 Tommy Biffle
DPR: We've heard about anglers getting stuck during practice because of low-water conditions; seems like you were one of them. During Classic competition, what are you allowed to do, or not do, should you become stuck? Biffle: I imagine that you can call for help, but I can't get out of the boat. They may change that rule, although you really can't get out anyway because usually it's so muddy. You would sink to your waist if you jumped in. They say the observer is not allowed to help, but you know, are you going to sit there all night because they aren't allowed to get out of the boat and help? Or, are you going to make them get out? I would say locals probably are not allowed to help either, but if you're stuck you're stuck. After our rules meeting this afternoon with Trip (BASS tournament director), we'll know exactly what we can and can't do if we get stuck.  Dale Hightower
DPR: You referenced relying heavily on soft plastics in this tournament, and also mentioned a spinnerbait. With so many different considerations (blade shape, sizes, single or tandem blades, skirt color), how do you decide what to choose when you're going through all of the options? Hightower: The clarity of the water really dictates the size, color, and blades I will throw. I like to throw Colorado blades because the water is off colored and dingy. I want to move a lot of water, and the Colorado blades will do that. I want to move as much water and have as much flash as I can get. I like to have a lot more white and chartreuse in my spinnerbait colors in this type of water. As far as size, really it depends on the depth water I'm trying to target. If I want it more toward the bottom I will go with a heavier spinnerbait. If I want to keep it in the upper part of the water column, I will go with a lighter one. The main thing is trying to keep it moving slow this time of year, and keep it in the strike zone as long as I can. I like to throw the spinnerbait if we have some wind. It just depends if the fish are up close or out. When the tide is low it pulls the fish out, and that's when I tend to go with a spinnerbait or chatterbait.  Jeff Kriet
DPR: We know you have another person in your boat on competition days. Tell us a little more about who he is and what role he plays throughout the day. Kriet: We always have an observer in our boat. A lot of the observers in the Classic are media representatives, and then probably some lifetime members and other people that really want to be observers. We don't have the same one each day. Actually, the first day I've got a cameraman instead. If you are catching them, you are going to have a cameraman, but they will switch them all three days. The observer is allowed to talk to you, but they can't aid you in any way, shape or form.
DPR: So do you prefer having a regular observer or would you rather have a cameraman?
Kriet: Oh, I'd rather have a cameraman because if I have a cameraman that means I'm catching 'em (laughs). You're not gonna have a cameraman if you aren't catching fish. As far as fishing, absolutely you would rather have an observer. He is just going to sit there, where as a cameraman is going to get up on the front deck with you and do different things. He's going to be changing batteries and things like that. At the same time, you got to have the cameraman to get the publicity.  Mike McClelland
DPR: Should you be among the anglers planning on making a daily run of a couple hours one way during competition, what do you do about boat gas? McClelland: They outlawed carrying special tanks years back, so the only way we can get gas on the water is by going to a public facility. You can't even have somebody leave gas for you on a bank somewhere. You have to stop at a facility open to the public. I haven't calculated it to a tee yet, but I'm going to be running 200 plus miles. I'm figuring that I will run down there and fill up. That should give me enough to get back, but I don't know exactly how many gallons it's going to take. Paying for the fuel is all on us. In fact, for this year, it's on us for the complete competition. Mainly, they don't want to be responsible for not filling a competitor's boat up all the way and having them run out of gas because of it.
 Terry Scroggins
DPR: Say you've made a long run of an hour or more from the take-off site. With two hours before weigh-in, and a good solid limit of five bass in your livewell, you've encountered a serious boat problem that keeps you from being able to use your boat to get back. What are your options for still making the weigh in? Scroggins: Well, about the only option you would have is to get a ride in with another competitor. The neat thing about the Delta is that it is a long canal system, and they have to go right by you to get back in. It's not like being on a huge lake where you might be on one side where they couldn't see you. Locals are not allowed to assist you unless you were able to get hold of the tournament director to get permission. So basically, other competitors are your only option for getting back on time.  Kevin VanDam
DPR: Every angler gets to use his own boat in the Classic. Tell us why that is such an advantage, especially for this event? VanDam: There are a lot of advantages as far as organization because it is your own office. I have a place for everything in my boat, and having that is a big time saver. Just knowing how to stow your tackle for weight and balance is a big deal for the long runs we are going to be making to maximize your fuel efficiency and the performance of your boat. One of the big advantages is the peace of mind you have because it's yours. You know it. You understand every aspect of it. From the trolling motor's wiring, to how it's rigged, how the boat runs ... everything. With mine, I know if I am looking for a particular lure or soft plastic, I know right where to go for the exact one and the color that I'm looking for. | 
The innovative Plano FTO Elite angled tackle system is a lesson in practical function and convenience coming together as one in the new Model 797 Angle"r" tackle organizer. 
When was the last time a $100 baitcast reel turned your head? Well, the new Speed Spool is turning heads, and is returning anglers to the legendary Lew's brand which is back in a big way.
Hank Parker is a two-time Bassmaster Classic winner, 1979 and 1989, plus a former BASS Angler of the Year. Many fans likely remember his "Put 'em on the scales, Dewey," comment with his close Classic win in 1989. This year is the 25th anniversary of his Hank Parker Outdoor Magazine television show. Parker will be appearing in the Plano Molding Co. booth on Friday, Feb. 18, from 5 - 5:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Feb. 20, from 10 - 11 a.m. 
Bill Dance is credited with having caught the first bass in BASS history. During his tournament career, he won 7 BASS tournaments and qualified for the Bassmaster Classic eight times. His long-running Bill Dance Outdoors television show premiered in 1968 on a Memphis ABC affiliate and has been running ever since. Dance is appearing the Plano Molding Co. booth on Saturday, Feb. 19, from 4 - 5 p.m. 
