THE TTBC IN PHOTOS

Story and photos by Alan McGuckin

Conroe, TX - The Toyota Texas Bass Classic took place this weekend on Lake Conroe, 40 minutes north of Houston. In its short six-year history, it has quickly become considered one of the greatest events in all of professional bass fishing. The three-day tournament invites the top 15 anglers from the Bassmaster Elite Series, FLW, and PAA trails to compete against one another for a top prize of $100,000 cash, plus a new boat.

Held each autumn, it’s actually far more than a tournament. It’s an outdoor event that includes several vendor booths in a fair-like venue, plus, each day’s weigh-in is followed by a concert from a top country artist.  This year’s concert line-up included Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan, and Jake Owen.  A final punctuation to its quality is that proceeds benefit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and its youth outdoor programs. Rain and lots of mud didn’t stop the bass from biting, or fans from having a fantastic time.

Even in fog and rain, 72-year-old living legend, Guy Eaker, was upbeat and grateful to be at the Toyota Texas Bass Classic.

Nearly 50 teams entered the BBQ cook-off. Families like Rich Snook’s of Vidor, TX were very generous in sharing their cooking with TTBC attendees.

“You Got to Get a Little Mud on the Tires.” – Brad Paisley, and Gerald Swindle.

Bassmaster Elite Series pro Kelly Jordon was one of the ‘founding fathers’ of the TTBC. He struggled to catch Conroe’s bass this year, but a hug from daughter Ruby makes all K.J.’s worries go away.

Thousands of fishing fans braved the rain and mud to attend the weigh-ins.

Terry "Big Show" Scroggins caught a 7 1/2 pounder from Lake Conroe on a Carolina Rig in 7-feet of water. He used a 12-pound test leader and a 1-ounce lead weight.

Plenty of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department folks work to make sure bass are treated extremely well, and released back to Lake Conroe alive and very healthy.

Bobby Lane performed extremely well in the tournament, and calls the TTBC one of his favorite events of the year.

Bassmaster Classic Champion, Chris Lane, struggled on Conroe, but always has a good time, and was all smiles with a puppy named Chesney.

Bassmaster Elite Series pro Brian Snowden won the 2010 TTBC, and lead going into the final day this year.

And Bryan Thrift will forever be its $100,000 2012 Toyota Texas Bass Classic Champion.