#United States #Bassmaster Elite #Scottsboro #Hank Cherry #Lake Guntersville

Hank Cherry's Remarkable Win at the Bassmaster Elite

On a chilly February day at Lake Guntersville, Hank Cherry celebrated his 52nd birthday by scoring a remarkable victory at the FXR Bassmaster Elite tournament. The Lincolnton, North Carolina pro astounded competitors and spectators alike by adopting an old-school fishing technique that brought him a total catch of 88 pounds and 11 ounces over four days.

Cherry's success stemmed primarily from a classic lure: a 3-inch hand-poured chartreuse curly tail grub, skillfully rigged on a 1/8-ounce ball-head jig. His win was not just about numbers; it was a tribute to his father, Harold Sr., who instilled in him the love for fishing. "This is more than a win; it’s about my dad, who taught me everything I know," Cherry expressed with deep emotion.

The Journey to the Top

Starting the tournament on shaky ground, Cherry found himself in 64th place after Day 1, catching only 16 pounds, 3 ounces. However, determination fueled his drive for redemption. He rebounded on Day 2 with a catch of 22-11, propelling him into 18th place. The momentum continued to build on Semifinal Saturday when he secured a limit of 22-2, landing him in sixth place and ensuring a spot in Championship Sunday.

As the final day unfolded, Cherry delivered his best performance of the tournament, achieving the heaviest bag of the event at 27-11. This impressive haul ultimately edged out Stetson Blaylock from Benton, Arkansas, by 1 pound and 13 ounces. Cherry reflected on his triumph, saying, "I felt like I was 10 years old again. I’ve waited my whole life to fish a major tournament and succeed."

Cherry's strategy involved targeting a specific area, known as Alred Creek, which was rich with baitfish but lacked heavy boat traffic. By casting and methodically swimming his grub along the grass edges, he maximized his chances of making the right catches. "Once you learn how to move the bait, it's straightforward; the bite is easy," he explained.

The Importance of Memory and Comfort

Cherry’s feelings of comfort on Lake Guntersville were palpable. "Anytime I'm on this lake, I feel like I have a chance to win. There's just a peace that comes over me when I’m fishing here," he noted. This assertion highlights the connection between the athlete and the venue, suggesting that familiarity breeds confidence in high-pressure situations.

Reflecting on his journey throughout the tournament, Cherry emphasized the critical decisions made, particularly towards the end. "I had doubts about leaving my main area, but a late change led me to catch my final fish, which weighed about 5 pounds and sealed the victory for me."

With this win, Cherry added a fifth trophy to his Bassmaster victories, previously claiming the much-coveted Bassmaster Classic titles in 2020 and 2021. He now stands among notable angling legends who have won consecutive championships. The icing on the cake was not only the thrill of victory but also a $100,000 prize that came with it.

Cherry’s victory at Lake Guntersville reinforces the value of tradition in the world of competitive fishing and reminds aspiring anglers that returning to their roots can sometimes yield the best results. As he looks ahead, Cherry maintains a genuine excitement for the sport, stating, "This is incredible! It's another milestone in a lifelong dream I'm living out."

With his heart dedicated to the sport and gratitude towards his father, Hank Cherry's journey at the Bassmaster Elite is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the timeless techniques that still resonate in today’s competitive landscape.