the water temperature has years ago, after he was well “Dad bought a Basstracker he could on Lake Texoma and in December. A month before warmed up 3 degrees and into his professional career, making that adjustment.” V17 with a 40-horse Johnson. won five boats on the lake the contest, he fished nearly fishing on the road as much or He said I could take it to colThe practice, the proximwhile pursuing degrees in every day, honing his feel for more than he did at home. ity, the support of family and lege on the condition I could marketing and communicawinter fishing and exploring “The biggest difference afford to store it and I kept all tions at SOSU. fisheries similar to Grand, like friends, it all adds up. between a local angler and “I always feel I have a good As and Bs,” he said. “I used that money to get Tenkiller and nearby Eucha a professional fisherman is chance when I enter any tourFor income he worked into the BASS invitationals,” Lake. the professional fishes the nament, I just feel like I have many jobs — driving a school he said. He fished 41-degree water conditions and the local guy an extra good chance to win bus, waiting tables, workHe fished national events in 12-degree weather and fishes where they caught them ing with a lawn service, at a for three years until he 48-degree water in 60-degree this one,” he said. before,” Evers said. convenience store, as a duck- launched into it full time. weather. Evers comes to Talala by hunting guide and as a hand On tour, Evers is hailed as a “There is a huge difference Kelly Bostian 918-581-8357 kelly.bostian@tulsaworld.com way of southern Oklahoma on the farm with his aunt and versatile angler who is tough between fishing 47-degree (Mannsville) and before that Texas and Illinois. He was born in Louisiana, Mo. He fished farm ponds as a boy in Texas. Living in Seneca, Ill., he fished some tournaments as a sophomore and junior in presents high school. It helped that he worked at a boat and tackle store owned by Sam Rosefsky. “Sam took me around and fished some different water,” Evers said. The store had open-house J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum events where the young Evers DOWNTOWN CLAREMORE t oo Sh s Kid met top anglers like Hank ! E E FR Parker and Guido Hibdon. Adults $3 Come and visit ceive 10am Ð 4pm “I was just ate up with it,” Winners Re Customized us at booth 1073 le Rif BB he said. isy Da For more information call 341-5707 Evers developed into a or visit thegunmuseum.com strong competitor during his

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World Outdoors Writer

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February 17, 2013

TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT • 25

Big expectations

26 • TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT

February 17, 2013

Park Hill’s Christie downplays his status as a Bassmaster favorite

Christie said. He took second place in his first tournament. At Tenkiller Lake with a 7-pound “That was a proud moment,” he bass on the line — one month prior said. “That envelope with the prize to the Bassmaster Classic — Jason money, I left it by his keys so he Christie spoke his mind. would be sure to see it when he got “Oh, if only this was the first five up in the morning.” minutes of the Classic,” he said. His father fished tournaments as Christie, of Park Hill, is entera young man, but had moved on to ing his sixth year as a full-time pro other things. angler in full stride. “Me getting into it kind of got him In five years competing on the back into it,” Christie said. FLW Tour, he has ridden the top 30 He attributes his current skills to percent of that field and qualified family influence. for the FLW’s big show, the Forrest “I learned from the best growing Wood Cup, four of his five years. Last up and I think I just kind of took it year he learned the Bassmaster Clasfrom there,” he said. sic was coming to his home state so Local tournament fishing was a he fished his first BASS tournaments. family activity. He won two of the four he entered “We could almost tag-team,” he Jason Christie has ridden the top 30 percent of the FLW Tour and qualified for the said of fishing with his father and to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic and for entry into the Bassmaster Forrest Wood Cup, four of his five years. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World uncles Charlie, Kevin, Mark and the Elite Series in 2013. late Don “Duck” Christie. “I probably He motors into fished 20 tournaments, 25 tournaAlthough Christie plentiful bass may fall prey to any 2013 signed up to fish ments with my mom (Pam).” counters, “people number of techniques offered by the both the Elite Series For about a 10-year period, midremember me winbest 53 anglers in the world. And he Jason Christie and the FLW Tour ning tournaments, knows the home lake in late winter can 1990s to about 2005 or ’06, the Age: 39 — and as a favored Christie family often fielded two but there were a lot I be as unpredictable and surprising as Hometown: Park Hill pick among many to or three teams per tournament on didn’t win, a lot where Oklahoma’s late-winter weather. Family: Wife, Amy, and win the Bassmaster Grand Lake. I didn’t do well at all.” “If I had to pick a week where daughters Ali, 14, Ana, Classic. Laying out a few of those valuable Another factor in Grand Lake would be the most chal12, and Jaslyn, 8 Christie said he his favor is he enjoys lenging it would be that last week of family lessons, he said his father is In his free time: Deer gives the favored the one who reminded him always to wintertime bass fishing February,” he said. hunting ranking little crehave fun. in Oklahoma. For the Watching him reel in a long, Pro angler since: 2008 dence. “I would be stressing and he would Bassmaster Classic and thick-tailed, but thin-bellied, winter Notables: Entered four “The media have their remind me we’re there to have a most of its competitors, bucket-mouth on Tenkiller, it’s hard BASS tournaments in job to do and they’re this will be the farthest not to imagine he will do very well in good time,” he said. “I always want 2012 and won two. ... going to pick a favorto burn every drop of gas in the tank. north and west the the Grand Lake showdown. Qualified for Forrest ite,” he said. “I don’t tournament has come Tenkiller is where the 39-year-old Duck was the one with patience, ‘if Wood Cup four out of his think I have a big since it moved to a former basketball coach collected his they’re around, you’ll catch ’em.’ ” five years on FLW Tour. advantage at all.” Charlie was the uncle with February date in 2006. first tournament check. He was “17 Things that figure stamina who proved to him fish can Much of the competior 18” at the time and had worked into his ranking as be caught on any day right up to the tion from southern cli- hard convincing his father, Jerry, to a top local are that last minute of the tournament. mates will have plenty get a bass boat and let him fish local relatively short but impressive pro “Never give up,” he said. to overcome just in dealing with the tournaments. record and the relative proximity, in weather if Oklahoma shows just how “He kept saying, ‘You don’t untime, to his years dominating tournasty its Februarys can be. derstand. Them guys there, they’ll Kelly Bostian 918-581-8357 kelly.bostian@tulsaworld.com naments on Grand as an amateur. But the local boy also knows Grand’s take your money and run with it,’ ”

BY KELLY BOSTIAN

World Outdoors Writer

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February 17, 2013

Hometown hero

TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT • 27

Biffle, from Wagoner, hopes to get past runner-up finish

with adhesive lead strips. Biffle remembered fondly that first national tournament. Guthrie told Tommy Biffle has proved he’s not to him to follow him around and put the be trifled with on his home turf. The suspended Rouge to use, but it wasn’t 54-year-old Bassmaster Elite pro from producing for them. Wagoner notched consecutive BASS “I saw some buck brush along the tournament wins on his home Fort shore flooded a couple feet deep and Gibson Lake and the nearby Arkansas told Bud, ‘I gotta go flip that,’ ” he said. River out of his birthplace, Muskogee, He placed second in that first tourin 2010 and ’11. ney. Fishing for Biffle began on Fort “... I was in pretty good company,” he Gibson, part of the chain of lakes that said. “I thought, ‘Hey this stuff isn’t all includes 2013 Bassmaster Classic that hard.’” venue Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. He rose quickly in the ranks, He was just a kid then and his family qualifying for his first of 18 Bassmaster owned a cabin on the lake. Classic appearances in 1987. In 1990 he “We would go on the pontoon experienced his first near miss on the boat, and Dad would put me down Classic stage. Biffle has been runnerthe bank,” he said. “When I was old up in the Classic twice and runner enough he let me take it and putt up in the FLW’s Forrest Wood Cup around the cove.” championship three times. The angler moved to Wagoner when “I’ve been within a couple ounces he was 21, after he got his first job Tommy Biffle is a two-time Bassmaster Classic runner-up. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World of Bassmaster Classic and an ounce or at the Ford Motor Co. glass plant in two at FLW,” he Broken Arrow. said. “Second animal. “He was the “Wagoner was closer to the lake — place is the first “Gibson is nothing like Grand,” he first one to plus Sharon lived there,” he said. loser. It’s tersaid. suspend a Rogue Tommy Biffle She was another of his Fort Gibson rible.” That doesn’t mean people should and he really “keepers.” They’ve been married 33 At this year’s count out the man who wrote the book used to put it to Age: 54 years and have a grown daughter, Jen- on flipping and pitching plastics into Classic he wants those guys,” he Hometown: Wagoner nifer, who lives in Wagoner and has to be miserable shallow flooded brush and designed said. Family: Wife, Sharon; and daughter, plans to marry this spring. in another way. his signature Biffle Bug to scrape and Biffle and Jennifer Biffle was in fact fishing an evening He wants cold bounce rocky points. He’s the master Guthrie used the In his free time: Most likely he is deer tournament on Tenkiller the night his of muddy shallows, but he knows how technique with weather and hunting. Also owns Tommy Biffle’s daughter was born. miserable condito work deep, clear, rocky waters as good results in Lakeside Polaris dealership in Wagoner “They sent a lake patrol down there well. tions, elements many local tourPro angler since: 1985 (with BASS) to find me,” he said. “I got back to the that suit his “A lot of people don’t know I used to naments. Notables: Bassmaster Classic runnerramp at midnight and he said, ‘You had be a jerkbait guy,” he said. style. The Smithup in 1990 and 1994. ... Holds record better get to the hospital, now.’ I made “I think I can The winter Classic at Grand, Biffle wick Rogue for most second-places finishes (3) in it in time and it’s a good thing, I never tolerate the cold said, will come down to the use of jerk- remains a popuFLW’s Forrest Wood Cup. would have heard the end of that.” a little better baits, spinnerbaits and jigs. “Jerkbaits lar model of the Fort Gibson and the nearby rivers than most guys,” are THE number one winter bait,” he imitation baitfish and sloughs are his home turf, the said the dedisaid. lures but drilling places he caught his first fish, dumped cated hunter who spends most of his Biffle said he learned from a jerkbait holes in them with a pocketknife and his would-be wife in the drink on her winter days on a deer stand in Illinois. master many years ago — Bud Guthrie, pouring in lead is no longer required first bass-boat ride and won his first the same Okay boat dealer who sold to make them suspend in the water tournaments. Odd as it may seem, him his first Ranger boat and took him column. They come weighted and balKelly Bostian 918-581-8357 kelly.bostian@tulsaworld.com nearby Grand Lake is a different to his first national pro tournament. anced — although he still adjusts them

BY KELLY BOSTIAN

World Outdoors Writer

28 • TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT

Classic drives kin

February 17, 2013

For perennial favorite VanDam, Bassmaster event is family affair

that adds close to three hours thing is magnified — the media, the spectators, the each day. Sleep deprivation commitments always is a factor They call him the No. before and after a during Classic, 1 angler in the world, the day on the water. week, however. Michael Jordan of BASS. really hard, Local competiKevin VanDam It’s He’s won so often he is an it’s the hardest tion may be a Nickname: KVD odds-on favorite at just about tournament to factor as well, he Age: 45 any venue. win.” said. Hometown: KalAnd when he comes to His advantage “You’ve got amazoo, Mich. Tulsa for the Bassmaster is having been seasoned vets, Family: Wife, Classic on Feb. 22, one of the there, knowing you’ve got a Sherry, and twin top things on Bassmaster what to expect rookie, and sons Jackson and Elite pro Kevin VanDam’s and knowing not they’re all really Nicholas mind will be a birthday party. to let himself be good fishermen In his free time: “I’ve got twin boys that overwhelmed who are going Goes fishing and are 15 and they turn 16 on with things he to put all their deer hunting with the 22nd, the first day of can’t control. effort into this,” his sons the Classic,” he said. “We’re He’s also looking VanDam said. Pro angler: Since trying to plan something for a victory to “The reality is 1992 for them, a special birthday add to previous now people are Kevin VanDam has won the Bassmaster Classic four times and Notables: Four-time party, it’s kind of an imporClassic wins. smarter than has been named Angler of the Year seven times. Bassmaster Classic tant birthday.” “This is one they’ve ever MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World file Champion (2001, The birthday of Jackson I’m really excited been, and it’s 2005, 2010, 2011). and Nicholas VanDam has about because it’s just super hard ... Seven-time often taken a back seat to the the type of lake Not only is Tulsa a few VanDam said he always to win.” Bassmaster Angler Classic since it moved to a and the time of hours’ drive closer than past approaches the tournament His top goal in of the Year (1992, February date in 2006. Their Classic locations, but for the year that fits a with a mental attitude of true the Classic every 1996, 1999, 2008, father qualified every one of first time, Elite pro Jonathan commitment and an expecta- year is to be lot of the things 2009, 2010, 2011). those years and posted two I’m really strong VanDam, Kevin’s nephew, tion he will win. within striking of his four Classic victories at,” he said. “I’m will be competing in the “But the reality of this distance of the in 2010 and 2011. He has hoping condiClassic. sport is it’s tough, it’s super top every day. qualified for 23 consecutive tions fall into Those who meet Kevin competitive and it’s hard to “If you can do Classics since he turned full- VanDam often remark on place for me for number win against the best group of that then good things can time pro. five.” his accessibility and downanglers in the world,” he said. happen,” he said. “That’s all Having family from his to-earth attitude. He’s no Challenges particular to you can expect as an angler hometown of Kalamazoo, sports diva, as the titles might this year’s Classic include in the Classic. It’s three days Kelly Bostian 918-581-8357 kelly.bostian@tulsaworld.com Mich., at the Classic always is suggest. The comparisons to the drive time back and forth instead of four and everya big part of the experience, other champions are flatterhe said. ing, but that’s as far as it goes. “My mom and dad have “For me, I don’t worry too been to every one. This much about labels or titles,” will be my 23rd and they’re he said. “I do it because I love coming again, my brother, the competition. I’ve been sister, brother-in-law, niece,” fortunate and once you’ve VanDam said. “We’ll have a won the Classic you apprecilot of family this year, and we ate the magnitude of it and so always pretty much have a that’s my goal every year.” lot of family and close friends With 22 appearances, four — a pretty good contingent Classic victories and 13 Top every year.” 10 finishes, VanDam is not It’s an even bigger continonly a fan favorite but an gent this year, he said. odds-on favorite in the Clas“Tulsa is a lot closer to Kal- sic on Grand. He also won an amazoo than places like New Elite Series tournament on Orleans,” he said. Grand Lake in 2007.

BY KELLY BOSTIAN

World Outdoors Writer

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30 • TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT

Familiar territory

Arkansas angler McClelland has spent a lot of time fishing on Grand Lake BY KELLY BOSTIAN

World Outdoors Writer

Mike McClelland lives in Arkansas, but the Bassmaster Elite pro from Bella Vista lives as close or closer to Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees as any of the Oklahoma anglers — and he won one of the more recent Elite Series tournaments on the lake in 2006. “I’ve definitely spent a lot of time on Grand, but I’ve never fished it during the timeframe of the Classic, so it’s really going to be more about fishing new patterns, new styles than I’ve ever fished on Grand before,” he said. At the same time, because of the lake’s proximity to his home, the 2013 Classic is different for McClelland than his previous eight appearances. “It is really nice to fish a body of water that I have some history on,” he said. “I feel like it gives me some more options. Classics in the past have never been on a body of water I had much experience with so I was pretty limited in my options based on what I found in practice.” Knowing the lay of the land means making adjustments will be easier. That could be important on Grand Lake at the end of February in Oklahoma’s notoriously unpredictable weather. “You might not be catching them where you are and you know you can move down 4 or 5 miles and put together a pat-

MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World

Mike McClelland Age: 45 Hometown: Bella Vista,

Ark.

Family: Wife, Stacy, sons Jusin, Jacob and Noah

Pro angler since: Since 1997 Notable: Won 2006 Elite Series Sooner Run on Grand Lake Best Classic finish: 4th in 2009

tern. It will allow me to run a little more and not get me caught up in fishing spots as much.” Not only is McClelland familiar with Grand, but he has broad experience on similar bodies of water, rocky, relatively clear lakes like Table Rock, Lake of the Ozarks, and others in the neighborhood of Grand, like Eucha and Hudson. While familiarity with the

lake can help, McClelland is one in the competition who has his own signature bait that might help as well. For winter bass fishing a suspending jerk bait is a favored lure. A baitfish imitation, the lure dives as the angler reels it in, but when he stops the lure suspends in the water column, imitating the movements of a dying or wounded shad. McClelland developed a line of signature jerkbaits with SPRO Corp. bait manufacturers called the McStick. “It is really nice when you have that hands-on experience with the bait, working on it making it perform the way I want it to perform,” he said. “I understand all the characteristics so through the design process so that may give me a little leg up on a lot of the guys, even the ones who are good jerkbait fishermen.” Kelly Bostian 918-581-8357 kelly.bostian@tulsaworld.com

CHAMP FROM 19

us,” Lane said. “It’s not only the money, it’s the sense of accomplishment, the sense of making a breakthrough. We as a family have pushed through the hard times. We always had fun doing it, but this was a real breakthrough and it was a big deal for all of us.” Family figured into Lane’s 2012 victory, with brother Bobby, also an Elite angler, competing in the event. Bobby ran out on stage and the brothers embraced after Chris’ winning weight was announced. “Winning it with Bobby there, that was special because we’ve done so much together as brothers, whether it’s fishing or soccer or football or catching turtles, we’ve always done things together,” he said. They also watched bass fishing on television together as kids. “We’ve all shared that dream, the dream of making it to the Bassmaster Classic,” he said. “It’s amazing to make it in, to actually win is more than a person could dream about.” Older brother Arnie Lane also is a pro angler though he has not pursued it as far as Chris and Bobby, who will

February 17, 2013

be fishing their third Classic together. Arnie rounds out the trio, raised in Lakeland, Fla. Chris moved to Lake Guntersville and established a guide business there a few years ago. In fact he considered moving to Grand Lake at the time. “It is a beautiful lake,” he said. A spin-off to Chris’ big win is creation of a new company, LB3 Outdoor Gear, as in Lane Brothers Three. “We’re going to debut at the Expo during the Classic,” Lane said of the giant trade show that accompanies the event. When it comes to the Grand Lake tournament, Lane said he’s ready for anything. “I feel good about Grand,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed fishing Grand and I enjoy the people there. It has some really big fish in it and that’s what it’s going to take to win. Someone is going to catch ‘em, and with a place like Grand it’s going to take quite a bit to win.” Weather and the long drive to and from Tulsa each day could be factors, but the Classic champ says that’s all just part of the game. “It’s the Super Bowl so you do what you have to,” he said. Kelly Bostian 918-581-8357 kelly.bostian@tulsaworld.com

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TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT • 31

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TOMMY BIFFLE

Hometown: Wilkesboro,

Hometown: Wagoner Qualification for Classic:

N.C.

ANGLERS

Qualification for Classic:

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (27th) Classic appearance: 18th Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 294 Tournament wins: 6 Top 10 finishes: 56 Other: Placed second in 1990 and 1994 Classics

Southern Opens Series Champion on North Carolina’s Lake Norman, April 5, 2012

Classic appearance:

Second

Classic wins: 0 BASS Tournament wins: 1 Total tournaments: 16 Top 10 finishes: 4 Other: Placed 49th in

Find out more about this year’s Classic competitors

2011 Classic

ANDY BRAVENCE

BRANDON CARD

Hometown: Globe, Ariz. Qualification for Classic:

Hometown: Caryville,

JONATHAN CARTER

Qualification for Classic:

Hometown: South Portland, Maine

BASS Nation Champion (Western Division)

Classic appearance:

Rookie

National Championship appearances: 3

Tenn.

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (22nd)

Classic appearance:

Rookie

Total Tournaments: 20 Tournament wins: 0 Top 10 finishes: 6 Other: 2012 Elite Series

Rookie of the Year

Qualification for Classic:

BASS Nation Champion (Eastern Division)

Classic appearance:

Rookie

Division Championship appearances: 1 Other: First Maine

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February 17, 2013

BRENT CHAPMAN

HANK CHERRY

JASON CHRISTIE

Hometown: Lake Quivira,

Hometown: Maiden, N.C. Qualification for Classic:

Hometown: Park Hill Qualification for Classic:

Kan.

Qualification for Classic:

Southern Opens Series Champion on Alabama’s Smith Lake, Oct. 6, 2012

2012 Elite Series Angler of the Year (top points earner); Elite Series winner; Open winner Classic appearance: 12th Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 202 Tournament wins: 4 Top 10 finishes: 30 Other: Best Classic finish fifth in 2011

CLIFFORD “ALBERT” COLLINS Qualification for Classic:

Classic appearance:

Rookie

rookie

Wood Cup qualifier/2013 Elite Series rookie

Total tournaments: 7 Tournament wins: 1 Top 10 finishes: 1 Other: 2013 Elite Series

MARK DAVIS

Hometown: Salem, Va. Qualification for Classic:

Ark.

Hometown: Mount Ida, Qualification for Classic:

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (20th) Classic appearance: 16th Classic wins: 1 Tournament wins: 4 Total tournaments: 234 Top 10 finishes: 45 Other: 1995 Bassmaster Classic Champion

Seventh

Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 120 ournament wins: 1 Top 10 finishes: 15 Other: Best Classic fin-

Home club: Nacogdo-

ches Bass Club Hometown: Nacogdoches, Texas

ish 16th in 2008

OTT DEFOE Hometown: Knoxville,

Tenn.

Qualification for Classic:

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Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 30 Tournament wins: 1 Top 10 finishes: 13 Other: 2011 Rookie of

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MARK DOVE Hometown: North Ver-

non, Ind.

Total tournaments: 4 Tournament wins: 2 Top 10 finishes: 2 Other: Four-time Forrest

JOHN CREWS

Classic appearance:

Rookie

Classic appearance:

Rookie

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (19th)

Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series Champion

Northern Opens Series Champion on Michigan’s Lake St. Clair, July 23, 2012

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National Championship appearances: 7 Other: Placed 26th in

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February 17, 2013

TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT • 33

BOYD DUCKETT

EDWIN EVERS

TODD FAIRCLOTH

Hometown: Demopolis,

Hometown: Talala Qualification for Classic:

Hometown: Jasper, Texas Qualification for Classic:

Ala.

Qualification for Classic:

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (Eighth) Classic appearance: 12th Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 167 Tournament wins: 7 Top 10 finishes: 51 Other: Three times in Classic Top 10

Elite Series Champion on New York’s Oneida Lake, Aug. 26, 2012 Classic appearance: Sixth Classic wins: 1 Total Tournaments: 99 Tournament wins: 4 Top 10 finishes: 15 Other: 2007 Bassmaster Classic Champion

PETE GLUSZEK Hometown: Franklinville,

SHAW GRIGSBY

GREG HACKNEY

Hometown: Gainesville,

Hometown: Gonzales, La. Qualification for Classic:

N.J.

Fla.

Northern Opens Series Champion on New York’s Cayuga Lake, Aug. 20, 2012 Classic appearance: Third Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 95 Tournament wins: 2 Top 10 finishes: 13 Other: Qualified for 1997 and 1999 Classics

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (25th) Classic appearance: 15th Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 286 Tournament wins: 9 Top 10 finishes: 56 Other: Three times in Bassmaster Classic Top 10

Qualification for Classic:

Elite Series Tournament Champion on Mississippi River at LaCrosse, Wisc. June 24, 2012; Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (Fourth) Classic appearance: 11th Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 163 Tournament wins: 3 Top 10 finishes: 28 Other: Four times in Classic Top 10

Qualification for Classic:

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (13th) Classic appearance: 11th Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 119 Tournament wins: 3 Top 10 finishes: 38 Other: Best Classic finish fifth in 2008

34 • TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT

February 17, 2013

FOLLOW THE BASSMASTER CLASSIC AT TULSAWORLD.COM/BASSMASTER MATTHEW HERREN

RANDY HOWELL Hometown: Springville,

MICHAEL IACONELLI

Qualification for Classic:

N.J.

Ala.

Hometown: Trussville, Ala. Qualification for Classic:

Hometown: Pittsgrove,

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (Fifth) Classic appearance: 11th Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 212 Tournament wins: 1 Top 10 finishes: 27 Other: Best Classic finish 11th in 1999

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (Sixth)

Classic appearance:

Fourth

Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 58 Tournament wins: 0 Top 10 finishes: 10 Other: Best Classic fin-

Qualification for Classic:

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (31st) Classic appearance: 14th Classic wins: 1 Total tournaments: 174 Tournament wins: 6 Top 10 finishes: 50 Other: 2003 Bassmaster Classic Champion

ish seventh in 2010

ALTON JONES

GERRY JOOSTE

JARED KNUTH

Hometown: Waco, Texas Qualification for Classic:

Hometown: Harare,

Hometown: Wahoo, Neb. Qualification for Classic:

Zimbabwe

Qualification for Classic:

Elite Series Tournament Champion on Florida’s St. Johns River, March 18, 2012 Classic appearance: 15th Classic wins: 1 Total tournaments: 194 Tournament wins: 6 Top 10 finishes: 41 Other: 2008 Bassmaster Classic Champion

BASS Nation Champion (Mid-Atlantic Division) Classic appearance: Fifth Classic wins: 0

National Championship appearances: 9 Other: Most Classics for

BASS Nation Champion (Central Division)

Classic appearance:

Rookie

National Championship appearances: 2

a BASS Nation angler 1994, 1995, 1997, 2005 and 2013

BOBBY LANE Hometown: Lakeland,

Fla.

Qualification for Classic:

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (12th) Classic appearance: Sixth Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 65 Tournament wins: 1 Top 10 finishes: 19 Other: Twice in Bassmaster Classic Top 10 (Chris’ brother)

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February 17, 2013

TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT â&#x20AC;˘ 35

CHRIS LANE

RUSSELL LANE

MATT LEE

Hometown: Guntersville,

Hometown: Prattville,

Hometown: Auburn, Ala. Qualification for Classic:

Ala.

Defending Bassmaster Classic Champion; Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (14th); Open champion Classic appearance: Third Classic wins: 1 Total tournaments: 111 Tournament wins: 4 Top 10 finishes: 18 Other: Placed 49th in 2008 Classic

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (28th) Classic appearance: Fifth Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 98 Tournament wins: 1 Top 10 finishes: 10 Other: Best Classic finish fourth in 2010 Classic (no relation to the other Lanes)

Qualification for Classic:

Bassmaster College Champion

Classic appearance:

Rookie

School: Auburn University

Other: Fished head-to-

head against brother, Jordan, to win Classic berth

JARED LINTNER

BILL LOWEN

AARON MARTENS

Hometown: Arroyo

Hometown: North Bend,

Hometown: Leeds, Ala. Qualification for Classic:

Grande, Calif.

Ohio

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (33rd)

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (9th) Classic appearance: Fifth Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 76 Tournament wins: 0 Top 10 finishes: 10 Other: Best Classic finish 10th in 2012

Qualification for Classic:

Classic appearance:

Fourth

Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 77 Tournament wins: 1 Top 10 finishes: 11 Other: Qualified for

2007, 2008, 2012 Classics

Qualification for Classic:

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (10th) Classic appearance: 14th Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 172 Tournament wins: 6 Top 10 finishes: 55 Other: Placed 2nd in four Classics, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2011

36 • TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT

February 17, 2013

MIKE MCCLELLAND

YUSUKE MIYAZAKI Hometown: Mineola,

ISHAMA “ISH” MONROE

Qualification for Classic:

Calif.

Hometown: Bella Vista,

Texas

Qualification for Classic:

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (21st)

Ark.

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (32nd) Classic appearance: Ninth Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 182 Tournament wins: 6 Top 10 finishes: 24 Other: Best Classic finish 4th in 2009

Qualification for Classic:

Elite Series Tournament Champion on Florida’s Lake Okeechobee March 25, 2012 Classic appearance: 8th Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 176 Tournament wins: 4 Top 10 finishes: 23 Other: Best Classic finish 14th in 2007

Classic appearance:

Rookie

Total tournaments: 128 Tournament wins: 0 Top 10 finishes: 8 Other: Born in Japan, 15

years a BASS pro

TAKAHIRO OMORI

CLIFF PACE

Hometown: Emory, Texas Qualification for Classic:

Hometown: Petal, Miss. Qualification for Classic:

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (24th) Classic appearance: 9th Classic wins: 1 Total tournaments: 239 Tournament wins: 5 Top 10 finishes: 35 Other: 2004 Bassmaster Classic Champion

Hometown: Hughson,

BRANDON PALANIUK

Hometown: Rathdrum,

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (18th) Classic appearance: Fifth Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 89 Tournament wins: 2 Top 10 finishes: 21 Other: Placed second in 2008 Classic

Idaho

Qualification for Classic:

Elite Series Tournament Champion on Arkansas Bull Shoals Lake April 22, 2012 Classic appearance: Third Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 61 Tournament wins: 1 Top 10 finishes: 3 Other: Best Classic finish 4th in 2011

MARK PIERCE

CLIFF PRINCE

JASON QUINN

Hometown: Clarksville,

Hometown: Palatka, Fla. Qualification for Classic:

Hometown: York, S.C. Qualification for Classic:

Tenn.

Qualification for Classic:

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (29th)

BASS Nation Champion (Southern Division)

Classic appearance:

Rookie

National Championship appearances: 2 Other: Tennessee BASS

Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 27 Tournament wins: 0 Top 10 finishes: 7 Other: 2012 Elite Series

Nation Vice President

rookie

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (30th) Classic appearance: Sixth Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 148 Tournament wins: 1 Top 10 finishes: 24 Other: Twice in the Classic Top 10

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February 17, 2013

TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT • 37

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DEAN ROJAS

Hometown: Auburn,

Hometown: Lyman, S.C. Qualification for Classic:

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Calif.

Qualification for Classic:

Hometown: of Lenexa,

Kan.

Qualification for Classic:

Central Opens Series Champion on Missouri’s Table Rock Lake, April 28, 2012

Classic appearance:

Rookie

Total tournaments: 14 Tournament wins: 1 Top 10 finishes: 3 Other: 2012 Elite Series

rookie

Qualification for Classic:

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (26th)

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (11th) Classic appearance: 13th Classic wins: 1 Total tournaments: 174 Tournament wins: 6 Top 10 finishes: 61 Other: 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion

CASEY SCANLON

Hometown: Lake Havasu

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (16th) Classic appearance: 11th Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 162 Tournament wins: 4 Top 10 finishes: 33 Other: Three times in Classic Top 10

Classic appearance:

Second

Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 75 Tournament wins: 0 Top 10 finishes: 5 Other: Placed 29th in

2012 Classic

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38 • TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT

February 17, 2013

TERRY SCROGGINS

JEREMY STARKS

GERALD SWINDLE

Hometown: Palatka, Fla. Qualification for Classic:

Hometown: Scott Depot,

Hometown: Warrior, Ala. Qualification for Classic:

W.Va.

Qualification for Classic:

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (3rd) Classic appearance: 10th Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 149 Tournament wins: 5 Top 10 finishes: 42 Other: Twice in Classic Top 10

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (23rd) Classic appearance: 13th Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 195 Tournament wins: 2 Top 10 finishes: 42 Other: Twice in Classic Top 10

Elite Series Tournament Champion on Tennessee’s Douglas Lake, May 6, 2012

Classic appearance:

Rookie

Total tournaments: 75 Tournament wins: 2 Top 10 finishes: 4 Other: Elite Series angler

since 2007

JONATHON VANDAM

KEVIN VANDAM

JOSH WAGY

Hometown: Kalamazoo,

Hometown: Dewitt, Va. Qualification for Classic:

Hometown: Kalamazoo,

Mich.

Qualification for Classic:

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (7th) Classic appearance: 23rd Classic wins: 4 Total tournaments: 252 Tournament wins: 20 Top 10 finishes: 98 Other: Bassmaster Classic Champion 2001, 2005, 2010 and 2011

Qualification for Classic:

Mich.

Elite Series Tournament Champion in Wisconsin on Lake Michigan July 1, 2012

Classic appearance:

Rookie

Total tournaments: 37 Tournament wins: 2 Top 10 finishes: 8 Other: KVD is his uncle

DAVID WALKER Hometown: Sevierville,

Tenn.

Qualification for Classic:

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (15th)

Classic appearance:

Eighth

Classic wins: 0 Total tournaments: 91 Tournament wins: 1 Top 10 finishes: 17 Other: Placed 3rd in

2001 and 2002 Classics

NATE WELLMAN Hometown: Newaygo,

Mich.

Qualification for Classic:

Elite Series Angler of the Year Points Ranking (17th)

Classic appearance:

Rookie

Total tournaments: 27 Tournament wins: 2 Top 10 finishes: 5 Other: Joined Elite Series

in 2011

Northern Opens Series Tournament Champion on Virgina’s James River, June 16, 2012

Classic appearance:

Rookie

Total tournaments: 4 Tournament wins: 1 Top 10 finishes: 1 Other: 23-year-old’s

best Open finish prior to win was 62nd

CHAPMAN FROM 19

happen. It’s really the same kind of thing in fishing.” Chapman fished like he had nothing to lose and everything to gain — and it worked for him. “I felt like I was fishing more relaxed and I was a lot more confident,” he said. He won a second tournament on the 2012 Elite Series and with six top-10 finishes overall on the eight-tournament series it showed that his new mode on the water suited him well. Winning the Angler of The Year title has been a life-changing, career-changing event, Chapman said. “Next to the Classic, it’s the title every angler wants,” he said. He summed the difference between the titles succinctly. “To win the Classic you have to be the best for three days, to win angler of the year you have to be the best over eight tournaments,” he said. With fifth-place finishes in the 2010 and 2011 Classics, Chapman is to be taken seriously as a competitor at any Classic venue. Kelly Bostian 918-581-8357 kelly.bostian@tulsaworld.com

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Abu Garcia Revo Premier Baitcast Reel

Abu Garcia Revo MGX SHS Baitcast Reel

Style RVO3 PRM

Style REVO MGX-SHS

EVERYDAY!

• Gear ratio: 6.4:1 • 11 bearing system

19999 EVERYDAY!

Abu Garcia Revo STX Baitcast Reel Style RVO3 STX-HS

• Gear ratio: 7.1:1 • 11 bearing system

Selection and prices vary by store.

EVERYDAY!

• Gear ratio: 7.9:1 • 10 bearing system

BAIT

HOT DEAL 99 Berkley Havoc

per pack was...2.99

Prices good through February 24, 2013