It's no secret to anyone who knows me that my 2 favorite things to do are take photos and fish. The 2 are similar. Long stretches of waiting interrupted by brief moments of total heart pounding excitement.
The chance to combine these 2 passions covering the biggest event in fishing 2 years in a row was a dream come true. I had to constantly remind myself that I was covering a news event as well as a sporting event. The photos had to reach a balance between following the winners and shooting action of them as well as showing what affect this event would have on our city and state.
I really enjoyed being able to combine my two passions in a grueling week of little sleep and 60mph boat rides. I hope the Classic will return so I get the chance to do it again. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the week.
Shelley Addington(rigth) takes a photo at the launch on the first day of the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 22, 2013. Looking on is her husband Ronnie Addington and at left is Ken Adams. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Tommy Biffle stands for the national anthem on the first day of the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 22, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
2012 Bassmaster Classic champion Chris Lane works a jerk bait on the first day of the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 22, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Kevin VanDam(3rd from left) is surrounded by spectators and camera boats as he fishes on the first day of the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 22, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Linda Fair's breath is visible as she watches a cold launch on day 2 of the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 22, 2013. Fair is from Collinsville. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Michael Iaconelli shows off a fish during
weigh in on the first day of the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 22, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Spectators take in the launch on day 2 of the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 23, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Mike Cass talks to Michael Iaconelli as he fishes on day 2 of the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 23, 2013. Cass was on his friend's dock. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Brent Chapman stretches before the start of the first day of the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 22, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Michael Iaconelli celebrates during the first day weigh in of the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 22, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Chris Lane casts on the first day of the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 22, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Kevin VanDam launches his boat on day 2 of the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 22, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Edwin Evers casts on day 2 of the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 23, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Cliff Pace holds up a fish during weigh in on day 2 of the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 23, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Cliff Pace stands on his boat at sunrise during the day 3 launch of the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 24, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Bailey Poage of Boy Scout Troop 78 displays the colors on the first day of the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 22, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Cliff Pace pulls a fishout of the water on day 3 of the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 24, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Cliff Pace fishes on day 3 of the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 24, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Brandon Palaniuk laughs as he works on tackle as spectators and a camerman watch on day 3 of the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 24, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Bri Palaniuk(left), Donny Wojtila, Elisa Stamm, Tiffanie McCall and Mark Diaz watch Brandon Palaniuk(not pictured) fish on day 3 of the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 24, 2013. Bri is Brandon's sister, and McCall is his girlfriend. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Michael Iaconelli reacts after coming up short at the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 24, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Cliff Pace wins the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 24, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Cliff Pace holds the trophy at the Bassmaster Classic Feb. 24, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Only active print or digital subscribers of the Tulsa World are allowed to post comments on stories posted to Tulsaworld.com. After you fill out the form below and click submit, your comment will be published instantly online along with your screen name.
By clicking "Submit" you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
