eBassFish Newsletter

March - 2010

Bassmaster Classic Photo Blog
(photos by Linda Berry)

Congratulations Pam Martin-Wells on your
history-making performance at the 2010
Bassmaster Classic in Birmingham, Alabama

Emily Shaffer found a use for her old tournament shirts.
She cut and sewed the squares together and hired
Linda Walker to do the quilting.

Susan Gregory and Diana Smith were the first
women anglers I ran into on Day One of the Classic
at the Academy Sports and Outdoors booth.

Sharon Lawson, Donna Rutledge, Paula "Rocket" Alexander
and Linda Berry enjoyed visiting with each other while
waiting for the doors to open for the Day 3 Weigh-In.

ebassfish.com (Linda Berry) and BassResource.com (Keri May)
at the Media Party on Thursday night before the Classic

Classic Revelations
by Linda Berry

I didn't really know what to expect as I headed for the 2010 Bassmaster Classic in Birmingham, Alabama. I was only going because of Pam Martin-Wells and to support her efforts as she is only the second woman in history to ever qualify for the Classic. At three previous Classics, I had worked a sponsor booth. This year I was free to be a fan.

I left a day early so I could swing by Centre, Alabama and spend the night with my good friends, Lisa and Mike Johnson. They always treat me like family. Couldn't ask for nicer folks. The next morning before leaving for Birmingham, I went to work with Lisa for a couple of hours. She and Mike own a tree-trimming business. Lisa can run a chainsaw and split and load firewood like a pro. Their love and respect for each other is amazing as well. I am so thankful for having met them while fishing the WBT.

My first day in Birmingham was spent obtaining media credentials and getting oriented. As I was walking around the convention center watching all the vendors setting up their booths, I just happened to be standing in front of the Academy Sports and Outdoors Booth when Pam and Steven Wells walked up. How cool was that! Fate blessed me twice as I next ran into Rose Ellis. When Rose found out I was planning to sleep in my truck in the parking deck of the Sheraton Hotel, she invited me to her home where it was safe. She had other friends staying with her who had come to the Classic and wouldn't take no for answer.

My media credentials allowed me access to the Media Party on Thursday night where I got to eat some great food, mingle with other media and the Classic contenders. The highlight of the party was personally meeting my favorite outdoor writer Don Barone. He actually recognized me from my FaceBook page as I am always commenting on his status.

I had the opportunity before leaving for the Classic to register to be an observer and spend a day on the water with a contender. I opted not to do that for physical reasons. I also opted not to attend the launch each morning because it was such a long drive to and from the Expo.

I spent the first day of the Classic doing a lot of walking at the Expo and taking photos of friends and former WBT anglers who were there to support Pam. Many were also there working sponsor booths. Went to the weigh-in and watched Pam cross the stage with a limit of spotted bass.

That evening, I attended the Weekend Angler Party at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. The party was hosted by American Bass Anglers. All who attended were treated to some delicious BBQ. It was the first time I had ever eaten a BBQ Sundae. It was scrumdilyiscious! I also won one of the really nice door prizes.

Day Two was spent much like Day One. More photos and visiting with old friends. Re-visited some of the vendor booths and bought some souvenirs and some new baits I had been wanting to try. The guys at El Grande Lures recognized me as Carolina Linda. They advertise on a couple of forum boards where I am a member - UltimateBass.com and The BassHoles.com. Went to the weigh-in and was so thrilled for Pam as she made the cut to fish Day Three!

Didn't do much walking on Day Three. Spent most of the time in the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel on the computer killing time while waiting for the finale weigh-in. Left early to go wait in line for the doors to open. That is when I ran into Sharon Lawson and her husband. While we were catching up on each other's life, Donna Rutledge and Paula Alexander showed up. Those gals are crazy funny to be around. Was good to see Donna having a good time after dealing with the death of her mother earlier this year. Don't know who they talked about more - Ray Scott or tattoes! Maybe they will share that story with you all sometime.

Well I got to witness the official ending of the WBT as Pam weighed in her third limit of fish during the Classic and sealed a 22nd place finish. My goal was accomplished as well - being there and being a part of history-in-the-making one more time. I didn't wait for KVD to take his victory lap...I headed for the parking deck, got in my truck and said goodbye - goodbye to 4 years of unforgettable fishing experiences. I had already said goodbye at the last WBT event on Old Hickory as I knew I wouldn't be fishing this year - not knowing at the time that none of us would be fishing the WBT this year.

So...is it over now - or is it just the start of something bigger and better for women anglers? In my opinion it is the latter. The demise of the WBT is forcing many anglers both pro and co to step up their game - to fish out of their comfort zone. I saw lots of smiling faces and positive attitudes walking around the Classic. New opportunities have opened up, including plans for other women's tours. I agree that there is a need for a fishing venue for women only. It provides rookie anglers a chance to hone their skills and get acquainted with all aspects of tournament fishing while learning from legends and heroes of our sport. We also enjoy the social aspect as we connect with other women anglers from different walks of life. We are all strong women and we understand the "why" of fishing and the sacrifices we each make to pursue our passion.

I also applaud the women anglers who are "crossing over" so to speak. How great would it be to see a woman qualify for the Classic through the Federation Nation or the Opens. Would love to see some women in the Elite Series. It can and will happen. I hope I live to see it.

Women's Bass Division

First Stop........March 18-20,

LAKE BOB SANDLIN
Pittsburgh, Texas. BAREFOOT BAY RESORT AND MARINA
5244 FM 1520
Pittsburg, TX 75686

Ladies...it is not too late to register. Late fees have been waived for this event.
Click here for more info!

More Classic Photos!
by Linda Berry

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