Behind the Scenes of the 2016 Geico Bassmaster Classic
presented by GoPro
By Ben Martin
(Title Photo Caption – Charles Sim hoists his biggest Fish for the Arena to see – during the 2nd Day Weigh-in of the 2016 Bassmaster Classic, in Tulsa Oklahoma.)
To say that I was “nervous” as the truck I was being driven in slowly came to a stop in front of the huge Arena would be an absolute understatement. I was about to walk into a room filled with some of the greatest Angling names of my generation, plus a whole host of new up-and-comers who are making big names for themselves with a new style of fishing. Even though this may be old-hand to them – it was all new for me, a Canadian kid way down south in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Who was I to be here, behind the scenes full-access granted? I had only just launched my outdoor media company a few months prior – already, I had seen a few up’s and down’s of life running a start-up.
As I opened the door I swallowed down any trepidation I had, because I knew if I wanted to fit in here I was going to have to walk the walk, talk the talk and put myself out there with some of the best in the Outdoor Media business. “I’m Ben Martin”, I said to myself confidently in my head – “from Outdoor Action Ontario.”
And with that I began my fateful coverage of the 2016 Bassmaster Classic from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Former Classic Champion and Angler of the Year, Kevin Van Dam, more commonly-referred to as KVD, giving a Thumb’s Up for OAO Nation.
As I entered the building, ever so close to the historic Route 66, I was struck by row upon row of trucks and trailers, with boats loaded and ready to go. Some of the Pro’s have some very serious Rides, not to mention Boats, and it was hard to not suddenly feel like a little kid again, as opposed to a genuine member of the Outdoor Media, of whom I was the very first to be in the building with the multitudes of Pro Anglers huddled around me, preparing with their teams.
Elite series Angler Brandon Palaniuk’s ride is sweet enough to sleep in – and it better be, because he often does during the height of the summer tournament schedule on the Bassmasters circuit.
It didn’t take long before I spotted just who I was looking for – famous Canadian angler Charles Sim, only the second Canadian to ever compete at the Bassmaster Classic. I also fish with Charles in the Ottawa valley region, where world-class smallmouth often fall prey to him and whomever he happens to be tournament fishing with on most days.
Charles was on a mission – a Canadian contingent of supporters had taken on the task of getting him a fresh marine battery – thereby ensuring no minor issues would sink his tournament chances. The time this saved Charles, who was scrambling to prepare his gear for Day 1 of the Classic the next day, was very important and the Canucks who helped that day deserve applause.
Charles had a lot of work to do, and in between visiting sick children in the hospital, giving his time to media, and hosting friends from Canada boat-side for extended conversations, he still had a tournament to prep for!
Team Sim helps install a fresh battery.
A glimpse inside Charles Sim’s rod locker reveals his strategy for Day 1.
After chatting with Charles, it is off to meet and mingle with other Elite series Anglers, members of the Outdoor Media from around the world, and leading Industry stakeholders.
Although the next few hours are like a whirlwind, they lead to one of the greatest opportunities in my early outdoors career – a once in a lifetime chance to visit the 2016 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where I was to be granted full access for the evening.
More to come on that in Part 2…
Dean Rojas was a consummate Gentleman, taking the time to chat and pose for some pictures and to chat about Gander Mountain, one of his big sponsors.
Hometown-favourite Jason Christie was all-business in preparation for the Bassmaster Classic on Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees, in Tulsa Oklahoma.