The Bassmaster Classic is the most coveted trophy in the history of tournament fishing, and possibly the world’s most prestigious professional bass tournament. This year, a record 154,932 fishing enthusiasts traveled to Greenville, SC, March 4-6 to take in the festivities. These events include the tournament, won by first-time Classic Champion and Yamaha Pro Jason Christie, with a three-day total of 54 pounds of bass, as well as an expansive Exposition.
At the Expo, vendors large and small displayed and educated fishing fans on the newest and most innovative products in the industry. The most recent addition to the Expo this year included FREE Youth and Family Fishing Clinics hosted by Yamaha Pro Angler Spencer Deutz. Deutz presented an interactive seminar to 150 kids and 200 adults over the three days. The youth anglers learned about fish identification, on the water safety, proper measurement of fish, selective harvest, Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS), and much more. Each participant received a free rod/reel combination and a t-shirt courtesy of the National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) Future Angler Foundation (FAF).
At the end of the seminar, Spencer introduced a giveaway, Project Tikka Mino, sponsored by Clam Outdoors and Renegade Outdoor Innovations. The Tikka Mino is a one-piece, jigging minnow, an industry first for Clam Pro Tackel, and is designed for vertical presentation to rip fish through ice or open water. This project allows kids to design their own Tikka Mino on a blank coloring page. At the end of the year, Deutz will choose 10 winners and Renegade Outdoor Innovations will custom paint a Tikka Mino that is an exact match to their drawing!
With the importance of educating the public on ANS, Spencer’s message in 2019, 2020 and 2021 was Clean, Drain and Dry and 2022 is no different. With the exponential growth of ANS invading our waterways, it is imperative that this message is embraced by everyone who plans to be on the water, especially our youth. If we want to have healthy waters in years to come, we need to involve the next generation in preventing a potential disaster.
Deutz, Yamaha Outboards, the NPAA, and the FAF would like to thank the City of Greenville and the Greenville Convention Center for their assistance with these events. Since 2010, Deutz has hosted over 80 clinics and believes he can make a significant impact on the sport through education and outreach.
For more information on the event, or Project Tikka Mino, contact Spencer Deutz @ 701-361-2521.
Deutz’s Sponsors Include: Yamaha Outboards, Ranger Boats, Luther Family Buick GMC of Fargo-Moorhead, SunButter Sunflower Butter, Blackfish Gear, Optima Batteries, VisionBANK, Moritz Sport and Marine, Off Shore Tackle Company, Northland Tackle, and Airwave Pedestal.
