Collin Smith Earns Spot at 2023 Bassmaster Classic
Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 12:44AM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Collin Smith of Honea Path earned an early Christmas bonus at Green Pond Landing on Saturday, as he out-fished the final field to win a spot in the 2024 Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville.
After winning a share of the Bassmaster Team Championship on Thursday with partner Brady Kimbrell, Smith competed against the Kimbrell and the other finalists on Hartwell Lake Friday and Saturday to win the championship spot.
Cold, rain and fog tested the anglers skills, but the 27-year-old Smith's two-day total of 10 bass with a total weight of 28 pounds, one ounce were enough to claim victory.
Smith said he's already getting ready for the big tournament.
“I’ve dedicated the majority of my time to this pond (Hartwell) because all the big tournaments are out here,” Smith said. “I’m superthankful for the chance to fish the Classic. It probably won’t set in until I’m going up the road there for pre-practice … It’s been a lifelong dream. There has been a lot of blood, sweat and tears behind the steering wheel of my boat to get me to this point.”
Smith, who works for the Anderson County Facilities Department, is the son of Anderson County Solid Waste Director Greg Smith.