Just wondering... what was everyone's opinion of the 2003 Classic? What did you think of the television coverage? Is there anything you feel they could have added or removed to make the TV coverage better?

Thanks,
BC

Although I'm happy for mike Ike, I can't help but feel bad for Gary Klein. The final day he was shot at and abused by some locals in an airboat. Try and keep your head in the game after that. The fish Gods just didn't want to smile on Gary. It was nice to see Roland up there, he's another guy that deserves a Classic win. Check out his resume on BASS's website sometime. Take away Clunns Classic wins and there is no comparison. Well, there's always next year. This year reminded me why I don't like to bet.

I felt for Mr Klein also. He only lives about 30 miles from me and I have fished against him in some of the local tournaments. He is a super guy. He will be back in there again Im sure.

The one that gets me the most is Joe Thomas. How many times can that happen to a guy. I read somewere that this is the 6th time he has been knocked out of the classic by one spot? That has to hurt.

I guess I wish a more mature angler had won the Classic, I'm sure Mike's a nice guy and an expert angler, but there were so many pros there that deserve a win, including Klein, Martin etc. Personally, I don't care for Roland, but I feel he merits a cLassic win, like him or nit, he is a terrific angler. I just can't figure out Joe Thomas, I've talked to him and he is very knowledgable, keen and sharp, maybe he puts too much pressure on himself when thye battle is on. Like the Chicago Cubs, maybe next year. Johnnie

Oh yeah, I forgot, I wish they would focas more on the anglers fishing when they film and less time on the nerve wracking weigh in which has become predictable. Johnnie

I agree with Johnnie - I watched it from start to finish and (I might get killed for saying this) the weigh-ins got kind of boring. I enjoyed watching the anglers work the water, but they did not show enough of them actually fishing.

Maybe they should market the tapes of anglers fishing :-) I bet we could learn alot on how they present a bait.

If they sold the extras footage, I am sure many people would buy the tapes. I think that's what they don't realize about bass-aholics... we can watch fishing for 8 hours and then go fishing for another 8!

They are trying to reach out to people who don't fish and create an interest.

As some stated, the weigh-ins are way too predictable.
They need to have a few anglers that are weighing in the dark for the viewers.
The estimated weights that are posted takes away from the final weigh-in.


Its good to see a guy that isn't afraid to show some emotion on and off the water.
As Mike did.

And what about the dancing potential that the BASS has to offer.
From Mike to Skeet, what next?

Stand back... Michael Jackson is going to be performing at the 2004 Classic during the half-way point of the weigh in! That would be as much fun as a poke in the eye with a blunt stick...

Skeet & Mike are just trying to draw attention to themselves for the benefit of their sponsors and their own success... here we are all talking about them... I guess it worked, eh?

Micheal Jackson!!
Dang it...I wanted to see Roland Martin and Peter T doin the Swan Lake Ballet!!!! Or maybe Rick Clunn doin' yoga. Lets hope next year its back to fishin'.
And I kinda liked Ike losing his mind on camera!!! Makes him a little like the rest of us. I get tired of the "Lord putting me on fish" speeches. Hell, does that mean that my non-religous self will never again see the winners circle if there is a more religous fisherman than me in the TX? Religon gives us all inner strength and peace. I think that helps your confidence. Confidence makes you a better fisherman. It can be achieved in many different ways. Clunn does his thing with nature and a naturalist life style, Brauer and few other guys are using sports psychologists. They don't push it when they are interviewed unless they are asked. But To hear some of these guys on the podium, you would think that a hand came from the sky and pointed out the bank he fished. Maybe it's the fact that these guys are finally realizing that they are professional athletes and they have to remain totally focused on their chosen profession to do well in it. If religon has laid out a path to follow that takes them away from whatever was distracting them ..Fine. But it doesn't have to be a 24/7 sales job. Different strokes for different folks but let's keep it to ourselves and be gleeful when we win.
I'll get off my soap box now and take my beating for discussing religon. Next week...politics!!!!

Frank, I've got your back on this one! I too don't like the preaching and feel that it is about time some of these guys do realize they are pro athletes and maybe give their focus and skill some of the credit. You must consider that many of these guys come from the bible belt mid south and religion is a large part of their up bringing.

OK, I can see this topic getting blown out of proportion quickly...

This statement applies to all (Religious, non- religious, naturalist, etc.) and best sums up my feelings on this topic:

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter, don't mind"... - T.A. Quinn

Aw come on Dad!!! It was just getting good!

Frank,... knock it off or I'm sending you to bed with out a ride in the new Skeeter!

A sports reporter for our local newspaper was interviewing K. Vandam, at the classic, when a guy came up and whispered that a kid (probablysick) wanted to meet two people, Kevin and another guy who I can't remember. The reported said Kevin eyes watered and said anytime, anywhere. One class act. Carl