Carl Jocumsen Prepares to Chase Down Lifelong Dream of Winning the Bassmaster Classic

After moving to the U.S. from Australia to pursue a career in bass fishing, a Bassmaster Classic qualification has been the one thing standing in the way of accomplishing his lifelong goal - until now.

Growing up in Australia, a country that doesn’t even have bass, Carl Jocumsen spent many days daydreaming about competing at the Bassmaster Classic. Twenty-four years later, that childhood dream is about to become a reality.

“I thought about this moment every day of my life. I can remember being 14 years old and imagining being on stage and seeing the crowd; It gave me goosebumps. The Bassmaster Classic is a life-changing event, and simply having the opportunity to compete on that stage of the sport is special.” said Jocumsen. 

Preparation has been a focus throughout Jocumsen’s fishing career, whether it's studying a new body of water for an Elite Series tournament, working on new techniques, or even just keeping tackle rigged and organized.

“Preparing for an event like the Bassmaster Classic has been on my mind since the day I qualified,” says Jocumsen. “I have stepped up big time by focusing on my mind and body. One thing I’ve been doing for a while is taking daily cold plunges. I wanted to harden my mind for the pressures that come with the Classic and eliminate anything that I could control leading up to it. My whole setup is the best I’ve ever had, and that feels good. My boat, rods and reels, Humminbird electronics, and Minn Kota Ultrex™ trolling motor and Raptor anchors are dialed and ready to compete on the Tennessee River,” added Jocumsen.

Since moving to the United States, Jocumsen has spent some time living in Texas, but more recently, has permanently relocated to Chattanooga, TN, within an hour of the 2023 Bassmaster Classic host city of Knoxville, TN. The classic is going to be a reunion for Jocumsen and his family. With his supporters behind him, finding the right deal and fishing freely will be the key to putting himself in contention for the win.

“I feel like the underdog in this event, but that’s the beauty of the Classic; the underdog has a chance,” says Jocumsen.

“Tennessee has become a second home for me and my wife Kayla, and it’s really going to be a cool experience to see my Aussie family flood into Knoxville. As for the tournament, I am going to keep an open mind and fish freely—someone has to win it, so why not me?” added Jocumsen.

Tune in to Bassmaster Live to follow along with Carl's pursuit of a Bassmaster Classic title. Spectators and fans can visit the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic Expo on Friday, March 24 to Sunday, March 26 and stop by the Minn Kota and Humminbird booth #3425 to chat with Minn Kota and Humminbird staff, experience the products, and visit with your favorite pro anglers.