Anglers Do Practice Launch Ahead Of Bassmaster Classic

Despite the inclement weather Wednesday, the Bassmaster Classic had a bit of a dress rehearsal.

Our Dick Faurot was there for the practice launch, as the 54 top bass fishermen in the world flooded Grand Lake for the practice rounds.

We were on board as the only college student in the tournament, Matt Lee, got his feet wet.

Wednesday evening, folks gathered at the Hard Rock Casino to celebrate last year's big winners, including Bret Chapman, the 2012 angler of the year.

Special Coverage: 2013 Bassmaster Classic

The title comes with more than bragging rights—there's a $100,000 bonus.

Angler of the year is decided by a points system, similar to Nascar.

Before that ceremony, Bassmaster Classic fans chatted up Oklahoma's Own Jason Christie Wednesday night.

He was signing autographs at the Hard Rock.

Tahlequah native Christie said fishing the classic in his own backyard is a dream come true.

2/20/2013 Related Story: Tahlequah Native Jason Christie Talks Preparation For Bassmaster Classic