Amateurs Fishing BASS Masters Classic

Freshwater Fishing

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Freshwater Fishing

Fishing News - 7/5/00

who first made the Classic as a Federation angler before qualifying seven
more times from the pro ranks. "One breakdown, one poor tournament and
you're out."

This year's Federation contingent certainly understands the depth of their
accomplishment.

To earn his Classic ticket, Rickie Harp defeated 51 Federation champions
from five geographic regions to win the annual B.A.S.S. Federation National
Championship. A tire manufacturer from Cottondale, Ala., Harp, 52, caught
the top weight of 27 pounds, 4 ounces.

"I'm tickled to death to be going to the Classic," Harp said. "I went to
the '97 Classic as a spectator, so I know what a big deal the Classic is.

"I'm not intimidated by the pros or their style of fishing. I'm only
worried about the fish. The pros just have more time to spend on the water
than I do. That's the difference. I've had to work 12-hour shifts since I
got back (from the official Classic practice period in Chicago). It's a
(hardship) when you have a real job."

Stan Fisher, a 54-year-old self-taught bass angler and big-game outfitter
from Trout Creek, Montana, had qualified for the Western Divisional
tournament for five consecutive years before breaking through this year. He
finished second behind Harp with 25-13 to make his dream come true.

One Federation angler to watch is Phillip Jones of Holland, Mich., who is
as much a local favorite as exists for this Classic. A floor-covering
installer by trade, Jones, 46, lives near Lake Michigan (about 150 miles
from Chicago) and fishes the lake often. He also knows the Chicago rivers
as well as any contender, and considers himself a smallmouth expert.

Representing the Central Division is Dean Matts, a 52-year-old general
manager for Allied Waste Industries in Yukon, Okla. And he knows plenty
about winning. Matts has been the champion of the Central Oklahoma
BASSMASTERS club for 18 years.

When he isn't competing, Russell Smarr, 51, is a sporting goods clerk in
Charleston, West Virginia. His success (being the top angler in the Eastern
Division) is especially impressive when you consider that he is a relative
newcomer to this sport. He didn't start bass fishing until age 35.

It's a good bet that one or more of this year's Federation contingent will
be a factor as Classic XXX unfolds July 20-22. Another "amateur" could take
home the $100,000 top prize and a piece of fishing immortality.

Notable activities during the 2000 Classic Week in Chicago:

On Wednesday, Jackson Lake Park will be the site of the Kids Klassic
contest (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and a Meet the Pros Autograph session (8 a.m.
to 11 p.m.)

Soldier Field will host the three daily weigh-ins, which will include the
award-winning laser-light show that will crown the new Classic champion on
Saturday. Also, the annual BASSMASTER CastingKids national finals,
sponsored by Chevy Trucks and Zebco, will be held in Soldier Field on
Friday.

Country music star Trisha Yearwood will perform a free concert immediately
after the 2000 Classic champion is crowned.

The popular Classic Outdoor Show will be open to the public Thursday
through Sunday at McCormick Place. There is no admission charge.

Sponsors of the B.A.S.S. National Federation Central Divisional Championship are Ranger® Boats, RangerTrail® Trailers, Mercury® Marine, Chevy Trucks, BIG Kmart®, Humminbird®/Zercom® Electronics, Pennzoil® Marine, ACDelco® Batteries, Flowmaster® Exhaust Systems, MotorGuide® Trolling Motors, Quantum Rods and Reels, Berkley Trilene®, Berkley Power Bait®, Eagle Claw Fishhooks, Worldwaters.com and First USA.

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