Columnist Barb Henderson: Bassmaster Classic keeps fishing fans hooked

Barb Henderson

Friday, Aug. 6, 2004 | 9:39 a.m.

Barb Henderson is an outdoors enthusiast, freelance writer and producer/host of outdoors radio television programming. Her column appears Friday in the Sun.

Last weekend, 53 pro anglers began a voyage on Lake Wylie, a 12,455-acre reservoir along the border of North and South Carolina.

The professional bass anglers were hoping to win the three-day world championship that awarded a $200,000 top prize and the opportunity to hold one of the most important titles in professional fishing.

Although I did not personally attend the CITGO Bassmaster Classic, ESPN/BASS kept me hooked to all of the excitement.

During the three-day competition there were a variety of family-oriented festivities that included the Bassmaster Family Fest, the nation's premier tackle and outdoors gear consumer show; the Classic ESPN Outdoor Expo; an autograph session; and daily 6:15 a.m. launches and weigh-ins that took place at the Charlotte Coliseum.

Before the official event all of the competing professional anglers were given one day to practice on the lake. The first day of competition arrived early with a 6:15 a.m. launch time. Weigh-ins took place each day at 3:30 p.m.

After the second day, Dean Rojas of Texas led by only 10 ounces against Takahiro Omori of Japan, the eventual winner. After Day 2, the round cut left 25 anglers eager to win the event.

BASS legend and record holder Roland Martin received the BASS Outstanding Achievement award before to the final day's weigh-in at the competition. He joined Rick Clunn, who earned the first award in 2002, and BASS founder Ray Scott, who was recognized in 2003.

Omori became the first non-American to win the CITGO Bassmaster Classic and capture the sport's world championship title. A 33-year-old native of Tokyo, Omori came to America in 1992.

Omori caught his two largest bass with less than five minutes remaining on Saturday to win the title.

"This is the best day of my life. I've waited 18 years for my dream to come true, since I was 15," said Omori. "The money is great, but it's not about the money. "It's the trophy, really. It's awesome."

Omori's final-round catch of 13 pounds gave him a three-day total of 39 pound, 2 ounces, a 2-pound margin over California's Aaron Martens, who checked in at 36-6.

It was the second time in three years Martens finished second.

Former champion Kevin VanDam of Michigan brought in a five-bass limit weighing 13-6 for third place with 35-11. Dean Rojas of Texas finished fourth with 35-5, followed by fellow Texan Kelly Jordon, at 34-7.

Two of the official state-record fish were caught at Big Bend State Park along the Colorado River below Laughlin.

A bluegill, 13 inches long and weighing 2 pounds, 3 ounces, was caught by Mike Scott of Laughlin. A redear sunfish, 13 inches long and weighing 2 pounds, 5 ounces, was caught by Bill Condon of Bullhead City, Ariz.

The third record fish was caught in a farm pond near the town of Lida in Esmeralda County. It was a black bullhead catfish, 22 inches long and weighing 6 pounds, 11 ounces, caught by Wayne Logan of Las Vegas.