I used to anticipate the Classic every year. But now not so much with so many names I don’t know participating in it.

It’s weird ...

I havent watched any fishing since the split

Same it’s weird. Don’t really care for MLF, but all the competitors I’m used to seeing in the classic aren’t in it. And I used to pull for the under dog, and now it’s like if someone does pull off a Brian Kershaw, your like well who did they beat??

I think it depends on perspective. For a vendor they will tell you the classic is bigger than ICAST. Big international contingent both with media and vendors (Shimano pulled out this year) but I have wondered when it will hit its peak. It has grown every year.

Some of the players are not as well known but that doesn't mean they can't fish at a high level. The cream rose to the top and stayed there many years for the most part. With the split there is a bigger pool of cream. Throw in high school programs, collegiate programs etc and you have a recipe for more talented competition that nobody knows about unless you follow that talent through the ranks.

Cold and wind isn't going to help the buzz.

Weather is temporary. May keep some of the die hards inside at take off but the expo and weigh ins will be at capacity.

I can tell you from being here at this one the energy and buzz is as strong as any I have been to the Expo has more vendors than ever before and its electric around here. I don't think it has fallen a bit. Stillthe Super Bowl of bass fishing.

Its not cold here. Gonna be sunny and windy. Water temp has cone up 7 degrees or so tge last couple of days.

It doesn't have the same luster for me. Maybe in a few years when I have an idea who most of these guys are it might.

I just went to Bassmaster website and there is 5 guys on the home page and for the life of me, I don't know any of them. I'm sure they are all up and coming fishermen. I checked basscheck or what ever they call it and saw that Cox was leading it.I know him from Rayburn Open but not many of the rest. After 40+ years of belonging to BASS, I didn't renew this year. Probably will miss the mag.

https://www.bassmaster.com/basstrakk/tournaments/2020-bassmaster-classic/

It's not as big a deal to me, anymore. But you can bet it is to all the guys fishing it.

Classic is and will always be the Superbowl of bass fishing for fans.

No place else can someone like Darold or a weekend guy go have a swing at his dream.

me too....

Just remember, most of those guys wouldn't be fishing the Elites if MLF hadn't expanded professional fishing, allowing a bunch of unknown hammers to take the next step up. It's good for the sport. Three tours now instead of two. Everyone wins, especially the fans.