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Greenville,
SC – Prior to last week's Bassmaster Classic, much was made of Gary Klein's record-setting 26 Classics without a win – in fact, Klein himself was quick to bring up the topic. But during competition the streak was not a burden at all.
"Things like that don't get to me," he said. "I lived the moment and I got beat fair and square. It just shows that I still have a lot to learn."
Despite his unsatisfying performance, Klein nevertheless reflected upon the Hartwell event with fondness.
"The event and the venue were fantastic from a competitive standpoint," he said. "As far as fishing, you couldn't ask for a better site. Hartwell has a thousand miles of shoreline and it's chock-full of bass, both largemouths and spots."
The competitor and perfectionist within him recognized that it was truly a test of the best. "There were multiple patterns that were working, both shallow and deep, but current conditions played an important role in the outcome."
He characterized his own performance as "middle of the pack," and said he was "not satisfied," but at the same time he made clear that it wasn't a lack of focus or execution that plagued him.
"I was fishing a 3/4 ounce SPRO jig in 45 feet of water, and I was fishing the right types of ditches in cove arms and creek arms, but I never found the right ditch. I got six bites the first day, six bites the second day and only three bites the third day. Alton was getting a dozen or 15 bites a day."
He also expressed delight that the pros were able to use their own boats for the first time in Classic competition. "The anglers worked hard to get there, and by chance or by the goodness of BASS, they had the opportunity to use their own boats. We didn't have to jump from boat to boat and move all of our stuff. Our boats are our offices and (the old way) made it hard. On the other hand, it brought on a little more added responsibility. We had to make sure our batteries were charged and we were filled up with gas and oil, but that's a trade off we're all willing to make."
BASS also announced the site of the next three Classics – Shreveport, Birmingham and New Orleans – and while Klein professed to be more concerned with next week's tournament on the Harris Chain than on far-off championships, he's excited about the possibilities.
Of the Red River, he said: "In February, it could be brutal, there could be severe weather and I don't expect it to be a slugfest. If we have 42 degree water and it's red mud, it could fish really small, with everyone in the backwaters."
Asked about the 2010 Classic, he said that "Birmingham is one of the greatest venues we've had. Lakes like Lay and Logan Martin, I enjoy that type of fishing."
But New Orleans may excite him the most: "Just look at the tournament history between me and Louisiana and you'll see that I enjoy fishing there."
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