Berkley Pros to Compete for Classic Title
OutdoorHub 02.18.14
The Bassmaster Classic is a title every angler wishes he could obtain. This year seven members of the Berkley pro staff will vie for the opportunity to make the ceremonial ride around the arena holding the Bassmaster Championship trophy. The Classic will take place on Lake Guntersville, Ala., February 21st – 23rd.
Included on the list are past Classic Champions Mike Iaconelli and Skeet Reese. Iaconelli, Gary Klein and Reese have also earned B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year awards. Bobby Lane has garnered a B.A.S.S. Rookie of the Year title in 2005.
The Classic is one of the toughest events of the year, partially due to the probability of inclement weather and tough fishing conditions.
“You really never know what to expect out of a Classic,” said Gary Klein, 29 Classic appearances. “This will mark my 30th Classic and it won’t be my last. This is the tournament every angler in the country wishes he could fish. This is the biggest stage and what better company to be representing than Berkley – one of the largest, most well respected in our industry.”
“I am extremely proud of our guys,” Chris Hockley, Berkley Marketing Manager. “They have fought hard to get here and we know they will represent us well. They are fishing against some of the top anglers on the planet, but they will leave it all on the line. We all here on the Berkley professional staff are really rooting for them to succeed.”
Berkley Pros Fishing 2014 B.A.S.S. Bassmaster Classic:
Josh Bertrand – 1st Classic Appearance – Three B.A.S.S. top 10 finishes
Ott Defoe – 3rd Classic Appearance – 15 B.A.S.S. top 10 finishes
Mike Iaconelli –15th Classic Appearance, 2003 Classic Champion – 56 B.A.S.S. top 10 finishes
Gary Klein – 30th Classic Appearance – 77 B.A.S.S. top 10 finishes
Bobby Lane – 7th Classic Appearance – 23 B.A.S.S. top 10 finishes
Brandon Palaniuk – 4th Classic Appearance – Five B.A.S.S. top 10 finishes
Skeet Reese – 14th Classic Appearance, 2009 Classic Champion – 62 B.A.S.S. top 10 finishes
