|
|
New Orleans, LA
2003 Bassmasters Classic
Summary
08/07/2003 - The 2003 Classic has come and gone, and the sport has crowned a new champion. I have been asked a lot about my chances of winning two in a row. My answer to that question is that I would love to, but that is asking an awful lot. It is hard enough just to win one Classic, let alone two in a whole career. Two in a row is almost unthinkable in this modern era of bass fishing.
I feel good about my performance this year, except for the last day. I was in 6th place after day 1, and in 10th place after day 2: nothing to scoff at. I had found some decent water, but it wasn't a winning type of area. It only held a two pound average, not the bigger fish needed to win. On day 3 I changed water in hopes of stumbling upon some big fish that could give me the win, but I never got bit on the new water. I went back to where I fished the first two days for the last 45 minutes of the day and caught 4 bass.
I have tried to swing for the fences like that in past Classics, and I have struck out every time. Classics are not won by a desperados' intellectual flailing in hope. Classics are won by the peaceful, artistic rendering of a master artists hand. When God annoints you for a Clasic win, it just happens so peacefully and naturally. You sure dont have to swing for the fences in desperation.
If I could do day 3 over again, I would have stayed in my fishing area of the first two days, and graciously accepted a top 10 finish, istead of the 19th place I got. It wasn't my Classic to win. I should have had a peace with that.
|
|