By John Johnson
BassFan Senior Editor

Conditions that were constantly evolving have been the dominant theme of several Bassmaster Classics since the event was moved from late summer to winter/early spring in 2006. The 2018 version at South Carolina's Lake Hartwell is shaping up to be one of those – perhaps to a greater extent than any before it.

As of the end of Wednesday's final practice day, quality fish could be found at depths ranging from 6 inches to 50 feet. That should still be the case when the tournament gets under way Friday morning, but the groups of fish that anglers found in 4 days on the water over the past week might not be where they were when the competitors last checked in on them. Then again, there might be a lot more around – and bigger specimens to boot.

The weather is once again warming up after a week-long cold spell and the water level is high enough to bring all sorts of shoreline cover into play. And some of that cover – of the vegetative variety – has emerged since the last time the lake hosted a top-level derby.

Then there's the fact that Hartwell is a "blueback herring lake." The bass in impoundments that are also home to a substantial population of that nomadic baitfish act differently than they do in other places. As long as the bluebacks stay deep, a lot of the bass will stay out there with them.

"I honestly think anybody could show out and win," said 2017 Angler of the Year Brandon Palaniuk. "The way it's setting up with the weather and the fishery we're at could play into anybody's hands. "I've seen fish at all different depths and I'm a little confused because there's so many options.

"It could be won at any depth and it's obviously all about finding the right size fish. Where those fish are will probably change day to day."

Such a scenario makes it difficult to prognosticate which competitors might fare best in the third Classic staged at Hartwell over the past decade. It's a pre-spawn setup, to be sure, but how much it will progress toward the actual spawn over the next three days is the big question.

With those factors in mind, it seems prudent to lean toward anglers who have proven track records of technique versatility and making good decisions on the fly. Following are BassFan's recommendations for the top 10 to watch in this event.

1. Jason Christie – He's a threat to win any event at any time of year, but he might be most lethal when fish are heading toward the bank. He's contended in past Classics and just seems like a guy who's going to win one before long.

2. Brent Ehrler – He has a very strong track record at Hartwell and although he's primarily recognized as an offshore maven, he's about as well-rounded as anybody when it comes to plying different depths. He also has a tendency for enticing the giant bites that transform a good stringer to a great one.

3. Casey Ashley – His "local advantage" isn't as great as it was last time due to the warmer conditions, but this is still a guy who's won one-third of the six top-level tournaments conducted at Hartwell since 2008. His vast history on the fishery will allow him to make quicker and more accurate adjustments than most in the field.

4. Greg Hackney – He hasn't been a serious contender in most of the previous 14 Classics he's participated in, but not many of them seemed to set up as well for him as this one does. He's a monster in shallow water and there may be enough quality up there for him to wreak havoc.

5. Brandon Palaniuk – He might be a bit bewildered at the moment, but he's a guy who usually finds the "right deal" and capitalizes when he does. He's a factor in Classics more often than not.

6. Kevin VanDam – At age 50, the four-time Classic winner might not have the energy that he once did, but he's still among the best in tournaments in which covering a lot of water is beneficial. His spectator contingent will likely be huge on day 1 (as it always is), but he knows how to deal with that phenomenon.

7. Aaron Martens – The lack of a Classic victory remains the only hole on his stellar career résumé. He's proven many times that he has the ability to locate and catch fish that many others simply can't. It would seem that one of these years, it simply has to all come together for him.

8. Mike McClelland – This is his time of year and his type of fishery and he knows how to win when the opportunity arises, as his for Elite Series victories attest. He might be able to make some real hay if the bank migration doesn't proceed as quickly as many think it will.

9. Skeet Reese – He hasn't done much in the Classic since winning in 2009, but he's a superb tactician on fish that are in transition toward the annual reproduction ritual. If he has a strong first day, he's likely to stay in contention throughout.

10. Todd Faircloth – He's come up just a little shy on numerous occasions in the sport's premier event and he's done it quietly – which is his nature. Another four-time Elite Series winner, he's a proven closer when he gets the chance.