In just his second attempt at competing in the Classic, Justin Hamner outfished the sport veterans to take home the Bassmaster Trophy. In what is sure to cause both joy and frustration in the bass fishing world, he did it with the help of forward-facing sonar.
Hamner took to the top of the leaderboard after the first day on the water at Grand Lake O’ Cherokees in Oklahoma, where he remained for the duration of the 3-day tournament. His cumulative catch settled in at 15 bass, weighing 58 pounds, 3 ounces. Those 15 bass landed him a $307,000 prize and an incredible underdog Championship title.
Until now, his best performance was a third-place win earlier this year, where he pocketed $30,000.
“I didn’t get stressed out until about two o’clock, and I don’t know if I’ve taken a breath since then. I’ve waited since I was eight years old for this,” Hamner said on stage while he emotionally addressed the crowd.
Jerkbait and Forward-Facing Sonar for the Win
Garmin LiveScope Plus FFS System
Few things rile up conversation like the use of forward-facing sonar (FFS) in competitive fishing. In contrast to traditionally employed sonar used by fishermen, FFS displays what’s out in front of the boat, as the name suggests. That gives anglers a real-time view instead of displaying what’s already passed under the boat. Hamner has a spot on the Garmin pro fishing roster and utilized the LiveScope Plus System to give him the edge over his competition.
Jerkbait and Scent Stick
According to Bassmaster, Hamner depended on the Yo-Zuri Hardcore Minnow Flat 110SP as his lure of choice. He also partnered that lure with BaitFuel Freshwater Hardbait Scent Stick to attract his catch. Both are, for obvious reasons, suddenly sold out just about everywhere.
That’s a Wrap for the Bassmaster Classic 2024
Another Classic is in the books, and Justin Hamner has secured his place in Bassmaster history. If only the middle school student who once did a class report on wanting to win the Bassmaster Classic could see where he is now.
