2015 Bassmaster Classic - S.C. Native Son Gets It Done

Pro angler shows off his Bass while emcee whips up the crowd
during the Day Two weigh in

Mike Iaconelli rolls into the Day One weigh in with STYLE

The annual Bassmaster Classic freshwater fishing tournament puts an exclamation point on an entire year of B.A.S.S. circuit fishing. The 2015 Bassmaster Classic returned to Lake Hartwell for the first time since the inaugural visit in 2008. Challenges in the form of single-digit weather and ice confronted all of the anglers during Day One fishing on Friday before the weather improved incrementally over the weekend. After Sunday’s weigh-in at the Peace Center in downtown Greenville, it was hometown favorite Casey Ashley lifting the Bass Classic trophy overhead.

            

A packed house of bass fanatics at Peace Center

Casey did fish in the 2008 Bassmaster Classic but fell short of winning on his home waters at Lake Hartwell, just a few miles from where he lives. But that effort left him hungry for another shot and things went so well for the 31-year old professional bass angler this time that he came off looking as cool as the lifestyle brand Costa Del Mar sponsorship on his bass boat. Casey even caught his fish on some homemade spinner baits that his Dad rigged for him special for the 2015 Classic.

            

Thanks to Toyota for getting me to Greenville

The story goes that Ashley prefers to fish with a jig, and has actually won past tournaments doing just that, but with the cold weather keeping the fish somewhat shallow his father’s lures proved to be the proper prescription for success. After two days of weigh-ins Ashley was in fifth place with an aggregate weight of 29-pounds and 14-ounces, but his Sunday bag of 20-pounds and 3-ounces launched him into first place for good. Ashley collects $300K plus bragging rights for the year, and a chance to compete in the future to become a multiple Classic winner, with only four other anglers ever having achieved that feat.

To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past blog entires about Bass Fishing in S.C. click on FLW Tour / Forrest Wood Cup.

To view past blog entries about fresh water click fishing tips - North Santee River - King Kat.

To view the latest Lowcountry Saltwater Fishing Report click here.