How does a fisherman qualify for the Bassmaster Classic?
“37 go to the top 37 in the Toyota Angler of the Year standings on the Elite Series; six are split among the three leaders in the Central and Southern divisions in the Bassmaster Opens; six go to the top finisher from each of the six regions of the Federation Nation in the Federation Nation Championship; and the final spot goes to the Bassmaster Weekend Series champion. It seems pretty straightforward, but there is one rule that would allow more Elite Series anglers into the biggest event in bass fishing — a rule that Menendez thinks is spot on. Since the Bassmaster Opens are just that — open — anybody, including Elite Series anglers, can pay their money and fish. BASS rules state that if an Elite Series angler qualifies for the Classic through the Opens, he enters the Classic as an Open qualifier, not as an Elite.” http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/tournaments/elite/news/story?id=30242
