Iaconelli Posts Another Bassmaster Classic Top 10 Finish

Before the "Super Six" was presented to the crowd at the day 3 weigh-in of the 2005 Citgo Bassmaster Classic, a video was played where Mike stated that Kevin VanDam is the greatest bass fisherman fishing today; as Mike came to the stage VanDam (currently in the lead) noted that "He (Mike) hates to lose as much as I do". On this occasion, both were right, VanDam proved his skill with his 3rd straight tournament win (accomplished otherwise only by Roland Martin, and it was noted in "The Greatest Angler" debate that it would probably never be accomplished again), and Mike went home, certainly as determined as VanDam to win the 2006 Classic at Lake Toho.

Iaconelli finished the season with his 5th consecutive BASS top 10, by finishing in 5th at the 2005 Citgo Bassmaster Classic from Pittsburgh. His streak also included all 4 Elite 50 top tens. In addition, Mike ended his FLW season with a $200,000 win at the FLW Chevy Open on the Potomac. Iaconelli has now finished in the top ten 22 of his 80 total BASS entries, over 25% top ten finishes, and in the top twenty in nearly half.

Mike's Classic tournament history is also impressive, including a 6th place finish in 1999 (won by Davy Hite), 10th at the 2000 Classic (won by Woo Daves), the "Never Give Up!" win at the 2003 Classic, and 19th at the 2004 Lake Wylie, where he landed a 7lb. + largemouth at the beginning of day 1. Mike has now finished in the top 10 in 4 of his 6 Bassmaster Classic appearances.

To the left Mike holds up 2 of his 3 day 3 smallmouth.