Ehrler ready for the Classic
Oct 16th, 2015 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Oct 16th, 2015 at 12:00 AM
The first year on the Bassmaster Elite Series is done for Mercury pro Brent Ehrler. Boy, it was a good one. After a struggle at his first Elite Series event on the Sabine River in Texas, Ehrler fished like the boss he is.
His lifelong goal of qualifying for the Bassmaster Classic was fulfilled. He was in the hunt for the Angler of the Year (AOY) title and he is solidified as one of the top anglers in all of professional bass fishing.
Oh yeah, he won the Rookie of the Year (ROY) title, too, oh and the Toyota Texas Bass Classic along the way. A decent 2015 to be sure.
Ehrler has plenty of love for the Elite Series.
“Man, I loved my first year fishing the Elites,” said Ehrler. “You have the highest concentration of the best pro anglers. This is the place to be. The top tier of professional bass fishing. That is for sure.
“I enjoyed my time fishing the FLW Tour and had a lot of success, but at this time in the sport, the Elites is the place to be.”
AOY is on the radar for Ehrler.
“I never did win an AOY fishing the FLW,” said Ehrler. “If I didn’t stumble early this year, I could’ve finished higher. I’m not saying I had a real chance of winning it, but at least I know Aaron Martens would’ve needed to fish the last tournament to win AOY.
“It is pretty cool to know I have the ability to legitimately compete for AOY.”
The ultimate goal for Ehrler is the Bassmaster Classic title.
“While I know the AOY is a huge deal, the Classic has been my biggest focus,” said Ehrler. “I’ve never qualified to fish the Classic. It has been my dream, my goal to fish it. Now, I have a chance to win it.
“I’m glad it is on a lake. If it was at the Red River, or some other river, I’d feel like I was filler, but I feel more comfortable on a lake. I believe I am versatile enough to fish anywhere, but a lake is more to my liking.
“For me, the Classic is the top event of professional bass fishing. It’s my dream. Earning a shot at that title is huge. I’d never thought I’d be here. Amazing.”