Inside the massive Classic Expo

Fishing fans eagerly await the opening of the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo.
Fishing fans eagerly await the opening of the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo.
This family was all smiles for their photo with bass fishing icon Jimmy Houston.
This family was all smiles for their photo with bass fishing icon Jimmy Houston.
Ranger Boats, still building legends one at a time.
Ranger Boats, still building legends one at a time.
Big bass, big stage, big dreams.
Big bass, big stage, big dreams.
Academy Sports and Outdoors handed out free buckets for Expo shopping.
Academy Sports and Outdoors handed out free buckets for Expo shopping.
Expo attendees found those Academy buckets made great seats while they waited for the doors to open.
Expo attendees found those Academy buckets made great seats while they waited for the doors to open.
The BJCC escalators saw a continuous flow of fishing fans visiting the Expo’s different levels.
The BJCC escalators saw a continuous flow of fishing fans visiting the Expo’s different levels.
Yamaha and Mercury outboards had a major presence outside the BJCC.
Yamaha and Mercury outboards had a major presence outside the BJCC.
Toyota parked the official vehicles outside the BJCC.
Toyota parked the official vehicles outside the BJCC.
Academy Sports & Outdoors offered a Mystery Tackle Box game to thank fans for their support.
Academy Sports & Outdoors offered a Mystery Tackle Box game to thank fans for their support.
Huk introduced a new Tournament Series rain gear during the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo.
Huk introduced a new Tournament Series rain gear during the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo.
Plano showed off the 10 models in its new Edge Series.
Plano showed off the 10 models in its new Edge Series.
One of the cool features of Plano’s new Edge Series is the built-in EZ Label System.
One of the cool features of Plano’s new Edge Series is the built-in EZ Label System.
Dave Precht, recently retired B.A.S.S. Vice President of Communications, visited the YUM bass and Dinger with his daughter Katherine Stiene and grandson Boyer.
Dave Precht, recently retired B.A.S.S. Vice President of Communications, visited the YUM bass and Dinger with his daughter Katherine Stiene and grandson Boyer.
Carhartt seamstresses sew B.A.S.S. logos on the A18 hats. Proceeds from sales of these hats benefit the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation’s effort to conserve and protect the state’s fisheries.
Carhartt seamstresses sew B.A.S.S. logos on the A18 hats. Proceeds from sales of these hats benefit the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation’s effort to conserve and protect the state’s fisheries.
Carhartt fans signed up to guess the number of t-shirts in the giant C.
Carhartt fans signed up to guess the number of t-shirts in the giant C.
Toyota always brings a visually impressive display to the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo.
Toyota always brings a visually impressive display to the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo.
Toyota offered fans a diverse program they called the Waypoints Adventure, which awarded prizes and automatically entered each participant for a drawing.
Toyota offered fans a diverse program they called the Waypoints Adventure, which awarded prizes and automatically entered each participant for a drawing.
The Toyota Bait Throw offered fishing’s version of darts.
The Toyota Bait Throw offered fishing’s version of darts.
Toyota’s 4-Runner Cargo Racing Challenge allowed participants to show how fast they could load gear bags into the vehicle’s trunk.
Toyota’s 4-Runner Cargo Racing Challenge allowed participants to show how fast they could load gear bags into the vehicle’s trunk.
Expo attendees showed off their driving skills in the Toyota Racing Challenge.
Expo attendees showed off their driving skills in the Toyota Racing Challenge.
Toyota’s Adventure Tic-Tac-Toe game awarded prizes for precision tosses.
Toyota’s Adventure Tic-Tac-Toe game awarded prizes for precision tosses.
Mossy Oak brought a wide assortment of colors in its popular short sleeve t-shirts.
Mossy Oak brought a wide assortment of colors in its popular short sleeve t-shirts.
Just look at the shine on those Mercury Pro XS Motors.
Just look at the shine on those Mercury Pro XS Motors.
The Bass Pro Shops display was rich in angling memorabilia.
The Bass Pro Shops display was rich in angling memorabilia.
Two-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year Gerald Swindle signs a fan’s shirt.
Two-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year Gerald Swindle signs a fan’s shirt.
Swindle’s consistently long autograph line bespoke his enduring popularity among fans.
Swindle’s consistently long autograph line bespoke his enduring popularity among fans.
This young fan shared a special moment with the G-Man.
This young fan shared a special moment with the G-Man.
Old Town’s Sportsman Autopilot 136 features a Minn Kota Powerdrive.
Old Town’s Sportsman Autopilot 136 features a Minn Kota Powerdrive.
Carl Jocumsen, the first Australian to win an Elite event, discusses Minn Kota and Humminbird’s One Boat Network.
Carl Jocumsen, the first Australian to win an Elite event, discusses Minn Kota and Humminbird’s One Boat Network.
Jocumsen shared his insights into fish and structure location.
Jocumsen shared his insights into fish and structure location.
Talons come in multiple sizes and colors.
Talons come in multiple sizes and colors.
There’s a Minn Kota trolling motor for everyone’s needs.
There’s a Minn Kota trolling motor for everyone’s needs.
Humminbird’s Helix Series now includes MEGA Imaging.
Humminbird’s Helix Series now includes MEGA Imaging.
B.A.S.S. memberships were available for expo visitors.
B.A.S.S. memberships were available for expo visitors.
Expo attendees appreciated the Bassmaster LIVE screen in the Skeeter exhibit.
Expo attendees appreciated the Bassmaster LIVE screen in the Skeeter exhibit.
Skeeter fans crowded the exhibit for the unveiling of the new ZXR models.
Skeeter fans crowded the exhibit for the unveiling of the new ZXR models.
New boat introductions like Skeeter’s ZXR series always thrill the crowds.
New boat introductions like Skeeter’s ZXR series always thrill the crowds.
Power-Pole’s all about the total boat control.
Power-Pole’s all about the total boat control.
Ranger brought its best to the Expo.
Ranger brought its best to the Expo.
Tracker builds great fishability in a budget-friendly aluminum boat.
Tracker builds great fishability in a budget-friendly aluminum boat.
The Triton 21 TrX Patriot comes tournament-ready.
The Triton 21 TrX Patriot comes tournament-ready.
Nitro Boats brings proven construction with pro-level performance.
Nitro Boats brings proven construction with pro-level performance.
Elites Ed Loughran and Garrett Paquette talk fishing with Expo visitors.
Elites Ed Loughran and Garrett Paquette talk fishing with Expo visitors.
Booyah’s Covert  line brings incredible depth to spinnerbaits.
Booyah’s Covert line brings incredible depth to spinnerbaits.
The legendary Hank Parker is always a fan favorite.
The legendary Hank Parker is always a fan favorite.
Falcon Rods displayed its tournament-proven products at the Expo.
Falcon Rods displayed its tournament-proven products at the Expo.
Fifty years of Bassmaster Classic history was on display in the Bassmaster exhibit.
Fifty years of Bassmaster Classic history was on display in the Bassmaster exhibit.
Bobby Murray, the first Bassmaster Classic champion was on-hand to sign autographs.
Bobby Murray, the first Bassmaster Classic champion was on-hand to sign autographs.
Elite rookie Destin Demarion visits with fans at the Bassmaster exhibit.
Elite rookie Destin Demarion visits with fans at the Bassmaster exhibit.
B.A.S.S. Chairman Chase Anderson visited the Bassmaster exhibit and chatted with B.A.S.S. employee Jacquelyne Moore.
B.A.S.S. Chairman Chase Anderson visited the Bassmaster exhibit and chatted with B.A.S.S. employee Jacquelyne Moore.
Dave Precht, James Hall, Bob Cobb — there’s a ton of publishing expertise in this gathering of greats. Bassmaster magazine has had just three editors in its 52 year history. All three spent time together in the B.A.S.S. booth.
Dave Precht, James Hall, Bob Cobb — there’s a ton of publishing expertise in this gathering of greats. Bassmaster magazine has had just three editors in its 52 year history. All three spent time together in the B.A.S.S. booth.
Mike Suchan and Ronnie Moore hard at work during the Bassmaster LIVE.
Mike Suchan and Ronnie Moore hard at work during the Bassmaster LIVE.
The dream team of bass fishing coverage: Tommy Sanders, Davy Hite and Mark Zona.
The dream team of bass fishing coverage: Tommy Sanders, Davy Hite and Mark Zona.
The Expo aisles remained packed with bass fishing fans.
The Expo aisles remained packed with bass fishing fans.
Yamaha’s reliability was on display.
Yamaha’s reliability was on display.
T-H Marine specializes in providing all the accessories that facilitate bass fishing success.
T-H Marine specializes in providing all the accessories that facilitate bass fishing success.
Tackle Titan foam lure holders, only at T-H Marine.
Tackle Titan foam lure holders, only at T-H Marine.
This little bass fan got to meet the G-Man during his Expo visit.
This little bass fan got to meet the G-Man during his Expo visit.
Daiwa introduced its new Zillion 10.0 SV TW with a blistering 10:1 gear ratio.
Daiwa introduced its new Zillion 10.0 SV TW with a blistering 10:1 gear ratio.
Daiwa’s Curt Arakawa shows off the new Tatula SV.
Daiwa’s Curt Arakawa shows off the new Tatula SV.
The light weight and strength of Daiwa’s Rebellion series is impressive.
The light weight and strength of Daiwa’s Rebellion series is impressive.
Bassmaster Opens angler Scott Martin visits with fans at the AFTCO booth.
Bassmaster Opens angler Scott Martin visits with fans at the AFTCO booth.
Sweet finish on that Phoenix package.
Sweet finish on that Phoenix package.
St. Croix introduced the Legend Xtreme series — the company’s most sensitive rods ever.
St. Croix introduced the Legend Xtreme series — the company’s most sensitive rods ever.
Elite Rookie Destin Demarion readies for a Berkley Hog Trough seminar while two-time Bassmaster Classic champion Hank Parker speaks below.
Elite Rookie Destin Demarion readies for a Berkley Hog Trough seminar while two-time Bassmaster Classic champion Hank Parker speaks below.
The Academy Sports + Outdoors team kept those buckets ready for Expo visitors.
The Academy Sports + Outdoors team kept those buckets ready for Expo visitors.
The Tennessee Valley Authority fish tank showed the incredible diversity of life swimming in this river system.
The Tennessee Valley Authority fish tank showed the incredible diversity of life swimming in this river system.

TVA staff answered a variety of questions regarding local fisheries.
TVA staff answered a variety of questions regarding local fisheries.
Garmin products showing off Relief Shading, Livescope Down and Perspective View technologies.
Garmin products showing off Relief Shading, Livescope Down and Perspective View technologies.
Expo visitors found a great selection of Bassmaster gear.
Expo visitors found a great selection of Bassmaster gear.
Fans turned out in force for the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo.
Fans turned out in force for the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo.
Elite angler Chris Groh speaks with fans near the Humminbird/Minn Kota booth.
Elite angler Chris Groh speaks with fans near the Humminbird/Minn Kota booth.
Denny Brauer greets fans at the Strike King booth.
Denny Brauer greets fans at the Strike King booth.
Elite angler Jesse Tacoronte shows off his pitching skills at the Mercury casting pond.
Elite angler Jesse Tacoronte shows off his pitching skills at the Mercury casting pond.
Mercury’s casting competition is always an Expo fan favorite.
Mercury’s casting competition is always an Expo fan favorite.
An autograph from Hank Parker is worth a few minutes in line.
An autograph from Hank Parker is worth a few minutes in line.
Lew’s reels on display for Expo visitors.
Lew’s reels on display for Expo visitors.
Nothing ugly about these fish-catching sticks.
Nothing ugly about these fish-catching sticks.
Strike King’s Tour Grade fluorocarbon pairs well with many of the company’s baits.
Strike King’s Tour Grade fluorocarbon pairs well with many of the company’s baits.
Past Bassmaster Classic champion David Fritts is always willing to visit with fans.
Past Bassmaster Classic champion David Fritts is always willing to visit with fans.
Young fans always enjoy the Paw Patrol.
Young fans always enjoy the Paw Patrol.
The excitement for the 50th Bassmaster Classic was evident in packed Expo aisles.
The excitement for the 50th Bassmaster Classic was evident in packed Expo aisles.
Berkley displayed its popular Powerbait products in multiple rigs.
Berkley displayed its popular Powerbait products in multiple rigs.
This young angler eagerly watches as Berkley experts provide free line spooling.
This young angler eagerly watches as Berkley experts provide free line spooling.