Path to the Bassmaster Classic with Nick Wood

Covered by Ron Howe

RB Bass Tournament Angler Nick Wood is in South Carolina right now preparing for the Bass Federation National Championship. I gave Nick a call to share more about Bass Nation and his travels and path to the Bassmaster Classic.

The end goal for Nick is to make it to the Bassmaster classic. Here is what Nick advises to take this path and chase the dream.

1-Anglers must join a B.A.S.S. Affiliated Club,

2-Anglers will pay for a membership and pay dues to participate in BASS Nation events.

There are 4 Qualifying events in the State of California. At each event, there will be Boaters and non-boaters. The winner of each event as a boater and non-boater will automatically qualify for the State Team. At the end of all 4 Qualifying events, there will be 4 Boaters and 4 non-boaters that qualify for the State Team. The State Team will be made up of 10 total Boaters and 10 total non-boaters made up by the points race outside of the winners of each event. Each State will then send 10 Boaters + 10 non-boaters to the Western Divisionals. This includes Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, and Montana to mention a few.

The Western Divisional is a 3-day event with 2 days of competition to qualify the top 10 for the third and final day. The goal is to win this event and be the highest finisher from your state. The top 10 Boaters and top 10 non-boaters will move on to the Bass Nation National Championship. A total of 9 Countries send a Boater and Non-Boater to the National Championship. The 3 finishers make it to the Bassmaster Classic!

Now let’s talk about Nick Woods path to the Bassmaster Classic. Nick Qualified at his second event in 2017 @ Lake Nacimiento and made the State Team and his path to the Bassmaster Classic continued to the Bass Nation Western Divisional at Lake Shasta Ca. Nick has a solid track record on the Spotted Bass factory and it showed as Nick won the event and knew he was on the right path to the Bassmaster Classic. Nick now would be heading to Lake Hartwell in South Carolina for the Bass Nation National Championship. If Nick can finish strong in the top 3 he will qualify for the Classic! The winner of the National Championship will win a fully rigged boat and the use of a new boat for 1 year. The winner will also get paid entries in up to 4 Bassmaster Opens and can move up to the Elites.

Here is a current update on Nicks travel and Championship practice. Nick has traveled four and a half days from California to Lake Hartwell South Carolina, he will get a total of 4 days of practice before the event. The event is on October 19-20-21. So this path will take a total of 16 days away from home win lose or draw. Nick has made this commitment and has support from his family back at home.