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Classic Meet Up? 2024


fishing user avatarBigSkyBasser reply : 

Wondering if anyone here is already planning a Bass Resource meet up at the 2019 Classic in Knoxville?

 

If not, we should arrange a time/place. This will be my first Classic experience and I would love to meet some of you in person that have inspired/improved my fishing since I joined this awesome forum several years ago.

 

Let me know!


fishing user avatarSpankey reply : 

I’ve been kicking around the idea of coming down. I’m not real far north but will break up winter slightly. I’ll dig up some info on the net from the spectators side. 


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 

I’ll head up. It’d be neat to meet up and fish. 


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 

I’ll be around, hopefully not working but I’m always off work by 4 or 5


fishing user avatarBigSkyBasser reply : 
  On 11/13/2018 at 9:15 PM, HeyCoach said:

I’ll head up. It’d be neat to meet up and fish. 

 

Agreed! I plan on doing some serious fishing while there. Do you have any experience on any of the smaller rivers/creeks for smallmouth?


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 
  On 11/14/2018 at 1:00 AM, BigSkyBasser said:

 

Agreed! I plan on doing some serious fishing while there. Do you have any experience on any of the smaller rivers/creeks for smallmouth?

I do........ What are the dates of the classic? If its in winter the small stream can be very tough 


fishing user avatarBigSkyBasser reply : 
  On 11/14/2018 at 1:26 AM, TnRiver46 said:

I do........ What are the dates of the classic? If its in winter the small stream can be very tough 

 

Mid March. Bassmaster shows the 15th through the 17th. I'l be there a little early and will stay possibly a couple days after that.


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 
  On 11/14/2018 at 1:35 AM, BigSkyBasser said:

 

Mid March. Bassmaster shows the 15th through the 17th. I'l be there a little early and will stay possibly a couple days after that.

Weather dependant but that should be a great time to fish the tributaries. I'd be glad to show you a spot or three


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 

My boat isn’t dependable, but I’d be down for throwing some money into a hat to be a “co-angler” if there’s room for me. 


fishing user avatarBassNJake reply : 

I'm going to try and make the classic.

I have a couple surgeries scheduled before the classic, but I'm hoping I'll be there.

 

I was tossing the idea of being a marshal around, but the $500 price tag is a little steep for me.


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 

Bump.

 

I’m still planning on going. I know it is a 3 day event aside from practice days. What is usually going on for the fans in attendance?


fishing user avatarSam reply : 

You will love the Classic.

 

Bring a bag for your freebies (unless you hit Dick's and get a big free one) and a Sharpie for signatures on your cap.

 

I have been to two and they were sensational!

 

Have fun and let us know who you saw (look for Glenn) and what autographs you got.


fishing user avatarOCdockskipper reply : 

The interesting thing about this Classic is that it may be the last one featuring some past winners like KVD, Jordan Lee, Edwin Evers, Chris Lane to name few.  This also may be the last chance for others like Gerald Swindle, Jason Christie or Brent Ehrler to win one.


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 

I still can’t believe they are having it here of all places. I honestly think smallmouth could win it but obviously largemouth can get bigger. Right now the flood gates are open on both the top and bottom ends of the reservoir . 


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 
  On 11/28/2018 at 8:47 AM, OCdockskipper said:

The interesting thing about this Classic is that it may be the last one featuring some past winners like KVD, Jordan Lee, Edwin Evers, Chris Lane to name few.  This also may be the last chance for others like Gerald Swindle, Jason Christie or Brent Ehrler to win one.

Yea, I almost forgot about the huge swing to MLF. Should be pretty high stakes. 


fishing user avatareverythingthatswims reply : 

Going to be a very special Classic. Historic! I'll be there, had too much fun last year and I have a tournament on KY lake a few days before. Plus it's spring break from school. No brainer :stupid:


fishing user avatarF15HGuy reply : 

I'll probably be there for a day or two. I will not be able to fish, but getting together to tell some lies is definitely on the table! Let's be sure to revive this thread as it gets closer.


fishing user avatarOregon Native reply : 

I may try and visit even though I live close.  Not a crowd person at all if I can help it.  Have a good friend coming out from Arizona at this time so I may be changing my planning.

:)

 


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 

I'm planning on going to the weigh ins and probably one day of the Expo, maybe two if needed. I would really enjoy a get together. I live about 9 miles from everything, so I'm close


fishing user avatarwhitwolf reply : 
  On 12/1/2018 at 12:55 AM, volzfan59 said:

I'm planning on going to the weigh ins and probably one day of the Expo, maybe two if needed. I would really enjoy a get together. I live about 9 miles from everything, so I'm close

Pperhaps you might be able to give a little primer on the venues for the weigh-in, and the expo. The problem I see is parking. I have been to a couple of UT football games and parking was a nightmare. Thanks for any help you can provide!


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 

How far is the UT football facility from the venue?


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 
  On 12/3/2018 at 12:57 AM, HeyCoach said:

How far is the UT football facility from the venue?

Well I guess that depends on what the venue exactly is but I would say about 1/2 mile - 1 mile. Volunteer landing is where they are “checking in,” it’s just upriver from the stadium a few hundred yards. I don’t know about weighing in , maybe civic coliseum? It’s all very close , but can be outrageously steep if you are traveling on foot 


fishing user avatarWRB reply : 
  On 11/28/2018 at 8:47 AM, OCdockskipper said:

The interesting thing about this Classic is that it may be the last one featuring some past winners like KVD, Jordan Lee, Edwin Evers, Chris Lane to name few.  This also may be the last chance for others like Gerald Swindle, Jason Christie or Brent Ehrler to win one.

The brides maid Aaron Martens, this will be his last chance at a Classic win.

Skeet Reese is on a roll and add another Classic win before moving on.

Should be a very interesting Classic!

Tom


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 
  On 12/3/2018 at 12:57 AM, HeyCoach said:

How far is the UT football facility from the venue?

I believe they are weighing in at Thompson - Bowling Arena. It's where the basketball Vols play. It's right next to Neyland Stadium. Well, there is a parking lot in between.


fishing user avatarslonezp reply : 
  On 12/3/2018 at 8:20 AM, WRB said:

The brides maid Aaron Martens, 

Describes him to a T


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 

Honestly you could paddle from Thompson boling to neyland stadium to volunteer landing on a paddle board. In fact you can rent paddleboards at volunteer landing and do just that, people do it all the time. 

Screenshot_20181203-091532.png


fishing user avatarBigSkyBasser reply : 
  On 12/3/2018 at 8:20 AM, WRB said:

The brides maid Aaron Martens, this will be his last chance at a Classic win.

Skeet Reese is on a roll and add another Classic win before moving on.

Should be a very interesting Classic!

Tom

 

I think Aaron is too snake bitten with classics, and the fact that they have moved them to Spring likely decreases his chances, as it opens up the fishing opportunities for less finessy fisherman. 

 

This is coming from a huge fan of his. He's easily one of my favorite pros.


fishing user avatarkykayak reply : 

I'm planning on going to Knoxville for a day or two. I won't have a boat. So, it will just be the expo and weight in for me. Can anyone tell me what to expect from this event? Is there a cost (ticket) to get into the expo or weigh in? How big is the expo? Something you can see in a day or do you need more time? Thanks for any info. 


fishing user avatarsll reply : 

Strader will be hard to beat. Not really because of just the home field advantage but he is on a roll lately. I haven't seen if they are going to allow them to lock down to Watts Bar yet, but if so look out.


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 
  On 1/19/2019 at 1:16 PM, kykayak said:

I'm planning on going to Knoxville for a day or two. I won't have a boat. So, it will just be the expo and weight in for me. Can anyone tell me what to expect from this event? Is there a cost (ticket) to get into the expo or weigh in? How big is the expo? Something you can see in a day or do you need more time? Thanks for any info. 

From what I understand, everything is free. I've never been, but the Expo will be huge. Here in Knoxville, it will fill to pretty convention buildings. I've been told to bring plenty of money as there will be deals to be had.


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 
  On 12/2/2018 at 10:41 PM, whitwolf said:

Pperhaps you might be able to give a little primer on the venues for the weigh-in, and the expo. The problem I see is parking. I have been to a couple of UT football games and parking was a nightmare. Thanks for any help you can provide!

"whitwolf", First, allow me to apologize to you. I'm just now seeing your questions. As far as the venues, the weigh in us supposed to be in the Thompson-Bowling Arena, where the basketball Vols play. I think it holds 20 thousand, really nice place. I'm a Shriner, we hold the annual Shriners Circus there. The Expo will be in the Convention Center, about a mile away. This is a two building complex.

 

Parking could be an issue, but I hear off site parking will be available, buses provided. I'm retired law enforcement and have a call into a KPD friend to see if anything (parking wise) has been finalized as of now. As soon as I know, I'll post it. Might be parking at the Civic Colosseum, a mile or two away from everything, busses from there. There is a huge parking area between Neyland Stadium and Thompson-Bowling.


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 
  On 1/20/2019 at 5:46 AM, sll said:

Strader will be hard to beat. Not really because of just the home field advantage but he is on a roll lately. I haven't seen if they are going to allow them to lock down to Watts Bar yet, but if so look out.

No locking allowed I’m pretty certain 


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 

TnRiver46 is right, no locking through. They can go down lake as far as either the Ft. Loudon Dam or the Tellico Dam. For those of you that aren't from around here, those two dams are connected by a canal. They are about three miles apart, give or take a bit.

As far as up river, they can run up to the I-40 bridge on the Holston River. Up to the John Sevier Highway (Hwy 168)  bridge on the French Broad River.


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 

I still want to know where they are launching all these boats . Has to be at the canal


fishing user avatarTennessee Boy reply : 
  On 1/20/2019 at 10:15 AM, volzfan59 said:

As far as the venues, the weigh in us supposed to be in the Thompson-Bowling Arena, where the basketball Vols play.

I need to make a correction here.  This should read "where the number one ranked basketball Vols play." :ok-wink:


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 

What’s the word on JP and the football team for this off season?


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 
  On 1/24/2019 at 7:25 AM, Tennessee Boy said:

I need to make a correction here.  This should read "where the number one ranked basketball Vols play." :ok-wink:

I happily stand corrected.


fishing user avatarJT Bagwell reply : 

I surprised my 12 year old with a trip to the classic in Knoxville.


He is so pumped up that it's all he has been talking about for 2 days. :)

 

We are flying in at noon on Friday and flying home early Sunday morning.

Our hotel will be the Tennessean which appears to be right across the street from the expo.

 

It would be cool to meet some of the people from BassResource since I have been a member here

since the ice age. :) 


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 
  On 2/10/2019 at 3:41 AM, JT Bagwell said:

It would be cool to meet some of the people from BassResource since I have been a member here

since the ice age. :) 

Your motel is basically right on top of the Worlds Fair Exposition Center. That's one of the two buildings being used for the Expo. The other (Convention Center) is directly across the street. I live in Knoxville and I'm really hoping to meet some members too.


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 

I’ll be there. I’ll be dadgummed if I’m gonna pay $400 for a hotel room that’s usually $150. 

 

I think I’ll stay about half an hour away to save some green. 

  On 2/10/2019 at 3:41 AM, JT Bagwell said:

I surprised my 12 year old with a trip to the classic in Knoxville.


He is so pumped up that it's all he has been talking about for 2 days. :)

 

We are flying in at noon on Friday and flying home early Sunday morning.

Our hotel will be the Tennessean which appears to be right across the street from the expo.

 

It would be cool to meet some of the people from BassResource since I have been a member here

since the ice age. :) 

Will you be at the Yamamoto booth any? That is, if they are having a booth. 


fishing user avatarJT Bagwell reply : 
  On 2/10/2019 at 1:08 PM, HeyCoach said:

I’ll be there. I’ll be dadgummed if I’m gonna pay $400 for a hotel room that’s usually $150. 

 

I think I’ll stay about half an hour away to save some green. 

Will you be at the Yamamoto booth any? That is, if they are having a booth. 

I don't think they will have a booth but I am not going to work at all. I might stop and chat at certain booths but I am taking my 12 year old for some Luke and Daddy time before he is all grown up. Because time flies.


fishing user avatarStrokerFishing reply : 
  On 1/24/2019 at 4:09 AM, TnRiver46 said:

I still want to know where they are launching all these boats . Has to be at the canal

Pretty sure they will be using the ramp under south Knoxville bridge. The canal ramp is like 40 miles away from Volunteer landing


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 
  On 2/11/2019 at 2:44 PM, StrokerFishing said:

Pretty sure they will be using the ramp under south Knoxville bridge. The canal ramp is like 40 miles away from Volunteer landing

That's what it's looking like. I use the ramp under that bridge most everyday and it will only hold 20 trailers. It's under construction now though so we will see 


fishing user avatarStrokerFishing reply : 
  On 2/11/2019 at 8:01 PM, TnRiver46 said:

That's what it's looking like. I use the ramp under that bridge most everyday and it will only hold 20 trailers. It's under construction now though so we will see 

If you use that ramp that often, I'm sure I have seen you out there at some point. I use that ramp frequently myself, especially in the summer.

 

Newspaper said the construction should be done in early March before the Classic gets here. I wonder if they are going to add more parking on the east side of the property for more boat/trailer parking.


fishing user avatarGlenn reply : 

I'll be there again as usual. :)

 


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 
  On 2/12/2019 at 11:02 AM, StrokerFishing said:

If you use that ramp that often, I'm sure I have seen you out there at some point. I use that ramp frequently myself, especially in the summer.

 

Newspaper said the construction should be done in early March before the Classic gets here. I wonder if they are going to add more parking on the east side of the property for more boat/trailer parking.

I’m sure we have crossed paths, I’ve got a camo center console but it looks a lot like a bunch of other boats. I tried to launch at island home airport after work Friday since the other ramp is under construction. I quickly remembered why I don’t use that ramp at winter pool. I live just across the river from downtown so I’m having a hard time splashing a boat near home right now. Holston river park is decent but they will lock you in there if you don’t make it back before dark 


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 
  On 2/12/2019 at 12:21 PM, Glenn said:

I'll be there again as usual. :)

 

Thank you for warning us. ????

 

I think it’d nice to put some faces/personalities to the other forum members. 


fishing user avatarkbeeb374 reply : 

I will be there!! i would love to meet up and would definitely love to fish! i am flying in from NY though so i don't know how easy it will be to bring equipment.. we'll see.

 

This is the last classic with all the big names (as of right now) at least for a while.  My long time friends live in knoxville and graciously offered to host me so i am making the most of it!!


fishing user avatarBobby Uhrig reply : 

Im picking IKE   This will be my 16th classic- There is no better spectacle in the fishing industry- Im thinking of getting a booth this year -Not going with Dicks after 9 years-

- Stop by --NOT YOU GLENN !!

  


fishing user avatarJT Bagwell reply : 
  On 2/10/2019 at 1:08 PM, HeyCoach said:

I’ll be there. I’ll be dadgummed if I’m gonna pay $400 for a hotel room that’s usually $150. 

 

I think I’ll stay about half an hour away to save some green. 

Will you be at the Yamamoto booth any? That is, if they are having a booth. 

I found out Yamamoto will in fact have a booth and I will be there at some point but I am not sure when or for how long.


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 
  On 2/15/2019 at 6:05 AM, JT Bagwell said:

I found out Yamamoto will in fact have a booth and I will be there at some point but I am not sure when or for how long.

I enjoy my Senkos and Swimsenkos, but I hope they don’t make you stay too long since you were wanting this to be a father son trip. 


fishing user avatarJT Bagwell reply : 
  On 2/15/2019 at 8:43 AM, HeyCoach said:

I enjoy my Senkos and Swimsenkos, but I hope they don’t make you stay too long since you were wanting this to be a father son trip. 

I am sure we will just hang out for a little while and have a good time catching up with everyone and maybe talking fishing with some customers.

 

We are both really looking forward to it.


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 

I’d be willing to share some tackle (if you don’t mind using junky stuff) and an open seat or three of any of y’all traveling in want to fish. I think there are some off limits areas we could fish, especially in kayaks and canoes or maybe even wading shoals if it warms up. There should be billions of white bass to catch, my boat can’t keep up with the competitors! I’m betting most of them head downriver at blast off 


fishing user avatarBigSkyBasser reply : 
  On 2/16/2019 at 1:02 AM, TnRiver46 said:

I’d be willing to share some tackle (if you don’t mind using junky stuff) and an open seat or three of any of y’all traveling in want to fish. I think there are some off limits areas we could fish, especially in kayaks and canoes or maybe even wading shoals if it warms up. There should be billions of white bass to catch, my boat can’t keep up with the competitors! I’m betting most of them head downriver at blast off 

 

I'm all in and will happily supply boat gas if warranted.

 

This trip is mostly about me checking out East TN as a possible place to move so I will be exploring and fishing down there for two weeks starting March 12th and will stay through the classic.

 

 


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 

@TnRiver46 I know I’d like to fish, but my buddy and I will be getting in to town late, we’ll be leaving after I get off work.

 

I may throw a spinning rig or two in the back of the truck and bring some soft plastics to bank fish in case we have time. 


fishing user avatarkbeeb374 reply : 

I know I would be down to fish! I should be able to bring a few combos and some tackle. Would be helpful to know what techniques are catching so I can pack efficiently.

I can also chip in for gas if needed.


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 

Well right now the lake is chocolately and raging, I bet I couldn’t catch a cold out there! The tellico side typically stays much clearer , I may try there today but I can hear it raining pretty hard out there as I type this. 


fishing user avatarOregon Native reply : 
  On 2/17/2019 at 7:07 PM, TnRiver46 said:

Well right now the lake is chocolately and raging, I bet I couldn’t catch a cold out there! The tellico side typically stays much clearer , I may try there today but I can hear it raining pretty hard out there as I type this. 

The ol Hill is a fast clearer


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 
  On 2/17/2019 at 9:20 PM, Oregon Native said:

The ol Hill is a fast clearer

I don’t know why or how but somehow I never end up there


fishing user avatarStrokerFishing reply : 
  On 2/12/2019 at 9:32 PM, TnRiver46 said:

I’m sure we have crossed paths, I’ve got a camo center console but it looks a lot like a bunch of other boats. I tried to launch at island home airport after work Friday since the other ramp is under construction. I quickly remembered why I don’t use that ramp at winter pool. I live just across the river from downtown so I’m having a hard time splashing a boat near home right now. Holston river park is decent but they will lock you in there if you don’t make it back before dark 

You dont have a jet boat by chance do you?

 

I went by the ramp yesterday and it looks like they are adding another ramp on the east side to give it 3 lanes now. Adding some more parking to the east side of the parking lot also. There is also a empty lot to the west side that they are clearing off, possibly for more parking. 


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 
  On 2/18/2019 at 4:21 AM, StrokerFishing said:

You dont have a jet boat by chance do you?

 

I went by the ramp yesterday and it looks like they are adding another ramp on the east side to give it 3 lanes now. Adding some more parking to the east side of the parking lot also. There is also a empty lot to the west side that they are clearing off, possibly for more parking. 

Parking will be what they need! No I have a propeller 


fishing user avatarOregon Native reply : 
  On 2/17/2019 at 10:46 PM, TnRiver46 said:

I don’t know why or how but somehow I never end up there

Whew...…..

:)

 


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 
  On 2/18/2019 at 6:07 PM, Oregon Native said:

Whew...…..

:)

 

Wouldn’t mind catching one of those big long toothy things!


fishing user avatarGlenn reply : 
  On 11/13/2018 at 4:25 AM, BigSkyBasser said:

Wondering if anyone here is already planning a Bass Resource meet up at the 2019 Classic in Knoxville?

 

If not, we should arrange a time/place. This will be my first Classic experience and I would love to meet some of you in person that have inspired/improved my fishing since I joined this awesome forum several years ago.

 

Let me know!

So what's the plan Stan? When and where?

 


fishing user avatarj bab reply : 
  On 2/23/2019 at 12:52 PM, Glenn said:

So what's the plan Stan? When and where?

 

Wondering the same thing. I'll be there


fishing user avatarEGbassing reply : 
  On 2/17/2019 at 7:07 PM, TnRiver46 said:

Well right now the lake is chocolately and raging, I bet I couldn’t catch a cold out there!

That's what I thought right before I caught that 7+ pounder yesterday. The water was about one inch of visibility.


fishing user avatarBigSkyBasser reply : 
  On 2/24/2019 at 11:42 PM, j bab said:

Wondering the same thing. I'll be there

 

Depends on where you want to meet. I'm planning on fishing Cherokee. Douglas, Norris, and Loudon, but in no particular order. I leave next Friday and with a 3 day drive I should be fishing by Monday.

 

I also plan to fish the little pigeon and Abrahms Creek in the park the week after the classic. 

 

My schedule is flexible. Just let me know when works for you!


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 
  On 3/1/2019 at 3:37 AM, BigSkyBasser said:

 

Depends on where you want to meet. I'm planning on fishing Cherokee. Douglas, Norris, and Loudon, but in no particular order. I leave next Friday and with a 3 day drive I should be fishing by Monday.

 

I also plan to fish the little pigeon and Abrahms Creek in the park the week after the classic. 

 

My schedule is flexible. Just let me know when works for you!

Well that sounds fun! 


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 

What’s a good place to eat dinner around town?


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 
  On 3/1/2019 at 6:23 AM, HeyCoach said:

What’s a good place to eat dinner around town?

Where are you staying?


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 
  On 3/1/2019 at 10:21 AM, volzfan59 said:

Where are you staying?

Nowhere yet. ????


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 
  On 3/1/2019 at 6:23 AM, HeyCoach said:

What’s a good place to eat dinner around town?

There's a lot!!!! Calhoun's is pretty popular 


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 

TnRiver46 is right, Calhoun's on the River is great. It's also near blast off. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is about 100 yards from Calhoun's, they share parking. Calhoun's is moderately expensive, Ruth's Chris is crazy expensive! Neither place serves breakfast.

 

There's a place on Union, close to the Expo site that has killer breakfast, I'll have to find the name. Also downtown, close to the Expo, are several eatery's. On Market Square, there's a Subway, Tomato Head, Blue Coast (Mexican), Tupelo Honey (excellent) and several more places.

 

On Gay Street, there's the Downtown Grill and Brewery, and several more. Downtown Grill and Brewery is one of my favorites. Also, check out Mast General Store on Gay St. Great place and they have all of the old time candy that you can't find anywhere else.

 

If you walk, or drive, to the Old City area, you'll find Barley's Taproom and Pizza, Lonesome Dove, Boyd's Jig and Reel (English food) and several more places. Boyd's has a huge scotch selection, not that I would know ????.

 

If you drive over the Henley St bridge (it's the bridge closest to Neyland Stadium), you'll McDonald's, KFC, Wendy's, Bojangles, Arby's, etc. You'll also find Buddy's Barbeque (local) and a couple of Chinese places

 

As you can see, there are a ton of places to eat and for every budget.

 

As far as meeting up goes, is everyone wanting to meet at the Expo, weigh in or go out for a beer and eat? Barley's Taproom in the Old City is very family friendly and they have an upstairs area. That might be a good place. It's a mile or two from the Expo site. There is some parking beside the place, and a free City owned parking lot under the bridge right down from it. There is also a pay lot a block or two away. They are more expensive than Domino's, but not bad. Everything is made to order and made on site.

The breakfast place on Union Ave is called Pete's Coffee Shop. They are open for breakfast and lunch only. They close around 2:00 and are closed on Sundays.

 

TnRiver46 and Oregon Native may have more suggestions. If you can tell one of us where your staying, we can probably help more. I'm a p/t delivery driver and TnRiver46 travels all over town for his job.


fishing user avatarBigSkyBasser reply : 
  On 3/1/2019 at 10:34 PM, volzfan59 said:

TnRiver46 is right, Calhoun's on the River is great. It's also near blast off. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is about 100 yards from Calhoun's, they share parking. Calhoun's is moderately expensive, Ruth's Chris is crazy expensive! Neither place serves breakfast.

 

There's a place on Union, close to the Expo site that has killer breakfast, I'll have to find the name. Also downtown, close to the Expo, are several eatery's. On Market Square, there's a Subway, Tomato Head, Blue Coast (Mexican), Tupelo Honey (excellent) and several more places.

 

On Gay Street, there's the Downtown Grill and Brewery, and several more. Downtown Grill and Brewery is one of my favorites. Also, check out Mast General Store on Gay St. Great place and they have all of the old time candy that you can't find anywhere else.

 

If you walk, or drive, to the Old City area, you'll find Barley's Taproom and Pizza, Lonesome Dove, Boyd's Jig and Reel (English food) and several more places. Boyd's has a huge scotch selection, not that I would know ????.

 

If you drive over the Henley St bridge (it's the bridge closest to Neyland Stadium), you'll McDonald's, KFC, Wendy's, Bojangles, Arby's, etc. You'll also find Buddy's Barbeque (local) and a couple of Chinese places

 

As you can see, there are a ton of places to eat and for every budget.

 

As far as meeting up goes, is everyone wanting to meet at the Expo, weigh in or go out for a beer and eat? Barley's Taproom in the Old City is very family friendly and they have an upstairs area. That might be a good place. It's a mile or two from the Expo site. There is some parking beside the place, and a free City owned parking lot under the bridge right down from it. There is also a pay lot a block or two away. They are more expensive than Domino's, but not bad. Everything is made to order and made on site.

The breakfast place on Union Ave is called Pete's Coffee Shop. They are open for breakfast and lunch only. They close around 2:00 and are closed on Sundays.

 

TnRiver46 and Oregon Native may have more suggestions. If you can tell one of us where your staying, we can probably help more. I'm a p/t delivery driver and TnRiver46 travels all over town for his job.

 

 

 

We should do beer and food, then the expo, then the weigh in! 

 

Then fishing afterwards. 


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 

The river is crazy right now! I crossed below the dam at work and it looked like Godzilla was emerging from the water 


fishing user avatarGlenn reply : 

Ok, let's do Saturday.  Breakfast?  The Expo opens at 10:00, so...8:30am at Pete's Coffee Shop.  How does that sound?

 

I'm not local there, so if that doesn't work, I prefer a local help coordinate this.

 

Thanks!

Glenn


fishing user avatarHillbilly Bennett reply : 
  On 2/17/2019 at 4:52 AM, BigSkyBasser said:

 

I'm all in and will happily supply boat gas if warranted.

 

This trip is mostly about me checking out East TN as a possible place to move so I will be exploring and fishing down there for two weeks starting March 12th and will stay through the classic.

 

 

Personally I’d live there in a minute. I love East TN. Beautiful country, great fishing, nice people, Great fishing, awesome lakes and did I mention great fishing? 


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 
  On 3/2/2019 at 9:48 AM, Glenn said:

Ok, let's do Saturday.  Breakfast?  The Expo opens at 10:00, so...8:30am at Pete's Coffee Shop.  How does that sound?

 

I'm not local there, so if that doesn't work, I prefer a local help coordinate this.

 

Thanks!

Glenn

I'm in! Pete's is at 540 Union Ave. 37902, 865-523-2860. About a block or so from the Expo site. Their Saturday hours are 0700 to 1400. Everyone should wear something fishing related so hopefully we'll find each other.


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 

Im down if I don't have to work! I can't believe I've never heard of Pete's coffee shop but I know market square very well, only about 3 miles from my front door. The market square parking garage is usually my favorite for accessing that area . 


fishing user avatarGlenn reply : 

Hmm... just looking at pictures, but Pete's looks to be both very popular and very small.  It's unlikely they could accommodate a large group of folks like us during the Classic weekend, given it's proximity to the Expo.  IT will probably be packed.

 

Perhaps there's another nearby locale that will work?  Maybe at a nearby hotel like the Hilton? Looking at the locals for a little guidance here.


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 

Well there are dozens of places in market square, the ones are open for breakfast are probably tupelo honey, tomato head, and cafe 4. Old City Java is also nearby. I have eaten at tomato head and tupelo honey, they are both tasty, maybe around 10-20 bucks. I have never personally been to cafe 4 except for concerts but I've heard it is excellent.  There's a place called honeybee coffee over on my side of the river (never been in) just across the gay st bridge but it would probably require transportation from downtown, it's probably 1.5 miles away.  Everyone in my neighborhood seems to like it 


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 

Something that may work is Glenn using his name to get us a table of # and when you get there ask or tell the hostess that you’re with that party looking for the table. 


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 
  On 3/2/2019 at 7:52 PM, TnRiver46 said:

Well there are dozens of places in market square, the ones are open for breakfast are probably tupelo honey, tomato head, and cafe 4. Old City Java is also nearby. I have eaten at tomato head and tupelo honey, they are both tasty, maybe around 10-20 bucks. I have never personally been to cafe 4 except for concerts but I've heard it is excellent.  There's a place called honeybee coffee over on my side of the river (never been in) just across the gay st bridge but it would probably require transportation from downtown, it's probably 1.5 miles away.  Everyone in my neighborhood seems to like it 

Cafe 4 is really good! We've eaten there several times. Seems like cooking became "Hazardous Duty" when we retired. We eat out way too much! Built a new retirement house two years ago. My wife got all upgraded, really nice appliances that are rarely used. We could have got by with a YETI, a Coleman stove and a toaster. I digress.

 

Glenn, what time does the Expo close daily? I'm thinking for space and parking, Barley's Taproom and Pizza might be a better choice. It's a big place (old warehouse) with two floors. Maybe we could do dinner? Breakfast places in close proximity to the events are limited. I'm just not sure about the motels? Is anyone staying at the Hilton or the Holiday Inn? They are super close, as is the Tennessean. 


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 

Barleys is indeed a massive place and the parking near it under the bridge is free and pretty big. It only gets completely full when the late night crowd arrives. A lot of parking downtown should be free on weekends and after 6 on weekdays. 


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 

Ok, just got off the phone with the Hilton on Clinch Ave. It's basically right across the street from the Expo site. They have a breakfast buffet, free for guests (I think),  $14.50 for non guests. Kind of high, but really close by.

 

The Holiday Inn, Worlds Fair Park location is literally on top of the Expo Center. The Expo Center and the Convention Center make up the buildings that are to be used for the Classic Fishing Expo. Any way, they too serve breakfast to non guests. Not sure how much or the format, i.e. buffet or menu ordering. The guy I spoke with was nice, but not super helpful.

 

There are several Cracker Barrel's near by, but not in walking distance. There is a Shoney's Restaurant about 1.5 miles away, on TnRiver46's side of the bridge. They have a breakfast bar. Can't vouch for how good it is, haven't eaten there in years. 


fishing user avatarGlenn reply : 

Let's do Cafe 4 at 8:00am Saturday.  That way folks can make their way to the expo before the gates open at 10:00

(pro tip - plan to go to the Expo at 10:30. The lines will be gone and you won't have to stand in line for an hour.)

 

Dinner sounds great, but after going to over a dozen of these, planning a dinner for a large group is difficult. And if you haven't made your reservations by now, well.... good luck.

 

Speaking of which, can somebody make reservations at Cafe 4 under my name for...10 people? Does that sound about right?

 

 


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 

I’m bringing a buddy if that’s ok?


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 
  On 3/3/2019 at 12:03 AM, Glenn said:

Let's do Cafe 4 at 8:00am Saturday.  That way folks can make their way to the expo before the gates open at 10:00

 

Speaking of which, can somebody make reservations at Cafe 4 under my name for...10 people? Does that sound about right?

 

 

Glenn, looking at Cafe4's website, they open at 0900 on Saturday.


fishing user avatarGlenn reply : 

Ok then, Hilton it is!


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 

Hilton sounds good to me, I'm there! As far as being convenient, The Hilton will be best. Just have to walk across the street to the Expo!


fishing user avatarj bab reply : 

I haven't got my itinerary nailed down quite yet, but I should be able to make it!


fishing user avatarBigSkyBasser reply : 

Pencil me in for Breakfast as well!


fishing user avatarOregon Native reply : 

This all sounds like good times....but will have to put on the ol wish list as I'm going with a ton of people so may not work out to well!!  But sounds awesome.

:)


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 

We’ll try to make breakfast. If not, @Glenn are you planning on wearing a bass resource jersey Saturday at the expo?


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 

Reservations for breakfast have been made at the Hilton Downtown Knoxville. The addressis 501 W. Church St. It's for Saturday, 03/16/2019 at 0830 (8:30AM). The table is reserved under "Bass Resource". The reservation is for 10, but more can attend.

According to the guy I spoke with yesterday, they have a breakfast buffet for $14.50. If I understood him correctly, you can also order from the menu. I know that this is kind of expensive for breakfast, but when you see how close it is to the Expo it will be worth it. You'll only have to park once, and walk a very short distance (1 block).


fishing user avatarGlenn reply : 

Woo hoo!  Sounds great!  And if it's too expensive, then have breakfast prior and just stop by for coffee.

 

And yes, I'll be wearing my jersey at the expo.  Looking forward to meeting everyone!

 

Glenn


fishing user avatarAirbornebass reply : 

Count me in.  I will be there.


fishing user avatarAirbornebass reply : 

Can we buy tickets at the entrance?


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 
  On 3/4/2019 at 4:15 AM, Airbornebass said:

Can we buy tickets at the entrance?

For the breakfast? No tickets required. Just show up, be hungry and eat.

 

Edit, you'll have to pay at some point.

Edited by volzfan59
Forgot to mention paying

fishing user avatarAirbornebass reply : 
  On 3/4/2019 at 4:22 AM, volzfan59 said:

For the breakfast? No tickets required. Just show up, be hungry and eat.

 

Edit, you'll have to pay at some point.

Lol.  I meant tickets for the classic.


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 
  On 3/4/2019 at 7:32 AM, Airbornebass said:

Lol.  I meant tickets for the classic.

I thought it was free to go to?


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 

From my understanding, attending the Fishing Expo and the Classic are completely free. I've seen nothing about paying to get in. I'll ask a friend tomorrow, he's been to two Classics. Maybe Glenn or some of the others will chime in.


fishing user avatarwhitwolf reply : 

The Expo and weigh-in are free. 


fishing user avatarBigSkyBasser reply : 

Anyone who wants to meet up for fishing before/after the classic should message me so we can exchange info and further coordinate away from this thread.


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 

Would any of the booths be giving out free stuff? I’m thinking about taking a small cinch bag with me just in case. 


fishing user avatarBigSkyBasser reply : 

Made it to TN! Super excited to meet everyone and get my line wet.


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 
  On 3/11/2019 at 8:25 AM, HeyCoach said:

Would any of the booths be giving out free stuff? I’m thinking about taking a small cinch bag with me just in case. 

@Sam said the freebies will be flowing!


fishing user avatarSam reply : 
  On 3/11/2019 at 10:10 AM, TnRiver46 said:

@Sam said the freebies will be flowing!

Hit Dick's as soon as you enter the venue and get one or two of their large, green bags.

 

No telling what you will find they are giving away.

 

Check out the list of vendors on the Bassmaster Classic Internet site so you can see who will be there:

https://bass19.mapyourshow.com/7_0/alphalist.cfm?alpha

 

Have a fun time and let us know what you think about the Expo; the vendors; who you saw or met; what goodies did you get; and what did you buy? Can't wait to read your feedback.

 

Be safe and wear a smile and get ready to rock and roll!

  On 3/11/2019 at 8:25 AM, HeyCoach said:

Would any of the booths be giving out free stuff? I’m thinking about taking a small cinch bag with me just in case. 

Hit Dick's as soon as you enter the venue and get one or two of their large, green bags.

 

No telling what you will find they are giving away.

 

Check out the list of vendors on the Bassmaster Classic Internet site so you can see who will be there:

https://bass19.mapyourshow.com/7_0/alphalist.cfm?alpha

 

Have a fun time and let us know what you think about the Expo; the vendors; who you saw or met; what goodies did you get; and what did you buy? Can't wait to read your feedback.

 

Be safe and wear a smile and get ready to rock and roll!


fishing user avatarGlenn reply : 

All venues are free, but I think parking is $10 near the weigh-in arena.

 

The expo is a little wonky this year...spread across 3 floors in one building, and continued in another building across the street.  Every Classic I've been to that does something like that, makes it easy to miss a lot of vendors.  So don't forget there's another exhibition hall across the street!

 


fishing user avatarOregon Native reply : 
  On 3/11/2019 at 11:37 AM, Glenn said:

All venues are free, but I think parking is $10 near the weigh-in arena.

 

The expo is a little wonky this year...spread across 3 floors in one building, and continued in another building across the street.  Every Classic I've been to that does something like that, makes it easy to miss a lot of vendors.  So don't forget there's another exhibition hall across the street!

 

Thank you


fishing user avatarj bab reply : 
  On 3/11/2019 at 8:25 AM, HeyCoach said:

Would any of the booths be giving out free stuff? I’m thinking about taking a small cinch bag with me just in case. 

A little birdie told me Big Bite will be giving away hats. They also have shopping bags if you forget your cinch bag.


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 
  On 3/11/2019 at 11:37 AM, Glenn said:

All venues are free, but I think parking is $10 near the weigh-in arena.

 

The expo is a little wonky this year...spread across 3 floors in one building, and continued in another building across the street.  Every Classic I've been to that does something like that, makes it easy to miss a lot of vendors.  So don't forget there's another exhibition hall across the street!

 

If I'm not mistaken, you can access both buildings without crossing a street. This is all the old world's fair site. You just walk under the viaduct. 

 

What are the Expo hours? I know that Glenn has said that it opens at 10:00. What time does it close? I can't find it.

Found it right after I posted this. Sorry


fishing user avatarGlenn reply : 

Closes 7pm on Friday, 6pm Sat, 4pm on Sunday.

 

 


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 

I got the pleasure of meeting the OP, @BigSkyBasser, yesterday and showing him around town a little bit. This young man is a go getter, y'all might see him fishing the classic instead of spectating one of thrse days! We ran into a few small schools of these guys amongst all the current.

IMG_2032.JPG


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 

I hope he likes our little town.

 

Man, the pro's sure are everywhere. You can't sling a dead cat and not hit a wrapped Tundra hauling a boat!


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 

I think our "little" town is big compared to where he hails from 


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 
  On 3/13/2019 at 2:05 AM, TnRiver46 said:

I think our "little" town is big compared to where he hails from 

The last coach I worked under said his grandparents lived in downtown Knoxville on the main drag and didn’t have running water or electricity. Now, that was back in the 30s. ????


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 
  On 3/13/2019 at 6:23 AM, HeyCoach said:

The last coach I worked under said his grandparents lived in downtown Knoxville on the main drag and didn’t have running water or electricity. Now, that was back in the 30s. ????

Hopefully your hotel will have both! Looking forward to meeting you Saturday.


fishing user avatarBigSkyBasser reply : 
  On 3/13/2019 at 12:11 AM, TnRiver46 said:

I got the pleasure of meeting the OP, @BigSkyBasser, yesterday and showing him around town a little bit. This young man is a go getter, y'all might see him fishing the classic instead of spectating one of thrse days! We ran into a few small schools of these guys amongst all the current.

 

 

Fishing with you guys has been a blast. If anyone else has the chance to I highly recommend it!

I'm quickly falling in love with this state!

 

IMG_20190312_145101_690.thumb.jpg.a54954d5de1d932f6356bfe93e1ddec3.jpg


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 

Another cool pic from last night. I call this eagle Mr downtown because that's where he lives 

IMG_2040.JPG


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 

If anyone else has already made it to town, my girlfriend and I will be at the University of Tennessee baseball game this evening. Swing by to say hello and cheer on the 16-1 diamond Vols 


fishing user avatarSPEEDBEAD. reply : 

I'll be pulling into town tomorrow night and will be walking around the show all three days.


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 

I’m not going to be in town until Saturday morning. 

 

The life of a teacher. ????


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 

Go vols 

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fishing user avatar12poundbass reply : 
  On 3/14/2019 at 11:31 AM, TnRiver46 said:

Go vols 

12A89192-0268-4F5D-8BAE-818F99AAA2B3.jpeg

What is all that green stuff? ????


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 
  On 3/14/2019 at 7:24 PM, 12poundbass said:

What is all that green stuff? ????

Actually they made a new artificial turf field this year, that’s all fake. The only real dirt is on the mound. The home and visiting teams seem to love it, we have played in a about 10-12 downpours this year and they finished every game except one 


fishing user avatarkbeeb374 reply : 

I just got approval to bring some rods with me!  is there any chance of meeting up to go fishing still?  i can bring 4-5 rods and reels and whatever tackle would be needed.  can't fit my boat on the plane unfortunately.. haha.


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 
  On 3/15/2019 at 3:33 AM, kbeeb374 said:

I just got approval to bring some rods with me!  is there any chance of meeting up to go fishing still?  i can bring 4-5 rods and reels and whatever tackle would be needed.  can't fit my boat on the plane unfortunately.. haha.

I'm sure we could meet up one way or another, It looks like all the competitors went waaaaay downriver from my house so we could maybe fish upstream in the rivers or on another lake . I think we will all be busy meeting for breakfast and going to the expo for the first part of Saturday 


fishing user avatarBigSkyBasser reply : 

Anyone else waiting in line for the expo?


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 
  On 3/15/2019 at 10:43 PM, BigSkyBasser said:

Anyone else waiting in line for the expo?

I was there, but skipped the line. I thought it had already opened so I walked right in like I owned the place! Well, technically I do. Paid for it with my tax dollars. As I was walking out of the restroom I saw some guy in a t-shirt talking to two others telling them the Expo wasn't open yet. I figured I was past the point of return and started around.


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 

Is there a cut today after weigh-ins?


fishing user avatarAirbornebass reply : 
  On 3/15/2019 at 10:43 PM, BigSkyBasser said:

Anyone else waiting in line for the expo?

I will be waiting in line.


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 

What is the bag policy for the expo at the civic center? Can you take one in? I have a small cinch bag from my track coaching days last year. 


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 
  On 3/16/2019 at 8:15 AM, HeyCoach said:

What is the bag policy for the expo at the civic center? Can you take one in? I have a small cinch bag from my track coaching days last year. 

I saw a bunch of people with back packs, so I guess you'll be good.

 

  On 3/16/2019 at 3:33 AM, HeyCoach said:

Is there a cut today after weigh-ins?

I believe everyone will be fishing tomorrow. 


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 
  On 3/16/2019 at 8:43 AM, volzfan59 said:

I saw a bunch of people with back packs, so I guess you'll be good.

 

I believe everyone will be fishing tomorrow. 

Alright, thank you sir. 

 

I’ll be wearing a radioactive green camo Huk long sleeve shirt and a UAB hat tomorrow in case y’all see me. 


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 
  On 3/16/2019 at 8:48 AM, HeyCoach said:

Alright, thank you sir. 

 

I’ll be wearing a radioactive green camo Huk long sleeve shirt and a UAB hat tomorrow in case y’all see me. 

Your coming to the breakfast aren't you?


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 
  On 3/16/2019 at 8:57 AM, volzfan59 said:

Your coming to the breakfast aren't you?

Unfortunately no. I’m staying in Athens tonight. Should be pulling up in about 20 minutes. 


fishing user avatarGlenn reply : 
  On 3/16/2019 at 8:43 AM, volzfan59 said:

I saw a bunch of people with back packs, so I guess you'll be good.

I'd be careful about that. Most of those backpackin' folks are media. So they've been cleared by security.

 

  On 3/16/2019 at 8:57 AM, volzfan59 said:

I’ll be wearing a radioactive green camo Huk long sleeve shirt and a UAB hat tomorrow in case y’all see me. 

We'll look for you, but from what I saw today, based upon past experience with narrow aisles....Saturday and Sunday will be P-A-C-K-E-D with people, and I mean jammed elbow-to-elbow.  Hard to find a bright green shirt in that mess.

 

I'm wearing the Jersey in my avatar. Hard to miss, but again, easy to miss, given the crowd.  Step up and say hi if you see me!  


fishing user avatarSam reply : 

BigSky and everyone else who made it to the Classic: Fill us in on your Classic experience.

 

Who did you see?

What autographs did you get?

Tell us about all the freebies you got.

Did you see the Rage Tail people?

Did you visit with the Berkley/Pure Fishing R&D people?

What did you buy?

Did you meet up with Glenn?

Did you meet up with other guys and gals on the Forum?

Did you go to any blastoffs or weigh-ins?

Was it worth the time and effort to attend?

 

Let us know. Will make some great reading.


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 

So far I've met Glenn and his wife. I bought 10 packs of Missile Ned Bombs and said hi to some of the "old school" pro's, Mark Davis, Mark Menendez (SP?), Larry Nixon and Jay Yelas. Visited with some old friends with Nitro and got to meet Jamie Hartman. Haven't been to a blast off or weigh in, unless watching online counts. Thinking about going to the final weigh in. I did enjoy talking to the people in the Duo Realistic booth.

 

Those Ned Bombs we're flying off the shelf. I was at the DSG both not long after they opened for sales. I got the last two green pumpkin packs, two shad color packs and four packs of a craw color.

 

It was crowded yesterday, Glenn told me that it would be way worse today. Fixing to head downtown in a bit, I hope it's another good day. As a retired law enforcement guy, I don't like crowds and people bumping into me or being behind me, PTSD I guess. I've got a fishing buddy going with me today.

 

All in all, well worth the time spent there. Yesterday was like bass fishing Nirvana!


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 

We just left Athens, looks like we’ll roll in to town around 9 and fight for a parking space. 


fishing user avatarj bab reply : 

I'm not able to make it, we're getting the booth to get ready for the day and it's a little too far to swing by real quick. Come see me at Big Bite, booth 307 (world's fair expo center across the street, next to AFTCO). My name's Jordan, I'm the tall young guy with a white shirt on


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 

I’m sitting down on the left side of the stage in the “live well” area. 

 

 

A9E358EE-D2B7-4565-87F8-8C717906E6CC.jpeg


fishing user avatarSam reply : 
  On 3/17/2019 at 3:54 AM, HeyCoach said:

I’m sitting down on the left side of the stage in the “live well” area. 

 

 

A9E358EE-D2B7-4565-87F8-8C717906E6CC.jpeg

Super!


fishing user avatarvolzfan59 reply : 
  On 3/16/2019 at 8:48 AM, HeyCoach said:

I'lll be wearing a radioactive green camo Huk long sleeve shirt and a UAB hat tomorrow in case y’all see me. 

I looked for you all day. Saw a million bright green Him shirts, but no UAB hats.


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 
  On 3/17/2019 at 9:58 AM, volzfan59 said:

I looked for you all day. Saw a million bright green Him shirts, but no UAB hats.

It’s all good. I overheard a pro saying that next year the Classic will be in Birmingham. If that’s so, I’ll take one or two of y’all out each day on the boat and I’ll get meals/meeting set up. 

 

I met @Glennbut I was easily distracted by all of the stuff going on and may have given off the cocaine addict vibe looking around while I was talking to him. 

 

I also met Bobby, but couldn’t go back up to his table and see him before I left. 

 

I saw @j bab but couldn’t get to talk to him. The Big Bites booth was swamped when I went by. 


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 

I met @Glenn and his wife, @volzfan59, airborne bass, and some others at breakfast. All super folks! I only bought some Berkeley dredger 17.5, @BigSkyBasser got some jerkbaits. We met the flukemaster, Hank cherry, Hunter shryock, Karl from karls tackle/MTB, and a few others. We watched the pros headed back to weigh in from my boat and when wheeler went by his boat was making a strange noise. Sure enough on the way back to the ramp, there it is on the bank with no one in sight. Then we went back to the launch to pick up @kbeeb374 for some striper fishing that didn't pan out, he got two nice largemouth though! And @BigSkyBasser got a nice smallmouth. I think I got the standard non keeper dink yesterday. Here's some pics, even saw a goose nesting 50 feet up a cliff 

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fishing user avatarBigSkyBasser reply : 

Breakfast with everyone was a blast! 

Day 1 I got to sit in the splashwell right next to the stage (pictures to follow.)

Spent a pile of money on new baits and a new reel.

Watched Tommy Biffle square off with Brian Snowden in a flippin contest.

Met Hunter Shryock, Gene Jensen (Flukemaster,) Former Vikimgs defensive end Brian Robison, John Cox, Karl Von Dibble, and Hank Cherry.

Also watched Larry Dahlberg on the bass tank talk about the whopper popper.

@TnRiver46 and I had the strangest convo with a weird dude from the Livingston booth about the Keith Poche/Ish conflict and a lot of other drama

Also was absolutely smitten by this cutie who worked for the TVA biology team at their fish tank and had a long conversation with her about fish (had I lived here I would have had to have asked for her number.)

Not to mention I've had the best fishing guide in TN for the whole trip! Also, @kbeeb374 came down from New York and put on a jig flipping clinic yesterday.

 

FB_IMG_1552820098953.jpg.b2f25590e2fb2c0cfc466950f823c602.jpg

FB_IMG_1552820216979.thumb.jpg.84c6c324c91b89bc4878b3a48934f963.jpgFB_IMG_1552820212200.thumb.jpg.f5c8fa998ef88e00103b47e494247ae8.jpgFB_IMG_1552820206750.thumb.jpg.fe9005b85af7a220dc16326ea3f82929.jpgFB_IMG_1552820171181.thumb.jpg.99f7b167161301d2940c6c64178a820a.jpgFB_IMG_1552820157504.thumb.jpg.c0cf05554d5126304069d7ff369cee5e.jpg

 

 


fishing user avatarSam reply : 

Great posts and pics.

Keep 'em coming!!!!!

Any of you guys heading to the weigh-in to watch Ike win it????? :D 


fishing user avatarTnRiver46 reply : 

Maybe Sam! I also forgot they had fried Asian Carp that was pretty good 


fishing user avatarwhitwolf reply : 

I'll give a full report tomorrow after we get home. It has been a blast!

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fishing user avatar12poundbass reply : 
  On 3/17/2019 at 6:59 PM, BigSkyBasser said:

Breakfast with everyone was a blast! 

Day 1 I got to sit in the splashwell right next to the stage (pictures to follow.)

Spent a pile of money on new baits and a new reel.

Watched Tommy Biffle square off with Brian Snowden in a flippin contest.

Met Hunter Shryock, Gene Jensen (Flukemaster,) Former Vikimgs defensive end Brian Robison, John Cox, Karl Von Dibble, and Hank Cherry.

Also watched Larry Dahlberg on the bass tank talk about the whopper popper.

@TnRiver46 and I had the strangest convo with a weird dude from the Livingston booth about the Keith Poche/Ish conflict and a lot of other drama

Also was absolutely smitten by this cutie who worked for the TVA biology team at their fish tank and had a long conversation with her about fish (had I lived here I would have had to have asked for her number.)

Not to mention I've had the best fishing guide in TN for the whole trip! Also, @kbeeb374 came down from New York and put on a jig flipping clinic yesterday.

 

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Looks like with the exception of Dave Mercer you had the best seat in the house.

  On 3/17/2019 at 6:59 PM, BigSkyBasser said:

Breakfast with everyone was a blast! 

Day 1 I got to sit in the splashwell right next to the stage (pictures to follow.)

Spent a pile of money on new baits and a new reel.

Watched Tommy Biffle square off with Brian Snowden in a flippin contest.

Met Hunter Shryock, Gene Jensen (Flukemaster,) Former Vikimgs defensive end Brian Robison, John Cox, Karl Von Dibble, and Hank Cherry.

Also watched Larry Dahlberg on the bass tank talk about the whopper popper.

@TnRiver46 and I had the strangest convo with a weird dude from the Livingston booth about the Keith Poche/Ish conflict and a lot of other drama

Also was absolutely smitten by this cutie who worked for the TVA biology team at their fish tank and had a long conversation with her about fish (had I lived here I would have had to have asked for her number.)

Not to mention I've had the best fishing guide in TN for the whole trip! Also, @kbeeb374 came down from New York and put on a jig flipping clinic yesterday.

 

FB_IMG_1552820098953.jpg.b2f25590e2fb2c0cfc466950f823c602.jpg

FB_IMG_1552820216979.thumb.jpg.84c6c324c91b89bc4878b3a48934f963.jpgFB_IMG_1552820212200.thumb.jpg.f5c8fa998ef88e00103b47e494247ae8.jpgFB_IMG_1552820206750.thumb.jpg.fe9005b85af7a220dc16326ea3f82929.jpgFB_IMG_1552820171181.thumb.jpg.99f7b167161301d2940c6c64178a820a.jpgFB_IMG_1552820157504.thumb.jpg.c0cf05554d5126304069d7ff369cee5e.jpg

 

 

Looks like with the exception of Dave Mercer you had the best seat in the house.


fishing user avatarAirbornebass reply : 
  On 3/17/2019 at 6:28 PM, TnRiver46 said:

I met @Glenn and his wife, @volzfan59, airborne bass, and some others at breakfast. All super folks! I only bought some Berkeley dredger 17.5, @BigSkyBasser got some jerkbaits. We met the flukemaster, Hank cherry, Hunter shryock, Karl from karls tackle/MTB, and a few others. We watched the pros headed back to weigh in from my boat and when wheeler went by his boat was making a strange noise. Sure enough on the way back to the ramp, there it is on the bank with no one in sight. Then we went back to the launch to pick up @kbeeb374 for some striper fishing that didn't pan out, he got two nice largemouth though! And @BigSkyBasser got a nice smallmouth. I think I got the standard non keeper dink yesterday. Here's some pics, even saw a goose nesting 50 feet up a cliff 

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It was great meeting you and everyone at breakfast.  I was glad I drove over.


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 

Hank Parker was a sincerely, genuinely nice person that we talked to Saturday. 

 

 

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fishing user avatarGlenn reply : 

Had a blast meeting everyone at the Classic!!  Y'all are way better in person! LOL!! :)

 

I met a ton of BR fans, rubbed elbows with the best in the sport, and saw a lot of really cool products hitting the market.  Couldn't have asked for a better time!

 

Thank you all!!


fishing user avatarHeyCoach reply : 
  On 3/18/2019 at 9:46 AM, Glenn said:

Had a blast meeting everyone at the Classic!!  Y'all are way better in person! LOL!! :)

 

I met a ton of BR fans, rubbed elbows with the best in the sport, and saw a lot of really cool products hitting the market.  Couldn't have asked for a better time!

 

Thank you all!!

@Bobby Uhrig was on a roll cracking jokes about you Saturday morning to me. 

 

Sorry I didn’t swing back by Bobby, time ran out on us before I could come back. I still want a pack or two of those stand-up shakey heads y’all were showing off in the fish tank. Do you have a store website?


fishing user avatarOregon Native reply : 

Show and last day weigh in were amazing.  Spent three long days there with many friends and saw old friends I hadn't seen in many years.  Was awesome.....

Walked from weigh in area to show three days in a row and back and got some good exercise to be sure.  People were amazing at show....everyone was having a good time...never saw any rudeness and talked to people out of the blue about fishing and show and things just flowed.  Heard many records were met for on attendance I believe too.


fishing user avatarsnake95 reply : 
  On 3/18/2019 at 9:46 AM, Glenn said:

Had a blast meeting everyone at the Classic!! 

Saw you at the bar Saturday afternoon, tried to make it over to talk, but had a whole entourage of kids that I couldn't break away from. 

My second classic in a row with my 10 year old - this time brought two more Dads and three more boys.  Thanks to your forums for getting me back into it 4 years ago, and teaching the kids what I'm learning.

Will actually meet you next year!


fishing user avatarGlenn reply : 
  On 3/18/2019 at 7:51 PM, Oregon Native said:

Heard many records were met for on attendance I believe too.

Those "records" are HIGHLY questionable.  They count you every time you enter a door. So when you went from one building to the other, you were counted twice.  So everyone was counted at least twice. If you were there all 3 days, and went into each building only once, you were counted 6 times.  Even higher if you entered several times, left for lunch and came back, went out for a smoke break, or to see the outdoor exhibits, etc. 

 

I think Keri and I were counted at least 20 times each day.  I once heard the gal hit the clicker 4x when we walked in without anyone near us.

 

Oh! And then you were counted again when you went to the weigh-in.  If you went to the show and the weigh-in all three days?  You're officially 9 people.

 

So those "record" numbers are, ummm..., record clicks instead.  Kinda like how people used to measure "hits" on websites.  Meaningless numbers, and grossly exaggerated.

 

I'd say Birmingham a few years ago had higher attendance.

 

  On 3/18/2019 at 8:25 PM, snake95 said:

Will actually meet you next year!

Looking forward to it!


fishing user avatarJT Bagwell reply : 

Glenn,

I was thinking that exact same thing about the "record attendance" today.

Since our hotel was right across the street, Luke and I went to our room a few

times per day to drop off all of his loot.

 

Hell we were probably counted 28 times trying to locate you by the Dick's Sporting Goods booth in the other building.  LOL  (little inside joke courtesy of Glenn forgetting where he was)

 

My biggest regret was that I didn't keep Luke out of school and just come home Monday instead of 6am Sunday. We rushed around a lot and I missed seeing several people that I really wanted to get together with.

 


fishing user avatarkykayak reply : 

Made it to my first BMC. I was able to meet a lot of the faces of our sport at the expo. Some of the encounters were a disappointment. While others were about as good if not better than i expected. The three below (Hank Parker, Gerald Swindle, and Jordan Lee) were as nice and as genuine as it gets. 

Very cool event. Spent a lot of $$. Hope to attend another very soon. 

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fishing user avatarJT Bagwell reply : 
  On 3/19/2019 at 10:08 AM, kykayak said:

Made it to my first BMC. I was able to meet a lot of the faces of our sport at the expo. Some of the encounters were a disappointment. While others were about as good if not better than i expected. The three below (Hank Parker, Gerald Swindle, and Jordan Lee) were as nice and as genuine as it gets. 

Very cool event. Spent a lot of $$. Hope to attend another very soon. 

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IMG_0632.jpg

IMG_0659.jpg

My kid (he's 12) was really excited to meet the pros and get them all to sign his new Bassmaster hat (he just bought his own membership). Nearly all of the guys were really friendly to him. Several of them even gave him free hats, baits, shirts, etc.

 

Even though he made sure to stand back if they were talking to someone and say please, a few gave him this look that kind of rubbed me the wrong way, like why are you bothering me kid. There was one old school tv angler that gave him a big excuse about how he had to get to a booth and was late so he couldn't sign his hat. In the time he spent giving the excuse, he could have signed hats for 5 kids but mine was the only one there. So Luke awkwardly walked away without the autograph.

 

My bud Hank Parker was great to Luke. He was getting moved from the Berkley booth to the Toyota booth and he saw Luke standing there. So he took him by the arm and said come on buddy we are going this way and took Luke with him. The coolest thing about that, is Hank turned Pro the year I was born and was my fishing hero as a kid. Since then I have spent several hours with him and to see him treat my kid like that is really special to me.


fishing user avatarOregon Native reply : 

Your probably right on the numbers .... I would also imagine that this wasn't the first classic where there were counts done though either.  Believing everything we hear or read too is up for grabs too.

:)

Thanks...back to reality

 


fishing user avatarcrankbait2009 reply : 

kinda curious what angler(s) wouldn't stop for signings, for whatever their reason.


fishing user avatarGlenn reply : 
  On 3/19/2019 at 11:28 PM, crankbait2009 said:

kinda curious what angler(s) wouldn't stop for signings, for whatever their reason.

Let's not go down that path guys.  They have strict schedules for booth appearances they must adhere to.  As much as they want to stay for their fans, they can't meet their contractual obligations if they do.

 

It's a tough spot to be in.  Hank Parker is a seasoned pro, and has more experience at trade shows than most of them. So he's learned a few ways to gracefully exit quickly when he needs to go to another appearance.

 


fishing user avatarcrankbait2009 reply : 

Didn't think of that part.  My apologies




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