Talk about the most exciting event in BASS fishing! I feel like a little kid the night before Christmas morning waiting to see what is under the tree. (Guessing most of the anglers in this years classic are hoping for STORMR rain gear!) To see the next Champion Crowned this weekend is going to be something special. A life changing event for one angler. You guys all know I am pulling for Paul Mueller and Aaron Martens. We enjoy their tactics and support many of the companies these anglers represent. You know we support Dobyns rods and we will shortly have our Enigma rods to give you feedback on the drop shot, cranking and soon to be released SPY Bait Rod that has not even been announced yet!

So lets get down to the real topic! Greg Stollings AKA the Fishin Magician has shared with TLT his top 5 picks for winners at this years Classic. Here they are in Greg’s words ,

“Casey Ashley could be another home town hero or fall victim to the home lake curse. Knowing the lake is an understatement for Casey as he has already racked up a FLW tour win in March 14′ on Hartwell. Deep was the key to victory in that event and the same could hold true now. A major winter storm front that is passing through has most likely pushed the bigger fish back deep and that puts the bass in Casey’s wheel house. Another steady diet of jigs and shakey head worms just mite lead him to the classic trophy.

Aaron Martens. Amart as referred to on the elite trail. Four time classic runner up, two time AOY winner and the list goes on. A drop shot expert and spotted bass catching guru is all that Martens may need to seal the deal. Is this the year he gets it done? I’m sure enigma fishing rods believes so being his new title sponsor. We’ll all have to wait and watch.

Greg Hackney,  the hack attack. 2014 was an awesome year for Greg winning BASS AOY, elite and FLW tour wins, this guy can’t get much hotter. Shallow water power fishing is what Greg loves to do but that may not play out on Hartwell this week. But when your hot,  your hot and that may be all he needs.

Mike Iaconelli. Aka Ike. Folks at home folks at home…Never Give Up!!!! That’s his moto. Tidal water, great lakes, shallow southern fisheries he has won on all these and the list goes on! Oh did I forget to mention classic winner & BASS AOY. Any situation any weather condition this guy can pull it off. With his “fish the moment” approach the 2015 Hartwell classic may just be his moment.

Mark Davis rounds out my picks and is my dark horse. Just getting over a rough bout with the flu a tough bass fishin derby just may be what the Dr. Ordered. Fishing in his 18th classic one of which he won Mark brings a ton of savvy experience to the table. A deep structure fishing ace and no stranger to a spinning rod the stars could be lining up for him.  Well TLT readers there you have my five guy’s for the classic. The weights may be down a little this year but not the spirits of all involved in bass fishing. I myself can’t wait to see how the best bass fisherman in the world react to the crazy weather this week. Someone always figures out how to catch them. We’ll all be watching the story unfold. Check back to the TLT site for a post classic article! Til then…Fish On!!!

We at TLT want to thank all the Professional anglers at the 2015 Classic for their inspiration. Without these guys supporting Great Outdoor Companies who in turn create great products for us, the anglers, we would all be sitting around with cane poles and live bait and that just wouldn’t be as fun!