Walker Readies for Lake Hartwell’s 2015 Bassmaster Classic

GREENVILLE, S.C. (Jan. 12) — Using the past few months to prepare for the premier fishing event of the year, pro angler David Walker already is honing his winning techniques for his trip to Lake Hartwell for the GEICO Bassmaster Classic Feb. 20-22.

“Specifically for the Classic I have been mostly working on smaller things, like trying to dial in on what I’m going to be fishing with,” Walker said. “I don’t know exactly what lures I’m going to be using but I do have at least an idea. The reality is you need to choose lures by looking back at what has won there previously. That’s going to give you a good idea of what to use.

“That’s the good thing about being in a tournament like this. You’re fishing to win. You have to get in that mindset where you’re not worried about points, checks, and getting into the Classic. You’re now here and you fish to win.”

Looking to put a decade of Bassmaster Classic tournaments under his belt, the Cabela’s/GEICO For Your Boat Ranger Elite angler continues to feel the same pride to be competing as he did when he began his career.

“This is going to be my 10th Bassmaster Classic,” Walker said. “To me, it is by far my favorite tournament to fish. I don’t care where it’s held at because it is unlike all the other events. There’s so much going on there and so many eyes on it. It’s really an adrenaline rush to be there and how much of the focus of the fishing world is there.”

Despite almost bringing the coveted trophy home at a previous Classic, Walker is driven more than ever to change his fate this year.

“You don’t get lucky and qualify for the Classic,” Walker said. “For me personally, I’m looking forward to my 10th Classic as much if not more than my first one. It hasn’t gotten old to me.

“I’ve been leading the Classic before until the final guy at weigh-in takes the win. I’ve come that close to winning the Classic before. I’ve almost had ahold of that trophy, and that makes me want to win it even more. It was devastating at the time, but to be that close makes you want to work even harder to get it done.”

 

Cabela’s/GEICO For Your Boat Ranger Elite angler David Walker is honing his winning techniques for his trip to Lake Hartwell for the GEICO Bassmaster Classic Feb. 20-22.