Iaconelli Wins Northern Open on Lake Erie, He's Going to the Bassmaster Classic

As Mike stated in his article Classic quest: Never give up! on 8/27/13, "Actually I think I have a shot. I'm not going to say that it’s a guarantee or anything but I have a shot. I'm not just saying that. I honestly believe it. There's one Northern Open left, two Central Opens and the Wildcard. I'm especially excited about the upcoming Open on Lake Erie out of Sandusky, Ohio." Mike's hunch was correct, with 48.5 lbs, Mike caught the biggest bag in both days of competition (the second day was cancelled due to weather).

Iaconelli fished two baits en route to his first BASS Open win. Firstly, the New Berkley Flat Dawg, which he wacky rigged on a VMC Ike Approved Wacky Hook and VMC Ike Tungsten Drop Shot Cylinder Weight (pencil weight). Mike also fished an Ike's Custom Ink DT Series Crankbaits in Ike's Smash color.

After a difficult 2013 Elite Series, Mike had diminishing chances to qualify for his 13th consecutive Bassmaster Classic in 2014. As a former "Wrangler Angler", Mike is no stranger to qualifying through alternate means, but this is his first qualification through the Bassmaster Opens.

Perhaps more impressive, is that he's now finished in the top 8 in his last 7 Open tournaments:

• 2013 Bass Pro Shops Northern Open #3 - 1st
• 2013 Bass Pro Shops Northern Open #2 - 6th
• 2013 Bass Pro Shops Northern Open #1 - 3rd
• 2013 Bass Pro Shops Central Open #1 - 8th
• 2012 Bass Pro Shops Northern Open #3 - 5th
• 2011 Bass Pro Shops Northern Open #3 - 6th
• 2011 Bass Pro Shops Northern Open #1 - 4th