Chapman wants in
Category: Tournament
Jul 30th, 2014 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Jul 30th, 2014 at 12:00 AM
Former Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year (AOY) Brent Chapman is chomping at the bit to get to the Delaware River and Cayuga Lake. Not because they are his favorite tournament fishing destinations, but because they are the final events of the regular season that can help him propel into the AOY Championship in Escanaba, MI and place him in contention to qualify for the 2015 Bassmaster Classic.
The Livingston Lures pro is in the 52 spot right now in AOY points and needs to land somewhere in the mid-thirties to make it into the big show. Of course, a victory at any of the next three events will secure Chapman a berth to the Classic. Chapman has done the math and knows what he needs to do to get the job done.
Triple 30s are on Chapman’s mind
“I want to try and win at the next few events,” said Chapman. “I’ve done the math. The points between 30th and 50th are really tight. Really just a handful of points. I know that if I get a Top 12 finish at the Delaware, I will move way up in the standings, but realistically I think I need to finish with three Top 30s to secure a Classic appearance.”
Chapman expects stress at Delaware
“I think I will do well at the Delaware River event,” said Chapman. “It’ll be a grind, but I tend to do pretty well at those tournaments.
“The difference at the Delaware River is going to be the stress level. With the various logistics of driving your rig in Philadelphia, cost of tolls just to get to where I will be camping in New Jersey, safety issues, etc., with the location, it is going to be more stressful than most events.”
Home field advantage expected in Philly
“Mike Iaconelli will certainly have an advantage on the Delaware,” said Chapman. “He will definitely know various locations and when is a good time to fish them during the tidal movements.
“I bet plenty of the Elite anglers will fish areas in practice and think nothing is there, only to have those spots produce really well during certain times. It’s going to be tough, but for me it’s business as usual. Try to get in a position to win and see how the cards play out.”
Chapman looking forward to Cayuga
“No matter how I finish on the Delaware, Cayuga will be welcome,” said Chapman. “Hopefully I am coming in with a good finish and I can position myself well to make the Classic. It will be nice to get back to a small town. It is more of what we are familiar with. The small towns tend to really come out and support us with large crowds, too.
“Regardless of the events, Cayuga or Delaware, I need to do well to even qualify to get to Escanaba and be able to fish for a Bassmaster Classic spot. Of course if I win one, then I am in no matter how I do at the other events.”