GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. – North Carolina bass pro Hank Cherry, currently fishing his eighth season on the Bassmaster Elite Series, claimed a wire-to-wire victory in the historic 50th Bassmaster Classic, held on Alabama’s Lake Guntersville. His Bass Cat Lynx, which he referred to as his “office,” provided the platform from which he both qualified for and won this decisive victory. It was his third B.A.S.S. win, and second in the state of Alabama.
The Bass Cat family made an overall strong showing at the top of the leaderboard, with Seth Feider finishing 4th and John Crews, competing in his 12th Classic, coming in 6th.
Bass Cat anglers made up 50% of the Super Six – Photos: Chris Brown
Although Cherry caught his fish on the Brown’s Creek causeway, just a short run from the tournament take-off spot, he credited the boat as an essential tool in his quest to be the best angler he can be every day, from the start of the season to the end.
“I have the utmost confidence that it can get me anywhere I need to go safely,” he said. “There is no place I’d rather be than in the Bass Cat family.”
He joined the Bass Cat team in 2019. Company President Rick Pierce saw the opportunity to add an angler with world-class skills, an enthusiastic fan base, and the strength of character that exemplifies the Bass Cat family.
“We are so proud for the Cherry family,” Pierce said. “No one has wanted it more than Hank and he’s been close before. He’s a deserving champion of the sort that this sport needs and we are proud that he wears our logo and honored that he relies upon our craftsmanship.“
A family hug to remember. Photo – Chris Brown
The last Classic winner to fish out of a Bass Cat during his victory was Mark Davis in 1995. He also won the Angler of the Year championship that same season. Both Mike Iaconelli and Steve Kennedy have come close, but settled for being the bridesmaid.
“For Hank to win the 50th is special for him, for B.A.S.S., and of course for Bass Cat,” Pierce added. “From the first conversation we had through today, we’ve been proud to have him on our team.”
Pro staff manager Kevin Short, a former multiple-time Elite Series champion, understands what it takes to win, and how hard it is to put it all together, especially on the sport’s biggest stage. “Everyone at Bass Cat Boats is extremely proud of the week Hank had,” Short said. “Being in contention from Day One until the last fish hit the scales is always exciting for everyone. Hank represents us well and we appreciate the faith he has in our product.”
B.A.S.S. Photo Galleries:
Seth Feider Day 3 | Hank Cherry Day 3 | John Crews Day 3
Hank Cherry Day 1 | John Crews Day 1
About Bass Cat
Bass Cat, owned by Correct Craft, manufactures the industry’s premier bass fishing boats from its headquarters in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Family operated since its founding in 1971, Bass Cat is the longest continuously operating tournament bass boat company in the United States. For more information visit www.BassCat.com.
About Correct Craft
Celebrating 95 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a Florida-based company with global operations. Focused on “Making Life Better,” the Correct Craft family includes Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, Parker, and Bryant boat companies, Pleasurecraft Marine Engine Group, Watershed Innovation and Aktion Parks. For more information, visit www.correctcraft.com.