The 2005 Bassmaster Classic, held on the Three Rivers of Pittsburgh, was the third one that I attended and the second as a member of the media. Even though Mike Iaconelli won a Classic title two years earlier, it was also a milestone event for the Hall of Famer.

2009 Bassmaster Classic champion Skeet Reese and his wife Kim joined us in Panama. They’re experienced and fearless travelers, but I still wanted to get Kim’s unfiltered opinions about the fishing, safety and creature comforts.

Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Skeet Reese is a fantastic all-around angler, a tremendous host, and one of our favorite people to travel with. His wife Kim is a gem.

Inside the love story of Katelyn and Logan Parks—how the bass fishing power couple met, fell in love, and built a life together through college, tournaments, and the Elite Series grind.

I caught up with Taku Ito at Table Rock to get some insights into the US fisheries that he likes best, along with his thoughts on certain regions of the country. At least one answer provided a serious surprise.

A visit to the home of champion BASS angler OT Fears in Sallisaw, Oklahoma gave me the chance to spend time with an angling hero in his natural environment.

A lifelong Van Halen fan reflects on how iconic songs like Dreams and Right Now mirrored the journey from corporate life to a retirement filled with fishing, travel, and purpose.

Texas angler Wyatt Wimberley is chasing the Bassmaster Classic through team tournaments. Learn how partnership, strategy, and wins at OH Ivie and Lake of the Pines are fueling his journey.

I cornered Emil Wagner on Media Day prior to the 2026 Bassmaster Classic and hit him with all of the hard questions facing the sport. Fortunately, the young Georgia pro recognizes that knowledge is good and was willing to give up the meaningful dirt.

My annual trip to the Bassmaster Classic has always been about more than just competition. This year it hit me just how much can change in a few short years. I walked the Classic Expo with my extended “Classic family” member Barb Bowman, soaking in everything happening beyond the weigh-in.

2023 Bassmaster Classic winner Jeff Gustafson handled his time on the Expo floor at the 2026 Classic like a champ — which should not surprise anyone who has ever met him.

Mark Copley of Xpress Boats is s a trusted advisor to many of the sport’s top names, and someone who can always be counted on when you need anything. Since joining Xpress, the brand’s footprint in the competitive fishing world has grown exponentially.

Jacob Wheeler is establishing a Hall of Fame career, but the hidden force behind his success is an incredibly strong relationship and partnership with his wife Alicia. Here’s their story in her words.

Gettys Brannon is a major influencer and power in the boating industry, advocating for South Carolina’s anglers, boaters and members of the industry.

Captain Riley Ngy, is not just one of my favorite lady anglers – she’s one of the most amazing people in the fishing industry. Riley and her husband Oliver Ngy own Big Bass Dreams, Defiant Fishing and Biwaa USA and they are passionate about helping people learn the why behind the bite.

Half Past First Cast manned a booth at the 2026 Chicagoland Fishing Expo. We sold trips, watched seminars and connected with old and new friends from around the country.

Bassmaster Elite Series champion Chris Johnston has the chance to make history this year. We caught up with him before the season to ask the hard-hitting questions.

Here’s the first-person story of how attorney Caroline Gozigian and pro angler Kyle Patrick built a seven-year love story across careers and lakes.

I’ve been planning to retire ever since I started working. That’s not as sad as it sounds. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to contribute to the broader world, but rather than my family and peers impressed upon me the need to start saving and planning for it early.

After 30 consecutive years of practicing law, I am either unemployed or underemployed. No office to go to. No need for a suit except for weddings, funerals and coronations. No lunch break, either – now, if I want, it’s all lunch break. Now comes some fun and risk-taking.