The hundreds of collegiate anglers who competed in the 2015 season have been whittled down to just two as Trevor Lo of University of Minnesota and Josh Bensema of Texas A&M University advance to the final round of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Classic Bracket.
Ever since his Minnesota team fished runner-up in the national championship Saturday on Lake DuBay, Lo has since brought in the biggest overall bag each day in the bracket-style format competition being held on the Wisconsin River Flowage. Lo’s catch worth 6 pounds, 2 ounces during Monday’s second round was enough to push him through to the final round, winning his matchup over Jake Whitaker of University of North Carolina-Charlotte. Like Lo, Whitaker brought in a three-fish limit, however his was only worth 5 pounds, 7 ounces.
“It’s been a grind out here,” Lo said. “I’m so glad to be here, and I’m blessed to have the support of my family and friends. I would have never guessed I would make it this far since this is my first year fishing college.”
Bensema, who won the 2015 Carhatt Bassmaster College Series National Championship Saturday with his teammate Matthew McArdle, brought in a three-bass limit weighing 5 pounds, 6 ounces Monday to defeat his second-round competitor, Tyler Rivet of Nicholls State University. Rivet fell short of the tournament limit, managing only two fish weighing 3 pounds, 9 ounces.
“I sure am glad I made it into the finals,” Bensema said. “It’s definitely tough out there, and I have my work cut out for me tomorrow. I haven’t brought in as much as Trevor has either day so far.”
Bensema will face off with Lo on Tuesday in what promises to be a nail-biter of a finale. At stake: a berth in the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro, to be held on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees out of Tulsa, Okla.; a fully rigged Toyota Tundra; a sponsor-provided bass boat; entry fees for all nine of the 2016 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens presented by Allstate; as well as $7,500 cash provided by Carhartt for expenses in the 2016 season.
The fishing this week is challenging, and every bite will count. Follow along with all the action on Bassmaster.com, or make your way out to Bukolt Park to see the action live as anglers leave the dock at 6 a.m. and return for weigh-in at 2:15 p.m. where one angler will move on to the Bassmaster Classic.
2015 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Title Sponsor: Carhartt
2015 Bass Bassmaster College Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
2015 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Official Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, GoPro, Humminbird, Mercury, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha
2015 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Supporting Partners: A.R.E. Accessories, Dick Cepek Tires, Livingston Lures, Lowrance, Power-Pole, Rigid Industries, Shimano
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), social media programs and events. For more than 45 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series presented by Allstate, Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation events, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Costa Bassmaster High School Series presented by TNT Fireworks, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro.
By: Helen White, Bassmaster
