Classic Observations
Category: Tournament
Feb 27th, 2014 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Feb 27th, 2014 at 12:00 AM
Don’t worry folks, old Landahl has no intentions of waxing poetic or quoting Bob Dylan. Instead, I will share a few observations of the recent Bassmaster Classic experience I had.
The event took place on Lake Guntersville in Alabama. The weigh-in show and outdoor expo were hosted in Birmingham. There were plusses and minuses for me, but let’s focus on the positives here before my keyboard gently weeps about the downside.
Hee-hee, heisted some song lyrics just to screw around with you.
Here are three of the standouts, in my not-so-humble opinion, from the 2014 Bassmaster Classic.
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The Champ Randy Howell (Joel Shangle)
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Randy Howell – Seriously, nobody picked him to win. At least nobody I know outside of Randy’s family. He is genuinely a nice man with an incredible passion for the sport, Christ and his family. He lets you know about it, too.
I believe B.A.S.S. couldn’t have a better representative as their champion. He is as genuine as they come. Bravo, Mr. Howell.
Of course, I think his wife should be named Lovey, but that’s due to my obsession with old Sherwood Schwartz television shows.
GoPro Cameras – The 2014 Bassmaster Classic may well be remembered by the invasion of mini-video cameras. Sure, GoPro was an event sponsor, but holy calzones! The docks at the take-off each morning seemed to be glowing with these tiny squares.
The bass fishing world has never been documented with so many videos and images. Sticks with squares jammed in the anglers faces by various media members. GoPro cameras mounted on every competitor’s boat. Even Classic angler Brandon Palaniuk on stage with his stick and GoPro in hand.
The social media age is alive and well in bass fishing.
Birmingham/Guntersville – Absolutely fabulous people! Seriously, so gracious and helpful at every turn. I live in a semi-urban area full of snarky schmucks. Birmingham and Guntersville are the polar opposite. Crazy nice folks.
Note to the wife, think a home on Lake Guntersville. Even when I was driving the wrong way on a one-way street there was only one honk and no angry drivers flipping me the bird and explaining the origins of my mother. Seriously, great place and beautiful country.
No cheesy wrap here, just this. This Classic certainly was classic.