I didn’t get the opportunity to get out Monday or Tuesday before I had to leave Saturday morning for my trip to Knoxville, Tennessee and the Bassmaster Classic. I had the shorter drive, as all I had to do was go to Lynchburg to meet up with my buddy Jacob Stephens and he would drive the 5 hours from his house.

Thursday was our first full day here and it kicked off with the media day for the Classic where we got to interview the anglers before the fishing began Friday. While it had rained overnight, it had moved out so we could do them outside at their boats. It can be fun, but also hectic to try and talk with them, as everyone is trying to get so interviews, product information, and also sponsor shots of their products. And then we are given lunch and the big opening ceremony for the event. Once done, the anglers made it back to the boats where the fans we able to come out and meet them also. A fun day indeed.

Friday was the big day! The anglers launched early and headed out to make history. Fans lined up at the boat ramp to see it happen and once all 58 anglers had driven off, it was time to wait for the big Expo to open. There were fans lined up before they even opened. Lines wrapped out and around the corner for the upper entrance. I was able to get in early with the media pass, but it isn’t quiet for long. Fans came in and crowded into where they wanted to go for those special deals.

And before you knew it, it was time to head over to where they would hold the official weigh-in. Unlike some events, here they ride in on their boats and hop out onto the big stage before the crowd of fans, friends, and family. It is something that you really need to experience once at least. And once the big show on stage is done, the anglers come back stage to get interviewed by the media, grab a little something to eat before they head back to get ready for Saturday.

Saturday was a beautiful day and the biggest difference is that the anglers are cut down for the final on Championship Sunday. The 58 anglers who started are cut down to the top 25. Usually, in the regular tournaments, they cut down to the top 10, but this is the Classic. It is the big stage, the big arena and big crowds. Sunday, the final day, is very busy for the vendors, the fans, and for the media. The expo crowd wasn’t as busy to start the day, but it picked up until it was time for the weigh-in. This year the big show was actually broadcast live on Fox Sports, a first for the fans and the sport. There is just something special about sitting in the arena. It is electrifying. I can say it’s like watching the local high school team win a championship in person. And when the you see it on television, it just doesn’t do it justice.

In the local pond, we will have to see how the storms Monday effect the bass. If we get a lot of rain, the pond could get real muddy, which will make it a little more difficult, but not impossible. But unless something else happens, they should be clearing up by the end of the week. A great choice would be a spinnerbait as it gives off flash but also a good thump in the water to attract the bass. And you need to have something to toss around the laydowns, like a Texas rigged worm or a jig with a trailer.

Depending on the water temperature, a topwater is always a good choice once the water hits 50 degrees. A moving bait, like a buzzbait or a plopper that you reel back will get big bites. And so will a walking style bait and a popper. And I will always have a shallow running crankbait tied on to fish the shallows.

Make sure to leave a float/bank plan with someone when you head out. And make sure to wear your life jacket, especially when the big motor is engaged. And attach your kill switch to it as well. Think safety first, have fun, and live to fish another day!

If you get to go fishing one afternoon/ evening or this coming weekend, take some pictures of your catch or the kids having fun. I want to see them and share it here for everyone to see just how beautiful the Northern Neck is for fishing. Send your pictures, fishing reports, questions or comments, to FishingNNK@gmail. com. This column is about you and for you and fishing in the Northern Neck. Remember, “Do yourself a favor, take a kid fishing.” Make a memory to last a lifetime.