Watch list: 2016 Bassmaster Classic
Feb 22nd, 2016 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Feb 22nd, 2016 at 12:00 AM
The 2016 Bassmaster Classic is almost upon us. This year, it’s happening at Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees (aka Grand Lake) out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Could be cold and wet, or it could be warm and comfortable. It’s a crapshoot this time of the year in Oklahoma.
Speaking of crapshoots, picking a winner of this event is a ridiculous concept. In fact, it is totally random. However, here is a rundown of who to watch at the Classic this year, at least in the opinion of BassFIRST.
Jason Christie
This Oklahoma pro won an FLW Tour event of Grand Lake a few years back. Heck, he’s sponsored by the Cherokee Nation, ya know the aboriginal folks the lake is named after. No pressure on Christie. Ha! Still, he is a serious competitor and has a certain mojo about him at this event.
Edwin Evers
Another Oklahoma fella. Evers is certainly one of the all-time greats in Bassmaster competition. Right now, he has that stigma on him of not closing the door on the big titles. Specifically, we are talking the Angler of the Year or the Bassmaster Classic. He’s been close to taking both previously. Home state love may carry the day for Evers.
Aaron Martens
The reigning Angler of the Year for Bassmaster. Um, yeah, any knucklehead pundit dope is gonna pick him as a fave. The single no-brainer of the tournament. Still, he hasn’t won the Classic. Oh, he took second plenty of times, but never closed the deal.
Brent Ehrler
The 2015 Rookie of the Year for Bassmaster. Yeah, not a rookie. He’s a multiple title holder in the FLW Tour, including their championship. One slip up at the start of the season cost him a legitimate shot at the Angler of the Year title. This dude is truly a supreme competitor.
Chris Zaldain
The winner of the 2015 Angler of the Year Championship is one of those anglers who flies under the radar of most pundits. It’s unclear why. He has crazy skills, whether it’s chasing bass in the shallow junk, deep, clear water or all points in between. A Zaldain victory at Grand Lake wouldn’t be a shock.
Kevin VanDam
Sure, VanDam hasn’t been the dominant force over the last couple of seasons we’ve grown accustom to, but he started to show some life again in 2015. He came close to winning the BassFEST event on Kentucky Lake and seems to have fire in his belly. Plus, he is the greatest of all-time in the bassin’ game up to this point in history.