While Abbreviated, AOY Event Packed With Drama

The Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year Championship was supposed to be a season-ending celebration for the top 50 competitors in the points.

It turned out to be a battle of attrition as big winds, big waves and big water kept the field on the sidelines for 3 days. When the dust settled and following 2 days of thrilling smallmouth fishing, Greg Hackney proved to be the best of the best in 2014, claiming the AOY title.

Strong Start

Elite Series rookie Brandon Lester had a great day 1 at the Angler of the Year Championship and a solid day 2 was enough to earn him his first Bassmaster Classic berth. (Photo: BassFan)

Finishing Kick

Brandon Palaniuk capped off his best season points wise with a 11th-place finish at the AOY championship to move up to 17th in points, easily punching his ticket to the Classic. (Photo: BassFan)

He Made It!

After missing an entire tournament earlier in the year, Kevin Short pulled off an incredible rally to finish the season with just enough points to make the Classic – by one point. (Photo: BassFan)

Smallie Smile

Chris Lane proved again that he's no slouch at smallmouth fisheries, banking a 10th-place finish to close the season in 12th place in points. (Photo: BassFan)

Closing Statement

Mark Davis closed the year with a 3rd-place finish at Lake Michigan, but it wasn't enough to make up much ground in the AOY race, where he finished 5th. (Photo: BassFan)

Reign's Over

Aaron Martens fell short in his bid to repeat as AOY, sliding to 4th in points at the end. (Photo: BassFan)

Movin' On Up

Andy Montgomery moved up 10 spots in the standings – the biggest jump by anyone – with his 5th-place finish at Lake Michigan and earned a trip to the Classic (Photo: BassFan)

Mr. Big Fish

Jacob Powroznik capped off a spectacular rookie season with a win at Lake Michigan, catching nearly 48 pounds of smallmouth over 2 days. (Photo: BassFan)