As we progress through life, we all have life-changing moments, where you know nothing will ever be the same again; moments where you come to discover, realize, learn, or experience something new; moments where you do not know what the outcome will be or how you will react. Terry Butcher from Talala, Oklahoma, is about to have one of these moments, where his life is about to change forever.  His moment will happen at the 2010 Bassmaster Classic Championship February 19-21, in Birmingham, Alabama, on Lay Lake.  Butcher qualified for the classic by finishing in the top 37 of the Bassmaster Elite Series circuit.  It will be his first Classic appearance after only five years of turning pro. 

 Butcher has yet to have a game plan for fishing in the Classic.  “I haven’t been there before but the research I did it looked like the lake should fish to my strengths,” Butcher continued, “I am a shallow water angler and pitching spinnerbaits, jigs, and soft plastic is my number on strength.”  Butcher does not expect that he will target either largemouth or spotted bass but rely on both for his keepers during the Classic.  “After the official three days of practiced is over with I will have a better idea of what to do,” said Butcher.  It’s his first Classic appearance and the media, social, sponsors, and fan demand can be overwhelming.  “I know it’s going to be exciting; ever since I started fishing I wanted to make it to the Bassmaster Classic and my goal is to win it,” Butcher went on, “I do not think that the limelight will bother me, but this will be the biggest stage I have ever been on.”  He is right; the Bassmaster Classic is the Super Bowl of fishing.  If you win one, everyone knows your name and sponsors line up to get you on their pro staff.  “Ultimately, my goal is to win the Classic, but realistically, I think I should have at least a top ten finish down on Lay Lake,” predicted Butcher.

This past year in the Bassmaster Elite Series Tournaments Butcher relied heavily on pitching a YUM Wooly Bug to catch his fish on.  “The YUM Wooly Bug was my go to bait,” said Butcher.  His typical set up consisted of a 7’6” extra heavy American Eagle Rod, Ardent 5000 Reel lined with 20-pound Silver Thread Fluorocarbon line, ¼-ounce XCalibur TG (Tungsten) weight, 4/0 Reaction Innovation BMF Hook, and YUM Wooly Bug in Black Neon or Cajun Neon.

What will Terry Butcher’s life-changing moment be down at the 2010 Bassmaster Classic Championship?  No one knows, not even Butcher. But we know that after fishing in the Classic, nothing will ever be the same again; he will come to discover, realize, learn, and experience the Classic for the first time.

Terry Butcher sponsors are YUM, BOOYAH (www.lurenet.com), Wohali Outdoors-Performance Outdoor Lifestyle Gear (www.wohali.arcoutdoors.com), Bass Cat Boats, Mercury Outboards, Power Pole, Costa Del Mar, and Ardent Reels.