By Louie Stout

Michiana angler’s Classic experience was worth every penny.You can learn a lot about fishing from reading books and magazines, watching videos or attending seminars.

Jim Loshbaugh has done all that. He’s also logged plenty of time on the water fishing with top notch Michiana anglers. So what’s left?

How about sitting in the back of a Bassmaster Classic contender’s boat and watching him fish?

In 10-degree weather?

That’s how the semi-retired Elkhart man spent most of his week in mid-Feb. He was selected to serve as a marshal in the super bowl of bass fishing on Lake Hartwell, S.C.

The Bassmaster Classic is the planet’s most prestigious fishing event. It attracts thousands of people and media from around the world. It includes the tournament, a massive tackle show, and a weigh-in production before a packed arena. This year’s festivities were held in Greenville, S.C.’s Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The tournament was won by local favorite Casey Ashley.

Loshbaugh paid $500 for the privilege of spending a day in the boat with three different pros.

He was an observer with Brett Hite of Arizona on a practice day, Matt Herren of Alabama on the first competition day, and Ott DeFoe of Tennessee on the second tournament day. He was given the day off of the finals.

“I got more than my money’s worth and would do it again,” said Loshbaugh. “You can learn so much from just watching these guys who know so many tricks and do a lot of little things that most of us never consider.”

Aside from that, Classic marshals are there to make sure the competitor observes all of the rules. Marshals aren’t permitted to fish.

This assignment became even tougher when an arctic blast blanketed South Carolina. Record cold temperatures greeted the anglers when they launched Friday morning. It was so cold that several boats were frozen to trailers, storage compartments were iced shut, trolling motors didn’t turn and fishing reels locked up.

But Loshbaugh was undaunted. Growing up in northern Indiana toughens you up, even for long, 70 mph boat rides down a frigid, massive reservoir like Hartwell.

“I never got cold,” said Loshbaugh, who admitted he spent an extra $300 on additional warm apparel. “If you’re dressed for it, it’s no big deal. I bought some electric foot warmers and had a mask as well as my insulated clothing.”

The experience with top bass pros made it worth it, he insists. He witnessed anglers fishing everything from shallow water to depths of 35 feet. He watched them throw crankbaits, drop-shots, shaky head rigs and tiny jigs.

“They were all great guys and answered a lot of my questions about lures, presentations and strategies,” he said. “Anytime you get to share a boat with someone from another part of the country, you’re going to learn something. And to spend time with some of the best-of-the-best, you’re going to learn even more.”

Loshbaugh has attended six other Bassmaster Classics and says the experience is special.

“Most bass anglers dream of fishing the Bassmaster Classic but, realistically, most of us will never get that chance,” he said. “This gives you a ringside seat and an opportunity to learn first-hand from the best.”

His only regret was that Kalamazoo’s Kevin VanDam and nephew Jonathon didn’t qualify for the event this year. Kevin is a four-time Classic winner and has qualified 24 consecutive years prior to this one.

“To experience a Classic with them would have been awesome,” said Loshbaugh, who is a member of the Berrien Bass Busters club. “I hope I get to do it again next year and that both of them will be among the competitors.”