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Table Rock Guide, Brian Snowden at |
They say, “The third time is the charm,” but Table Rock Guide, Brian Snowden, might favor the fourth time. After fishing in the prestigious Bassmaster Classic three previous times, in 2004, 2005, and 2006 and not breaking into the top ten, on his fourth try, the 2009 Bassmaster Classic held on the Red River in Shreveport, LA, Feb. 20-22, Snowden broke the top ten with gusto, taking third place and $40,000.
Snowden, missed taking first place by less than two pounds. Skeet Reese of Auburn, CA took first place and $500,000 with 54 pounds 13 ounces followed by Michael Ioconelli, of Runnemede, NJ who took second place and $45,000 with 54 pounds 2 ounces and Snowden in third place with a total of 52 pounds 14 ounces.
Lynn Berry, Branson Lakes/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Director of Public Relations, in acknowledging Snowden’s achievement called the event “the Super Bowl of Fishing.” She also pointed out that over 9000 people attended the final weigh-in at Shreveport Convention Center.
Local fisherman and owner of the Central Pro-Am Association, Jim Thompson was quick to praise Snowden’s accomplishment. Thompson also pointed out that both Snowden and the Bassmaster Classics fourth place finisher, with 52 pounds 1 ounce, Mike McClelland, of Bella Vista, AR, got a lot of their early tournament experience fishing in Central Pro-Am Association tournaments.
An interesting side from the Bassmaster com web site reflects on Snowden’s perspective. On day one, a fellow competitor and friend Jami Fralick from Martin SD, who ultimately came in eighth in the tournament, had electrical problems with his boat. Snowden slowed his boat and escorted his friend up the Red River “in case he broke down entirely.”
The same web site indicates that 51 anglers participated in the 2009 Bassmaster Classic competing for a total of $1,250,500.00 in prizes. A total of 554 fish were caught weighing a total of 1,578 pounds and 14 ounces during the three day tournament. After the second day of the tournament the field was narrowed down to 25 for the last day.
