First Trip to Classic for Hartley
Concluding the final Southern Open of the 2007 season, 3 more anglers have qualified for the Bassmaster Classic. Bobby Lane, brother to Elite Series Pro Chris Lane, Todd Auten, and long time veteran Charlie Hartley. In the many years of professional bass fishing, this will be Hartley’s first time qualifying for fishing’s most lucrative event. Qualifying for the event is an accomplishment all on its own. Since fishing his first tournament when he was 8 years old, Hartley is sure he will be the proudest person there.
Along with qualifying for the Classic, Hartley also ended the 2007 Southern Open Series season with the points championship. The top 5 anglers from the point standings automatically qualify to fish the Elite Series. Another accomplishment Hartley is proud of. “It’s wonderful and Points Champion is a great title for a resume”, he told Bassfan. Hartley has not directly disclosed his intentions to fish the Elites full time. With Hartley’s background and experience, I am sure that the veteran will not pass the opportunity he has worked so hard and qualified for.
Hartley, who has fished with BASS since the early 90’s, has seen limited success with the Elite Series. When Hartley fishes in the Open levels, it is not uncommon to see him post a top 20 finish. It’s when Hartley moves up and fishes the Elites that he struggles. Even with his limited success, his ability to do well in the Opens tells him that he is ready for the next level at the Elites Series. Hartley recently posted a 6th place finish on the Elite Series at the Potomac River in August so we know he is capable. A good finish at the 2008 Bassmaster Classic in February on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell could be just what Hartley needs to get his career moving into overdrive.
Related Stories
POSTED IN: BASS, BASS Elite Series
3 opinions for First Trip to Classic for Hartley
BJHawgHooker
Oct 21, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Congratualtions Hartley. Hopefully running full time in the elites will allow him to focus and build the same kind of momentum he has had in the opens.
Rich
Oct 22, 2007 at 8:13 am
Not sure if Charlie can hack it in the Elites or not, but you would be hard pressed to find a nicer guy!
Rich
ALDave
Oct 22, 2007 at 11:57 am
I agree. Watched the Elites at Guntersville earlier this year. As the boats launched, many of the anglers just rode idle through, Charlie actually held his hand up and waved to us and the other couple of boats in the area. Small, but says something in credit to the guy. Hope to see him do well.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: