In Western Culture the term Sensei/Zen Master has been used to refer to any number of public figures in sports and entertainment, meaning a teacher or a person who demonstrates detachment and control in stressful situations. It’s spring in Florida or should I say winter anyway the fish here have been spawning in some area for months. The Bassmasters Elite kicks off here on the St Johns River for what has been typically a sight fishing tournament leaving the Florida contingents licking their chops. The likes of Terry Scroggins , Cliff Prince, Shaw Grigsby Jr., the Lane brothers, Bernie Schultz and a host of other Southern guys held a big advantage. Waiting in the shadows of weeds, under docks and on beds were a pack of Big Bass with some other guy’s names on them. My friend Justin Lucas the “Student” if you will had a great 3 days and found himself fishing the final 12 along with the Ledgendary Rick Clunn who needs no introduction as the “Teacher”.
Rewind back to day 3 a few of the Florida group had maintained their edge that is until the “Zen Master” walked onto the stage needing 5 bags to hold his 31.7 pounds of fish, charging from mid pack into the final day top 12.
History was in the making, the winds came up which clouded up Lake George and for all purposes shut down the sight fishing and set up Rick Clunns final day push. The crowd was huge and very excited about the local pro’s representing the event. I’ve covered a bunch of Bassmasters shows but didn’t realize at the moment that this would be one of the most Historic ones ever! Having back stage coverage and full access to the anglers was a high point for me.
So Clunn, 69, became the oldest angler to win a B.A.S.S. tournament, and the oldest Elite Series champion. He also set the record for the longest gap since his first win – 39 years ago.With a four-day weight of 81 pounds, 15 ounces, Clunn won by 4 pounds over Greg Hackney to earn $101,000. The 15-time B.A.S.S. champion which including four Classic titles said…..“Don’t ever accept that your best moments are behind you,” , as if he believed this day would come again. Meanwhile my friend Justin had a chance to learn from the Master, who has nothing but admiration for all the young guns on tour. The moment came and the Zen Master showed that you’re never too old to climb to the top of the mountain …….
Final 12 standings:
1 Rick Clunn 81.15 100,000 0 1,000 101,000
2 Greg Hackney 77.15 25,000 0 500 25,500
3 Marty Robinson 76.5 20,000 0 2,000 22,000
4 Drew Benton 75.6 15,000 0 0 15,000
5 Brent Chapman 74.2 14,000 0 0 14,000
6 Cliff Prince 73.6 13,500 0 1,500 15,000
7 Terry Scroggins 73.3 13,000 0 0 13,000
8 Jason Christie 67.12 12,500 0 0 12,500
9 Jordan Lee 67.3 12,000 0 0 12,000
10 Davy Hite 62.11 11,500 0 0 11,500
11 Randall Tharp 62.1 11,000 0 0 11,000
12 Justin Lucas 59.7 10,500 0 0 10,500
By Danny Barker
Trophy Bass Hunter
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