2026 Bassmaster Classic:
Living the Dream in Knoxville
Bruce Callis
The 2026 Bassmaster Classic kicked off day one today. And what an exciting day following the bitter chill of Media Day. It was a chilly start to the day, but the brilliant sunrise held high hopes. For the fan of bass fishing, the first day of the Expo loomed large. And as always, it did not disappoint once again.
The crowds formed early, lining up to step through the doors and into magic. It’s like a kid going into the candy store, or the toy factory. There is so much to see, so much to do, and so much to experience. And so many sweet deals to help fill our tackle boxes. And so many first time vendors looking to hopefully become one of your favorite.
One thing I have found to be true is that you have to take your time and explore everything. You can truly miss out on some amazing things by being in too big a hurry to just go to see one vendor. One thing I found this year was Stealth Batteries. I know, another Lithium Battery. I can’t tell you the difference between all the batteries, but I can say that they offer a few things that I hadn’t see on the market. When you take out those heavy lead batteries, it can throw off the weight. They offer a weighted battery tray to help balance out the weight as needed.
But, the most important thing they offer is a new fire extinguisher, that should be available within 90 days, that works for Lithium Batteries. These batteries can be a real hazard and the normal fire extinguisher does not put them out. Safety on the water is so important. Having the right equipment is essential if you want to make it back home. And this is one of those items you hope you never need. Go check them out yourself at stealthbatteries.com.
And fans love to talk to the pros. And the Classic Expo doesn’t disappoint. Edwin Evers, Stetson Blaylock, Bryan Thrift, and so many more are there. But as much as I love talking to them, and yes, I am going to say hi, but it’s so much more. I get to see so many people that I know from within the industry and those from Social Media. It is such a blessing to get to talk with like minded people who love fishing as much as I do.
It is so difficult to see everything at the Expo in one day. You can walk through the buildings without stopping too much and see everything. But you miss so much. I made my way through the entire Expo, but I will be back tomorrow so I can make some more stops to make content, buy stuff, and learn something new. And I need to make sure to stop by Missile Baits to pick up some new Freedom Flyers. My time is cut short because I have to make it to weigh-in to do more work.
The big show under the bright lights, the place so many of us dream of as kids, that famed stage to stand before the masses and show off your talent. I have dreamed of it like all of you. Rookies fishing their first time and veterans still chasing the dream of being the Champion. For some, the nerves of the blast off can ruin the day, while others will settle down once they make that first catch. Who will lead day one? Will they continue on to win? Everything is about being out there and doing what you love, fishing.
Day one was about finding the cleanest water you could. Long runs, and making changes were the normal for today. For some, like Justin Hamner, it was about starting over and just going fishing that helped him find his bass. And the one that came unbuttoned hurt. Cody Meyer, fishing his first ever Classic, it was everything that he imagined and more. But finding that cleaner water was the key to making it happen.
Stay tuned and be ready, the Big Show is just getting ready to thrill! Who will find that cleaner water, who will make the right decision. Will Easton Fothergill rule again this year? Will it be a first time Classic Angler? It is going to be good.