2025 Bassmaster Classic Preview

The Bassmaster Classic returns to center stage in the bass fishing community this week, commencing on Friday, March 21st. Come Sunday the 23rd, a new reigning champion will be blasted with confetti.

Jeff Gustafson wins the Bassmaster Classic in 2023 — Jeff Gustafson hoists the trophy after winning the 53rd Annual Bassmaster Classic on the Tennessee River in 2023. *(Photo by Robbie Tartaglia)*

The Classic is the largest celebration of the sport—the Super Bowl of bass fishing, some would say. This year, 56 of the best bass anglers in the world will travel down to Lake Ray Roberts in Fort Worth, Texas, including 3 of the finest anglers from the Northeast U.S.

heading out for Day 1 at the 2024 Bassmaster Classic — This year, 56 of the best bass anglers in the world will travel down to Lake Ray Roberts in Fort Worth, TX, to compete in the 55th annual Bassmaster Classic. *(Photo by Robbie Tartaglia)*

Tyler Williams of Belgrade, ME, leads the charge in Angler of the Year (AOY) points after a stellar rookie season on tour, in which he finished 8th overall. Right behind him is fellow sophomore Kyle Patrick of Cooperstown, NY, sitting 13th overall. These guys got a taste of the Classic last year for the first time, and are poised to make a statement their second time around.

New to the Bassmaster Classic, but certainly not new to strong performances on the Elite Series, is Connecticut’s Alex Wetherell. Alex is in his third season on tour, and has firmly proven himself worthy of fishing alongside the very best in the business.

In addition to our local anglers, something worth paying attention to this year, separate from past events, is the Toyota Sharelunker Program. This partnership between Texas Parks and Wildlife and bass anglers encourages the submission of big largemouth bass to the program for research and selective breeding, all to improve bass fishing in the state of Texas. The Sharelunker entry categories are for largemouth weighing 8, 10, and over 13 pounds. Texas Parks and Wildlife is very excited about this tournament because the best bass anglers in the world will be fishing during the best month of the year for Sharelunker bass to be caught at Lake Ray Roberts. Get your popcorn ready, because fans of big bass should get a show; after all, Texas is known as the land of giants.

Look to the three competing Northeast anglers for strong performances in this tournament. You can follow along the action with live updates on bassmaster.com, but be sure to follow @onthewater_bass on Instagram for live updates and interviews from these three Northeast hammers.