07/23/04-Perhaps no other angler that hasn't won a Classic can claim as much tournament fishing success.  Gary Klein is an eight time tour winner and a 22-time Classic qualifier.  As such, Klein figures to have more than his share of spectator traffic when the BassMaster Classic kicks off next week at North Carolina's Lake Wylie.  ProBassAnglers.com wanted to especially include Gary in our on going discussion of how boat traffic might affect this year's Classic. "The BassMaster Classic should be a spectator event," stated Klein.  "This is a wonderful opportunity for anglers living in the area to drop in and watch their fishing heroes do their thing.  I realize that I am an angler that might have a large amount of spectators, however I actually welcome it.  It is very flattering to know that so many people want to watch you fish.  It is good for our sport, and with ESPN including 11 hours of programming dedicated to the Classic, this year's event should be the best ever."

Is Gary Klein phased or effected by so many boats following him.  "Not really, I should be able to concentrate on the fish.  Now, having said that, people who are out on the water watching me or anybody should be considerate.  Bring a pair of field glasses and give the pro some room.  If you give him enough room to do his thing, you stand a better chance of learning something valuable.  One thing that a spectator should never do, especially if you are a local, is watch a pro do something to catch a fish, and then proceed to go around the corner to some similar cover or structure and start fishing.  That's not cool.  Just let us barrow your lake for three days and we will move on, and you can take what you've learned and apply it to your own fishing."