I'm not sure if this list should be made up of the current guys who are fishing the tour or the guys that contributed to the sport the most.
I don't think that winning a Classic is the sole reason any man should be on this list for that reason I eliminated guys like Ike. I think that what the listed men have done for the sport, their influence, and consistency should be a measure as to their overall value on the list. All of you guys put anglers on that are/were competitive pro anglers on the list. I don't necessarily think that they are the best out there, maybe in their circle they are/were. However, if I am considering consistent big bass anglers, none of them are on my list. If I am considering people who pioneered technological advancements like Iovino and LCD's or Yamamoto and his line of baits and methods to use them, none of them stack up. Yes many of these guys are the posterboys for baits and gear based on their overall success. Yamamotos Senko and Hula gained its street cred on performance. We all know a few of these guys are hawking stuff nobody in their right mind should buy...(rocket rod Roland Martin). I'm not convinced that all the stuff with KVD's name on it is actually good stuff and I'm sure a ton of it is purchased solely because his name is on it

1. Kevin Van Dam- the most consistent angler of all time, the best money guy in the business
2. Rick Clunn- I rate him a close second to KVD. I am fascinated by the intellgence that goes into his approach, he was the KVD of his time.
3. Roland Martin- Rolo put bass fishing on the map, never able to win the big dance his dominance and AOY titles are only matched by KVD.
4. Bill Dance- Along with Martin, an old guard type of guy who got out of competitive fishing and put together one of the longest running shows on tv.
5. Denny Brauer- Brauer put the exclamation point on fishing to your strengths. I don't think any angler is as good with a jig as he, remained dominant for a long time, despite essentially being a one trick pony.
6. Larry Nixon- Nixon is another old guard guy who is a phenominal career, I spent a day with him once and he impressed me with his approach and his willingness to listen to me about mine.
7. Hank Parker- I'm not sure there is a more likable guy than Hank, great tv host, 2 Classic titles over 30 yrs.
8. Gary Klein- 29 Classic berths.....you gotta be good to get there that often
9. Paul Elias- old guard, consistency and a Classic title give him relevance on my list. 30 year career and still competitive.
10. a host of names could fill this spot up....George Cochran(2 classic titles), Bobby Murray also 2 Classic Victories, Don Iovino(godfather of finesse and electronics), Gary Yamamoto, Jay Yelas, Doug Hannon 1000+ bass over 10lbs, Bill Siementel big bass specialist, Bill Murphy big bass specialist, Billy Westmoreland smallie guru, Buck Perry godfather of structure fishing....man, the list can go on.