Reflections From Classics Past

TO RECOUNT OR reflect — what’s the difference? Depth. Depth of meaning, emotion — those etched-in-time moments that you see as clearly as the day they occurred, even if that day was decades past.

Anyone can look up stats and discuss a Bassmaster Classic’s numerical outcome, but true reflection digs deeper. It certainly accounts for daily limits and final weights, but it must also evoke those thrilling recollections of reaching victory’s mountaintop, along with the stark, cold silence of defeat’s emotional wasteland.

You have to live it to tell it, and three of the sport’s biggest names opened up their Bassmaster Classic memory vaults to reflect on the kind of moments that change lives, change hearts and flip mental switches.

A SYSTEMATIC STRATEGY

Jack Lambert, Michael Jordan, the late Dale Earnhardt, Stone Cold Steve Austin — their mere presence inspired a mix of awe and intimidation. For a lot of years, Rick Clunn has commanded just such respect — but this was not always so. In fact, Clunn admits he found his first Classic appearance (Wheeler Lake, 1974) overwhelming.

“It’s like a team that makes the Super Bowl for the first time and they’re going against the New England Patriots and they get so caught up in the celebration and happiness — plus all the distractions that you’re not normally used