2026 Bassmaster Classic: Friends, Fans, and the Heart of Bass Fishing

My annual trip to the Bassmaster Classic has always been about more than just the competition. This year it really hit me just how much can change in a few short years.

While Pete Robbins was locked in the hotel room, doing his thing for B.A.S.S. -- blogging, analyzing every cast, and breaking down the tournament as it unreeled -- I had a completely different, and honestly really special, role. I spent my time walking the Classic with my extended “Classic family” member Barb Bowman, soaking in everything happening beyond the weigh-in.

And somewhere between snapping photos, catching up with friends, and running around the expo floor, it really hit me…

A few years ago, I didn’t know most of these people.

Now, they come up to me.

That’s the part that’s hard to put into words but means the most. The same anglers, industry professionals, and personalities I used to follow from a distance are now stopping to say hi and take photos with me. They genuinely feel like friends. It’s not something I take lightly. Instead, it’s something I’m incredibly grateful for.

This year was full of those moments. We got pictures with so many amazing people—friends, industry “peeps,” and some of the most talented anglers in the sport. Every photo tells a story — watch the following video and you’ll see what made this Classic so unforgettable.

But it wasn’t just about capturing memories—it was about contributing to something bigger, too.

Alongside Barb, I helped gather items and contributions for the upcoming Bass Fishing Hall of Fame banquet. Watching the community come together to support the history and legacy of the sport was inspiring. There’s a deep respect in this industry—for those who pave the way and for making sure their impact is never forgotten.

That’s what makes the Classic so special. Yes, it’s the biggest stage in bass fishing but it’s also where relationships are built, where stories are shared, and where you really feel the heart of the sport.

From Pete’s detailed tournament coverage to the behind-the-scenes moments with Barb, I got to experience both sides of the Classic this year: the competition and the community. And honestly, the community side is what will stick with me the most.

It’s pretty amazing to look back and realize how far things have come in just a few years. What once felt like stepping into a room full of strangers now feels like walking into a room full of friends.

And that’s something I’ll never take for granted. It’s not often you get to meet and have a “relationship” with the athletes you look up to and idolize.