Rules and Procedures
The field has ranged from 24 to 61 players. In 2013, the field was 53 anglers. The 2009 competition included women for the first time. However, neither of the two women qualified within the top 20 and 2010 was the last year for women to be given a classic spot. As in previous years, they have to earn a spot in the opens.
The Bassmaster Classic takes place over three days. All fish are caught under catch-and-release rules, must measure at least 12 inches, and must be alive at the time they are presented for weigh-in or a penalty will be assessed. There is a cut after the second day, in which only the 25 top anglers, based on total weight, advance to the third day. The highest total weight after three days wins the competition.
Contestants can only fish in specified areas at the competition venue. This is usually a lake, but the 2005 competition was held at Three Rivers (Allegheny River and Monongahela River which forms the Ohio River) in Pittsburgh, with some competitors using tributaries such as the Beaver River and Youghiogheny River dozens of miles from the confluence. In 2009 and 2012 the Classic used a 100 mile stretch of the Red River in Shreveport, Louisiana. In 2011, the Classic was held on the Louisiana Delta.
From its inception to 1976, the Classic was held at a "mystery lake," unknown to competitors until they were aboard an aircraft bound for the site. Founder Ray Scott changed the practice for the 1977 Classic, announcing the site in advance so that fans of the sport could plan ahead to attend.
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