Nina Taylor 
The Biggest Week in Bass Fishing
The biggest week in bass fishing is on the way. The Bassmaster Classic 2027 runs March 19–21, 2027, on Lake Hartwell in South Carolina. Fifty-five anglers will chase the sport’s top trophy. Additionally, the winner will take home a $300,000 prize.
Fans already ask one big question. Who will win? Nobody knows for sure. However, a handful of pros have the skill, the form, and the nerve to lead the pack. This guide covers seven of them. It also explains why Lake Hartwell matters, how the rules work, and how you can follow the action from home or in person.
Quick Facts About the Event
Before you meet the anglers, review the basics. The table below shows the key details at a glance.
| Event Detail | Information |
| Dates | March 19–21, 2027 |
| Location | Lake Hartwell, Anderson, South Carolina |
| Launch site | Green Pond Landing |
| Host area | Anderson and Greenville, South Carolina |
| Field size | 55 anglers |
| Live sonar | Allowed in 2027, banned in 2028 |
| First-place prize | $300,000 |
Please note that the field is not final yet. Anglers earn their spots through the Elite Series, the Opens, B.A.S.S. Nation, and the Team Championship. Therefore, the names in this guide may shift as the qualifying season ends. Always check the official B.A.S.S. website for the latest list.
Why Lake Hartwell Shapes the Competition
A Big Lake With a Big History
Lake Hartwell covers about 56,000 acres along the South Carolina and Georgia border. It will host the Classic for a record fifth time. As a result, many pros already hold notes from past events. Local knowledge helps, but it does not guarantee a win. Water, weather, and fish behavior change every year.
Herring, Largemouth, and Spotted Bass
Hartwell is a blueback herring lake. Both largemouth and spotted bass live there. Therefore, anglers must follow the herring schools to find the best fish. Swimbaits, jerkbaits, and topwater lures often shine in these conditions. However, bass also hold near docks, rocky points, and creek channels. In March, many fish also start to move shallow before the spawn. A smart pro will mix several patterns across the three days.
The Live Sonar Twist
The rules add another layer. B.A.S.S. flipped a coin to set the technology rules for the next two Classics. The result allows live sonar in 2027 and bans it in 2028. Consequently, anglers who read live sonar well gain an edge on Hartwell’s deep herring schools. Even so, pros with strong casting skills and sharp instincts still have a clear path to victory.
What It Takes to Win
The Classic rewards more than raw talent. Anglers can weigh up to five bass each day, and the totals add up over three days. Therefore, one bad day can end a title run. The field also shrinks after the early rounds, so only the best anglers fish the final day.
Pressure plays a huge role as well. Thousands of fans pack the weigh-in stage. Cameras follow every move. Additionally, the angler who stays calm often beats the angler who fishes with the most skill. Keep these ideas in mind as you read about the pros below.
Seven Pros to Watch
The list below mixes champions, rising stars, and proven winners. Additionally, each angler brings a different strength to Hartwell. Keep in mind that B.A.S.S. confirms the final field closer to the event.
Dylan Nutt: The Reigning Champion
Dylan Nutt of Nashville, Tennessee, shocked the sport in 2026. At age 22, he won the Classic on the Tennessee River. He weighed 66 pounds, 13 ounces over three days. Moreover, he won in his first appearance. Only a few anglers in history have done that.
Now he returns as the defending champion. He fishes with calm confidence, and fans love his youthful energy. However, a title brings pressure. Rivals will watch his every move. Hartwell also looks very different from the Tennessee River. Therefore, his ability to adapt during practice will decide how far he goes. If he finds the herring early, he could repeat.
Trey McKinney: The Angler of the Year
Trey McKinney won the 2026 Angler of the Year title at just 21 years old. He became the youngest angler ever to claim that honor. Additionally, he finished second at the 2026 Classic with 57 pounds, 8 ounces. Nutt beat him by more than nine pounds.
McKinney shows rare consistency for his age. He fishes clean, fast, and smart. Therefore, many fans see him as the top threat in the field. He has one big goal left. He wants the Classic trophy. If he handles the herring bite well, he could finally get it.
Easton Fothergill: The Versatile Minnesotan
Easton Fothergill of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, won the 2025 Classic. Then he placed fourth in 2026 with 56 pounds, 2 ounces. That run shows he can handle very different lakes. Moreover, he enters every Classic with a champion’s experience.
Fothergill comes from northern fishing country, yet he adjusts well to southern reservoirs. He also keeps his composure when conditions shift. However, he must avoid a slow start on Hartwell. The field is too tight to recover from a poor first day. If he gets a solid opening limit, he will stay in the hunt.
Hank Cherry Jr.: The Back-to-Back Champion
Hank Cherry Jr. of Lincolnton, North Carolina, belongs to a small group. Only four anglers have won the Classic in back-to-back years. Cherry did it in 2020 and 2021. Additionally, he won the 2026 Elite event at Lake Guntersville.
Cherry lives in the Carolinas, so he knows southeastern reservoirs well. He also knows how to handle Classic pressure. Therefore, he deserves a spot on every shortlist. Watch him closely on day one, because his experience helps him settle into a pattern fast.
Fisher Anaya: The Hartwell Specialist
Fisher Anaya has already won on this very water. He took the Team Championship at Lake Hartwell in the lead-up to the 2026 season. Moreover, he won the 2026 Elite event at Lake Martin in just his second Elite start. That is a fast rise.
Few pros can match that mix of hot form and lake knowledge. Consequently, Anaya may hold a quiet edge. However, the Classic is a different beast. The crowds, the cameras, and the stakes all rise sharply. If he stays calm, he could surprise the field.
Jason Christie: The Veteran Winner
Jason Christie brings many years of top-level experience. He won the 2026 Elite event at the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. Therefore, his form looks strong heading into the new season.
Veterans like Christie know how to stay patient over three long days. They also know when to change tactics. Additionally, they rarely panic when a plan falls apart. That steady mindset can pay off on a lake that rewards smart decisions. Do not count him out.
Yui Aoki: The International Threat
Yui Aoki of Japan finished third at the 2026 Classic with 57 pounds, 3 ounces. He ended just five ounces behind McKinney. Moreover, his result showed that top talent has no borders.
Aoki fishes with precision and patience. Hartwell’s herring bite may reward his careful style. Therefore, do not overlook him. A calm, detailed approach often wins when the weather turns tough.
Quick Comparison of the Top Pros
Use this table for a fast review of the seven anglers.
| Angler | Key 2026 Result | Why Watch |
| Dylan Nutt | Won the Classic with 66 lb 13 oz | Reigning champion |
| Trey McKinney | Angler of the Year and second at the Classic | Youngest Angler of the Year ever |
| Easton Fothergill | Fourth at the Classic with 56 lb 2 oz | 2025 Classic champion |
| Hank Cherry Jr. | Won the Elite event at Lake Guntersville | Back-to-back Classic winner |
| Fisher Anaya | Won the Elite event at Lake Martin | Team Championship winner on Hartwell |
| Jason Christie | Won the Elite event at Tennessee-Tombigbee | Seasoned veteran |
| Yui Aoki | Third at the Classic with 57 lb 3 oz | Top international contender |
Storylines That Could Shape the Week
Several big themes will follow the field all week. First, youth is taking over. Nutt and McKinney are barely old enough to rent a car, yet they now sit at the top of the sport. Consequently, many fans wonder if a new era has started. Veterans like Cherry and Christie will gladly say otherwise.
Second, the Carolinas will matter. Cherry lives close by, and Anaya has already won on Hartwell. Therefore, the home-region pros may feel extra comfort when they leave the dock. However, comfort can also create pressure, because local fans expect results.
Third, technology will draw attention. Live sonar can reveal herring schools and the bass that chase them. As a result, practice days will carry huge weight. Anglers will test spots, gather clues, and plan backup options. Meanwhile, fans will debate which approach works best. Whatever the outcome, the mix of old skills and new tools makes this event a must-watch.
Dark Horses and Surprise Winners
History says to expect the unexpected. Nutt himself became the ninth angler to win the Classic in a first appearance. Therefore, rookies and long shots deserve respect. Additionally, one lucky school of herring can change a leaderboard in minutes.
Keep an eye on anglers who qualify through the Opens, B.A.S.S. Nation, or the Team Championship. They often arrive with nothing to lose. As a result, they fish with freedom, and that freedom can lead to big bags. Moreover, local favorites from the Carolinas and Georgia will bring extra energy to the crowd.
How to Follow the Action
You do not need to travel to enjoy the event. However, being there adds a special thrill. Here are the best ways to follow along:
- Download the free Classic app for schedules, angler profiles, Expo maps, and live updates.
- Watch BassTrakk to see how each pro is doing during the day.
- Tune in to the daily weigh-ins for the biggest moments.
- Visit the Outdoors Expo to try new gear and meet the pros.
- Check out the High School Classic Exhibition, which runs alongside the main event in Greenville.
Additionally, follow B.A.S.S. on social media for quick news, photos, and video clips.
Tips for Fans Heading to South Carolina
A little planning goes a long way. First, book your hotel early. Anderson and Greenville both fill up fast during Classic week. Second, pack layers. March mornings can be cool, but afternoons may warm up quickly. Third, arrive early for takeoff and weigh-ins. Prime viewing spots go quickly.
In addition, bring a camera and a portable charger. You will want photos of the boats, the crowds, and your favorite pros. Finally, check the official schedule each morning. Times can change with the weather.
Conclusion
The Bassmaster Classic 2027 promises a thrilling show on Lake Hartwell from March 19–21. Dylan Nutt arrives as the defending champion, while Trey McKinney comes in as the Angler of the Year. Meanwhile, Easton Fothergill, Hank Cherry Jr., Fisher Anaya, Jason Christie, and Yui Aoki each bring strong form and clear strengths.
Hartwell’s herring bite, the live sonar rule, and Classic pressure will shape the results. Therefore, adaptability will matter as much as talent. Additionally, surprise winners are always possible. Mark your calendar, follow the qualifying season, and enjoy the best week in bass fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the Classic in 2027?
The event runs March 19–21, 2027. Some fans expect a January date, but the official schedule places it in March.
2. Where will the Classic take place?
It will take place on Lake Hartwell near Anderson, South Carolina. The launch site is Green Pond Landing, and Greenville also hosts parts of the week.
3. How many anglers will compete?
Fifty-five anglers will fish the event.
4. How do pros qualify?
Anglers earn spots through the Elite Series, the Opens, B.A.S.S. Nation, and the Team Championship. Some also earn spots through special wins.
5. Who is the defending champion?
Dylan Nutt of Nashville, Tennessee, won the 2026 Classic on the Tennessee River.
6. Can anglers use live sonar in 2027?
Yes. B.A.S.S. allows live sonar in 2027 and bans it in 2028.
7. How much does the winner earn?
The first-place prize is $300,000.
8. What fish will anglers target?
Anglers will chase largemouth and spotted bass. Both species feed on blueback herring in Hartwell.
9. How can I watch the event?
Check the official B.A.S.S. website for live coverage details. The free Classic app also offers schedules, angler profiles, and live tracking.
10. Can fans attend the Outdoors Expo?
Yes. An Expo runs alongside the tournament. Visit the official website for current hours and ticket details.
