Don't forget cameraguy and I are down here in New Orleans suffering hot 70 degree sunny weather (well, you do have to give us something for the 17 hour marathon road trip down starting last night at 11 PM Eastern and ending at 5 PM Central today) so we can bring you some of the story, pictures and maybe even a little video of the 2011 Bassmaster Classic, Ryan Said and whatever other interesting stories we can get time to write, edit and post!
We are getting up way before the crack of dawn tomorrow (Wednesday) 3 AM Central time to bring you some of the beginning - the final official practice day before media day tomorrow and then the big event Friday, February 18 - Sunday, February 20!
I'll be riding with our very own Ryan Said and cameraguy will be with Ohio bass pro Bill Lowen. Looooonnggg boat rides are always a possibility here for many of the anglers. Maybe even an ocean run or two!
Saw lots of bass pros and many industry people including a big crew from Ranger Boats wandering around today. Even had a Canadian sighting when brand new Bassmaster emcee Dave Mercer went racing by into the hotel looking like a man on a serious, big-time mission!! Then we ate some good gumbo and seafood tonight so we can be prepared for our mission!
Friday I'm riding with BASS Federation Nation Northern qualifier Dave Watson and cameraguy will be with Ryan Said - all subject to change. We'll see after that. I expect we'll put some time into the big free Outdoor Expo and all the new and improved products!
Sunday they cut the field in half to the top 25 professional bass anglers and I do not know if either of us will be out on the water, but we shall see. Regardless, we'll get you what stories we can along, hopefully, with some pictures and a little video when we can. Probably mostly in the evenings once we get in and have some editing and Internet time.
Make sure you keep an eye on www.greatlakesbass.com/classic and www.greatlakesbass.com/ryansaid for stories.
No King Kong sighting yet though we did see Skeet and many others. If we're awake enough in the morning, we'll see many of them then. At least for the blast off. Who knows after that on a system this huge!
A pretty good amount of coverage also on www.bassmaster.com/classic too.
No matter what happens, what an event to be at! I may even have a hard time sleeping tonight even though I've been up for 36 hours straight! And I'm not even fishing! Stay warm up there ladies and gentlemen, and beat some of that chilly cabin fever with the Bassmaster Classic!!
Awesome!
Tough job!
Can't wait for the updates!
I wish I was there. I'm a Louisiana native. Dan, you have got to go try a muffuletta while you're in Nawlins. You will love it. It's not a joke, either! It is an awesome sandwich. If you get a chance, head down to the French Quarter and check out all the voodoo things for sale. Oh, the Hurricanes aren't bad, either.
Dan, that is Awesome! Please keep your Twitter updated as well! Camera Guy is with Lowen? That is great will any IMA, Optimum, Reins products be a factor in this years Classic???
Duane
Maybe... you never know.
I will send more to Twitter tomorrow. I have to be responsible for updating the BASStrack phone too for the B.A.S.S. tournament crew. Getting up again at 3 AM tomorrow morning but I did get enough sleep last night to start getting caught up on pictures and video so expect some more later tonight!
Check out the Bassmaster Classic forum (http://www.greatlakesbass.com/classicforum/) for more stories and especially links to lots of pictures on the Facebook fan page (you don't have to be a member of Facebook to look at them).