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Tournament News Powered By Lake Drive MarineTournament News Powered By Lake Drive Marine

Bassmaster Elite Series pro Justin Hamner of Northport, Ala., claimed the 54th Bassmaster Classic title on Sunday with a limit of five bass that weighed 15 pounds, 13 ounces, for a three-day total of 58-3. Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.Bassmaster Elite Series pro Justin Hamner of Northport, Ala., claimed the 54th Bassmaster Classic title on Sunday with a limit of five bass that weighed 15 pounds, 13 ounces, for a three-day total of 58-3. Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.

Bassmaster Elite Series pro Justin Hamner of Northport, Ala., claimed the 54th Bassmaster Classic title on Sunday with a limit of five bass that weighed 15 pounds, 13 ounces, for a three-day total of 58-3. Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.

TULSA, Okla. — When most anglers win the Super Bowl of Bass Fishing, they at least pretend like it came as the biggest surprise of their lives.

But not Justin Hamner.

The fourth-year Bassmaster Elite Series pro from Northport, Ala., said openly that he “just had a feeling” coming into this year’s Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors that he was going to win — and in three days on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, he turned that feeling into a hard-core reality.

Hamner completed an assault on B.A.S.S. history with a Championship Sunday limit of five bass that weighed 15 pounds, 13 ounces, and pushed his three-day total to 58-3. He became only the 10th angler in the 54-year history of the event to lead all three days.

“I have no idea what’s been going on, but this past month has been pretty dang good,” said Hamner, who earned $300,000 and the coveted Ray Scott trophy. “I can’t explain it, but I really did feel like I had a good chance to win.”

That feeling wasn’t exactly reinforced during a tough practice when Hamner said the best bass he caught was a 3-pounder. But he started the tournament on the spot where he caught that fish and used a shad-colored, deep-diving jerkbait to put together a limit that weighed 22-6 and gave him the Day 1 lead.

Day two leader, Alabama's Justin HamnerDay two leader, Alabama's Justin Hamner

Alabama's Justin Hamner has maintained his lead on Day 2 of the 2024 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors at Grand Lake O' the Cherokees with a total of 42 pounds, 6 ounces. Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.

TULSA, Okla. — Since practice began last week, Alabama pro Justin Hamner says he hasn’t been able to duplicate two patterns from one day to the next.

That trend continued Saturday, but it doesn’t seem to be affecting him adversely.

Hamner caught yet another five-bass limit that weighed 20 pounds and increased his two-day total to 42 pounds, 6 ounces, to maintain the lead in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees.

Day one leader Justin HamnerDay one leader Justin Hamner

Alabama's Justin Hamner has taken the lead on Day 1 of the 2024 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors at Grand Lake O' the Cherokees with a total of 22 pounds, 6 ounces. Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S

TULSA, Okla. — “I’m leading the Bassmaster Classic,” said Justin Hamner, sounding as much like he was asking a question as making a statement.

But it was 100% true.

The young pro from Northport, Ala., weighed in 22 pounds, 6 ounces Friday to take the Day 1 lead at the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors. The fourth-year member of the Bassmaster Elite Series found a pattern on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees that placed him just over a pound ahead of Missouri pro Cody Huff and continued the flow of what has been a dream 2024 season.

“This whole year has just been so much fun,” said Hamner, who opened his Elite Series season with a 14th-place finish at Toledo Bend and a third-place showing at Lake Fork last month. “I’ve just been fishing free and doing what I want to do with no stress. I’m just going back to my roots and bass fishing knowing it’s my only job for the first time ever.

Do you think you have what it takes to compete in a bass tournament on Lake Michigan?

Here’s your chance to win big bucks.

Dennis Banik announces the South Shore Bass Open set for August 3-4 with a launch at the Hammond, Ind. Marina.

Banik said the payout is based upon number of entries and sponsorships, but it has the potential for a $30,000 first-place prize with 150 two-man teams entered. In addition, several charity organizations will benefit from the event.

Entry fee before May 1 is $450 and $500 thereafter.

If you have any questions, contact Banik at 219-512-2924 or email southshorebassopen@gmail.com.

You can find an entry form and tournament rules at www.southshorecva.com/ssbassopen.

Polar Bear Report

The Polar Bear Open ended its season appropriately with the Bob Evans Classic under cold, snowy conditions and the tournament’s namesake winning two of the prizes on the St. Joseph River at 6 Span Bridge.

Wesson Vint and Chris Brunt - 1st PlaceWesson Vint and Chris Brunt - 1st Place

The biggest prize – first place – went to Wesson Vint and Chris Brunt with11.60 pounds that included the biggest bass, a 3.66 pounder. They fished Ned rigs and blade baits around shallower structure to win $340 and the $ 90 big bass pot.

Bob Evans and John Grimm - 2nd PlaceBob Evans and John Grimm - 2nd Place

Bob Evans and John Grimm - Critter PrizeBob Evans and John Grimm - Critter Prize

Bob Evans and John Grimm not only finished second ($200) with 10.5 pounds, but they hauled in the biggest critter fish, a 17.17-pound carp, for a bonus $90.  They fished blades and Ned rigs near the dam area. Evans started the annual Thanksgiving Weekend tournament years ago and the Polar Bear Open crew adopted it as the circuit’s season finale.

The nine competing teams said the bite was great early but died off as the day wore on. The water was 38 degrees and most teams reported having a great time in the snowy conditions.