Can you even believe that it is already here? It snuck up on us this year. Just a few weeks ago we were thinking about shotgun hunting or sitting around any open water to shoot geese... now, we are preparing to observe the 2007 Citgo Bassmaster's Classic - the Superbowl of, I mean the World Series of... or even the World Cup of Bass Fishing. Thats right, Bass Fishing. One of the most mentally and physically daunting sports around. A bold statement, yes. But take it from one who has played competitive soccer for 23 years, ran track, played football, hunted, fished, and hiked for years. Competitive (not recreational) Bass Fishing in tournaments, for money, is extremely wearing. Picture an 85000 acre lake (roughly the size of the greater rochester are) that you have one week to learn. What do you mean learn? I mean learn the bottom, the structure, the flow of currents and channels, the timing of canals, and how weather affects the lake. The talk to locals to find some hotspots, pour over maps to get away from the crowd of the other 50 contestants. After learning the lake, try fishing it. Through your favorite trusty pattern that is hot one day and off the next, adapt to the change in the wind or redirection of bait fish. Then, on the three competition days, take time into consideration. Fishing is only from 8-3. How will you manage your traveling? You have to catch 5 fish. Your five fish all 3 days have to add up to the most cumulative weight. How will you do it...? So much for Grampa's rusty 12 foot row boat and your 6 foot fiberglass Mitchell fitted with the ever popular Zebco 33... live baits not even allowed. Dont beleive me? Catch it on ESPN and ESPN 2 this weekend Friday - Sunday. Or Join my Fantasy Bassmasters group at "You'ns Catchin Any." And may I say this, for the few of you that care - Go Denny Brauer!!