Wisconsin Bass Classic-2005
September 28 thru October 1, 2005

2005 Bass Classic Champions!

Wes Haney and Barry Rettke

More seasonal weather greeted the 26 Classic qualifying teams when they arrived in
Minocqua, Wisconsin for the 2005 Wisconsin Bass Classic.

With the exception of the first practice day on Wednesday, which was raining, daytime temperatures were in the upper 50’s and fair skies.

The “unofficial” reception to Wisconsin Bass Classic-2005 was again held at our host hotel, The New concord Inn.  The anglers were greeted by the WTC official greeters, Pat Havenor and Jim Lavaliere.  In addition to refreshments and casual conversation, the anglers enjoyed pizza.  In fact they devoured 18 large pizzas in less than 30 minutes.  This has to be some kind of record.

Even though the weather for the complimentary genuine Wisconsin Northwoods shore lunch, served to the competitors on Wednesday was raining, it did not dampen the appetite of the anglers taking advantage of this unique meal.  This annual Classic event was again held on the beautiful shores of Lake Minocqua, at the Beacons.  The Beacons offered their beautiful boat house so the shore lunch could be served under shelter.  Again the Northwoods shore lunch was prepared by area guide, Darrell Mittlesteadt.  This event is a great break for the competitors as they took time out from their first practice day to enjoy this Northern Wisconsin tradition. 

At the conclusion of the second official practice day on Thursday, the competitors met at our tournament host site, Bosacki’s Boat House for the rules meeting, refreshments, food and general camaraderie.

The main challenge facing the competitors on the Minocqua chain of lakes is, “how will the Smallies on Lake Tomahawk play?”  In the past, the smallmouth have been a factor in who will cash the winner’s check.  This year was somewhat different.  The main factor in determining the winner was how to target the largemouth in the weed beds of Minocqua.  The winning team of Wes Haney and Barry Rettke solved that puzzle.  They managed to bring in a 5-fish limit each day totaling 22.35 pounds.  For their efforts they not only received $1800 in tournament winnings but also gathered in additional monies of $750 from the Stratos Boat’s Platinum Program, $350 in Warner’s Dock Bucks and an additional $100 in Warner’s Dock Bucks for having a Minn Kota trolling motor, for a grand total of $3000.

Please take a moment to view the total results of the 2005 Wisconsin Bass Classic, as well as taking a tour of the 4-day event in our Classic in Photos section.   

2005 Bass Classic Standings

2005 Classic Home Page
2005 Classic Qualifiers
2005 Classic Host Site
2005 Classic Reception
2005 Classic Shore Lunch
2005 Classic Registration
2005 Classic Take Off
2005 Classic Fish Photos
2005 Classic Trophies & Awards