Knoxville native Ott DeFoe won this past weekend's "Super Bowl of Bass Fishing," the Bassmaster Classic presented by Dick's Sporting Goods. Fishing in his home state, DeFoe was the favorite to take home the grand prize, and that he did.
DeFoe's three day weight of 49-3 gave him the victory and a $300,000 prize and the opportunity to hoist the Bassmaster Classic trophy under a shower of confetti.
The world-championship bass tournament drew a record-total attendance of 153,809 to tournament venues, including daily weigh-ins in Thompson-Boling Arena, the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo consumer show presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods in the Knoxville Convention Center and World's Fair Exhibition Hall, and morning takeoffs at Volunteer Landing.
After catching 20 pounds during Friday’s opening round, DeFoe caught five bass that weighed just 10-5 Saturday. He caught five bass Sunday from the Tennessee River that weighed 18 pounds, 14 ounces, putting him at the top of the weigh-in board when it was all said and done.
"I can't believe this is real but my name will be on the trophy," said DeFoe "It was a really special day today, and I just praise God that it was my time."
DeFoe has appeared in 8 Classics and this is his first win.
Other Mossy Oak Fishing team members who participated in the 2019 Bassmaster Classic were Brandon Palaniuk who finished tenth, Kevin VanDam (20th), Gerald Swindle (35th), and Jordan Lee (42nd). For a full listing of the results, visit bassmaster.com.
The 49th world championship of bass fishing paid a total of $1 million to the 52 professional anglers competing.
