A Classic Sort of Spring for Watson

Missouri pro sets sights on one of bass fishing’s biggest tournaments

Windows of opportunity seldom open as wide as the one that yawned for James Watson last fall. Participating in a Bassmaster Open on Table Rock, his home lake, Watson managed to win the event ahead of runner-up Jacob Wheeler and third-place finisher Rick Clunn.

It wasn’t Watson’s first foray into a non-FLW event, but it certainly paid more dividends than the Missouri pro is used to. Watson was rewarded with a tidy sum, but an automatic berth in the 2016 Bassmaster Classic was the real prize the Missouri pro sought and gained. This week, Watson will find out if another window of opportunity awaits when he fishes the Classic on Oklahoma’s Grand Lake.

“I really like my chances; I’m very confident,” says the 43-year-old Watson. “I’ve got some really good buddies who have caved my head in on that lake in tournaments, but they’re helping me now. They volunteered to take me over there and show me their juice. I could run from one end of that lake to the other blindfolded, I know it so well.”

Of course, mainly Watson knows Grand Lake from the summer tournaments he’s fished there. Fishing a prespawn event is different, but he’ll factor in where the fish are likely to be this time of year and what might trigger the right kind of bites.

“I’ve been out in the garage going through tackle over and over and getting ready. Of course, with the weather we’ve had this winter, that’s been about all there is to do right now,” opines Watson. “I’m a power fisherman who likes to fish near the bank, so Grand could set up pretty well for me. I feel good about being able to catch fish, but I’ve got to figure out what it’s going to take as far as the quality size needed to win a tournament like this. Then I’ve got to get on that right pattern around the lake.”

If Watson does do well in the Classic, it will be the latest home run in a winning streak. Not only did he triumph in the Table Rock Open, but he also had an impressive showing in Major League Fishing this season. Small wonder his confidence level is at an all-time high.

If Watson is able to figure things out and win the Classic, some lucky fan could collect a pile of money in the process. Watson’s boat sponsor, Ranger, and his other sponsors are backing a promotion that will award $100,000 in cash and prizes to the person who guesses his exact winning weight. For details, visit Watson4Win.com. In case of a tie, the first person to enter the contest and guess Watson’s winning tally gets the jackpot.

“The Classic, like the Forrest Wood Cup, could be a career changer,” observes Watson. “So for now I’m just trying to get organized. I’m nervous, but I’m very excited too.

“I really want to do well in the Classic. I want to represent FLW pros well there. I’m proud to be fishing FLW and grateful for the opportunities it has given me. I’m not one of those guys who forgets where he came from. FLW is a great organization, and nobody’s going to hear me poor-mouthing it to anybody.”