Mid Michigan Invades The 2016 Bassmaster Classic

For the past two years, I have been fortunate enough to be a part of the Bassmaster Classic Expo in both Greenville, South Carolina and Birmingham, Alabama. This year I will travel to Tulsa, Oklahoma for the competition at the Grand Lake O' The Cherokees. Leaving the gloom of another winter storm and heading to a much more conducive climate to end Michigan's grey winter doldrums.

What I hope will be different this time is the weather. In 2014 temperatures in Alabama were in the low 50's. Not much different than we were experiencing here in Michigan. Last year in Greenville, South Carolina, anglers were trying to melt ice out of the guides of their fishing poles and trucks were getting stuck on the ramps at the boat launch. But this year temperatures seem to be much more suitable for the "Daytona 500 of Bass fishing!"

Aside from the usual Michigan suspects such as bass fishing phenom Kevin Van Dam from Kalamazoo, and nephew Jonathon Van Dam, the Classic will see the likes of Holt native Chad Pipkens. Having qualified last year and finishing 27th for Angler of the Year in points. Pipkens is already pre-fishing and getting ready. Hopefully, he can bring home the giant trophy that will ensure him a place in sports history!