As all BassFans know, BASS allowed Gary Klein into this year's Bassmaster Classic only about a week ago – in other words, after the official pre-practice had ended.
He said previously that he didn't think his lack of a pre-practice would make a difference in his chances of winning because the fishing is so tough. But Wednesday he had his 1 day of practice. So now that he's seen the water, how does he feel about his chances? Following are some comments from a short interview yesterday.
How did you approach practice?
"I felt I had to maximize my practice. I pretty much stuck with one technique and covered as much water as I could. I looked at two different rivers. I don't think there's a concentration of fish anywhere."
How was the water different, if at all, from what you expected?
"The most important thing is that (the practice day) enhanced what I thought. So that part I feel good about. The way I envisioned catching my fish before I got to Pittsburgh is exactly the way I got my 20 hits (Wednesday). I caught them all on the same rig."
Do you know what you'll do today?
"I know exactly what I'm going to do. I'm going to stay local and just let the day develop. I'm hoping what's going to happen is that a lot of anglers will lock out, and I'll have the pool to myself a little bit. I don't know what to expect as far as spectator boats. I'll play it by ear."
What's the most important day?
"I think all 3 days are real critical. I feel I need to be able to catch at least 4 pounds a day to have a shot. I think it will be a low-weight event, but again, I've only been on it 1 day so I don't know what to expect. There's a very good chance the Classic will be won one of two ways: someone catches a little-better-quality fish and does not catch a limit, or someone limits all 3 days. Hopefully I'll be one that catches five keepers a day. That's what I'm shooting for."
There's lots of talk about how you got in. Is that affecting you?
"That's all behind me. I'm focused on the competition, and I guess anytime a decision is made in this industry, it's not going to please everybody. I definitely have to say that anyone who knows me knows I've devoted my life to this sport and BASS, and the integrity of this sport. If I did not in my heart believe I qualified for this event, I would not be here."
Do you think you have a shot at winning?
"I have to say yes. I'm a competitor and know that things develop as the day progresses. With the activity I had (on Wednesday), I have potential. I'm excited to go fishing, and that's a good thing."
