BassMasters Classic

Tank Pond delivers lunkers for Classic top three

The top-three finishers in today’s opening round of the 2011 Bassmaster Classic are all fishing the Lake Cataouatche Tank Pond, an area where warming temperatures are inspiring big female bass to move shallow to spawn.

Aaron Martens, Scott Rook and Kevin VanDam are chunking and winding spinnerbaits in the popular area to the west of the lake.[…]

BassMasters Classic

Consistent weather needed for Bayou Black

There’s a reason most of the local bass tournament circuits kick off their seasons at Bayou Black during January and February. If the fish haven’t already spawned by the end of January, at least they’re getting ready to spawn. This early activity and fast warming water means anglers can more easily put fish in the box.[…]

BassMasters Classic

Grass holds key to Caernarvon bite

There’s going to be a big stringer of bass caught if somebody goes to Delacroix, but local bass tournament angler Jason Pittman doesn’t know if a big sack could be duplicated three days in a row.

“I would expect somebody to go to Caernarvon maybe on the last day of the tournament if they’re trying to swing for the fence,” said Pittman. “The only problem is that might not be the right day based on the conditions. There are fish to be caught. I don’t think it will produce the numbers of big stringers, but it may produce the consistent smaller stringers.”[…]

BassMasters Classic

A look back … VanDam won first Classic here in 2001

A hurricane threatening the Louisiana Gulf coast wasn’t enough to prevent Kevin VanDam from claiming the world championship of professional angling in the 31st Bassmaster Classic Aug. 2-4, 2001, in New Orleans.

VanDam won the event in his 11th try with a three-day total weight of 32-5 and edged second-place Scott Rook by 1 pound, 1 ounce.[…]