BASS of Washington
Don Hogue of Pasco earns coveted spot in the
Bassmaster Classic as Champion of the West, Second Overall BASS Federation Nation National Championships

Tavares, Florida - Harris Chain of Lakes, October 30 - In a thriller, Don Hogue of Pasco, Washington and the Tri-Cities River Runners earned a spot in the Superbowl of professional bass fishing, the Bassmaster Classic by finishing first in the Western Division and second overall in the Federation Nation National Championships held by BASS in Florida this week.  Hogue lead the field after the second day of the three day competition on Florida's Harris Chain of Lakes, with 24 pounds 9 ounces of largemouth.  He held a solid lead over the next closest Western Division angler but only a half pound over second place Randy Philips of Oxford, MA.  Day three Hogue weighed in 3 fish, for 4 lbs 8 ounces, for a three day total of 29 lbs. 1 oz and as was only eclipsed by Philips who brought in 6-15 for a three day total of 31-1 and the win. Philips also won a $63,000 bass boat for his efforts.  Hogue took home $5,000 and will be part of a 6 Federation Nation angler contingent that will now represent their respective divisions in the 2010 Classic regarded as the Superbowl of Professional Bass Fishing. 
Hogue a long time competitive angler is excited for his first trip to the Classic, "Yeah, it's been a surreal week, the whole week has just been a buzz and I had no real expectations or anticipation of doing as well as I did, so this is an overwhelming surprise right now." 
To qualify Hogue had to first make the Washington State Federation Nation State team, and then finish first among his teammates at the 2010 Divisional on the Columbia River.  That put him in a position to represent Washington at the National Championships and now at the Bassmaster Classic where he will fish against the best of the best in the likes of Kevin Vandam, Skeet Reese and Mike Iaconelli among others.  Another well know Washington State Angler, Luke Clausen won the Bassmaster Classic in 2006.  Hogue hopes to be the next.