ProBassAnglers.com's 

Coverage Of The

2006 Bassmaster Classic

ProTourJournal-Tim Horton

Tim Horton, 34, Muscle Shoals, Alabama The BASS 2000 Angler Of the Year, earning the honor in just his first year on tour is competing in his seventh Classic. Horton has been on the bass fishing scene since 1999 and has been competitive in each of his seven years as a pro.  Considering his record in Florida, where he has cashed a check in 13 of 14 events he has fished including two wins, Horton must be viewed as a favorite to win this year's Classic.  The time may be right for Horton to step into that rare class of angler who has not only won and AOY, but has added a Classic victory as well.

Practice-"I didn't have a very good practice, when we launched on Tuesday, the night before was a record low, with temperatures registering below freezing for about four hours during the night.  As many people in Florida know, when the air gets cold, these shallow water lakes get cold as well, and the bite for me was just very, very slow."

"That doesn't mean I am not excited about this event.  We have had temperatures in the low 80's for two straight days, and the weather is supposed to stay that way all the way through the tournament which means the water will warm up again, and these fish should be very active.  So even though my pre fish wasn't very good, the lakes will undoubtedly fish very different when the actual tournament gets started.  I am actually looking more forward to the day, Wednesday when we go out in the official Classic boats, I think that day will give us our best look at what the Classic will actually fish like."

"I have a couple of little things, a couple groups of fish that might have some potential, but like I said, the lakes will likely be as much as ten degrees warmer when we actually fish them, and anything that anybody finds will change.  Florida fish move a lot as it is, but when you add the possibility of the spawn to the mix, things are going to change drastically.

"We have been here so long, and we have another week until things get started.  I don't think any competitor has any more tackle to work on, or any more hooks to sharpen, now we just kind of have to wait.  There are plenty of activities, and functions for us to attend.  On Sunday, we will be the captains for the Kids Classic.  Each Classic pro will take two youngsters out fishing on the Harris Chain.  The kids will each have half a day to fish the water they want to fish and to control the trolling motor.  Our job is just to drive them to where they want to go, we don't give any help.  It really is a neat day."

"I have done well here in Florida, the style just kind of suits what I like to do.  I really like to fish aquatic vegetation, and Florida's the place to do that."

Day One "I may have fished too many rods today, I just didn't get into a good rhythm.  I will fish a new lake tomorrow and just see where it goes."

"It just didn't happen, I threw a lipless X-Caliber Rattle bait and a Yum Dinger, but I just didn't the big bites."

"I will do things differently tomorrow, I will change water, there is always a chance, and it doesn't have to all happen on day two.  Hopefully, I can figure out a way to make it to the finals, and we'll see from there."