JOHN PHILLIPS|Fishing

The Bassmasters Classic will take place this weekend in New Orleans. Once a major media event, the Classic has evolved into mainly a TV-only spectacular. This year a field of 61 anglers will try for the $200,000 first prize.
After attending almost three decades of Classics, I've observed that the men who think they have the greatest chances to win usually do. The competitors who think of all the reasons they can't win generally don't.
The top-40 anglers in the Classic field all have good skills, equal time on the water and the same chances to win . But the men who believe before the Classic starts that they will win almost always finish in the top 25, although luck or circumstances may keep them from winning it all.
Who will win
Many have asked me, "Who do you think will win and why?" Here's my top-10 list.
I have to pick Jay Yelas, the 2002 Classic winner, the 2003 FLW Angler of the Year and this year's B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year. Yelas easily can carry his winning attitude with him and do well in New Orleans.
I'll also go with Mike Wurm of Arkansas, a consistent tournament pro. Wurm has fished strong all year. In New Orleans' tidal waters and very hot weather, the pro anglers will find the bass fishing slow, but Wurm's light line and little-bait tactics may win for him.
Kevin VanDam, a strong, talented and aggressive angler, has won the Classic here before. Tom Mann, Jr., of Georgia, another consistent fisherman who works and fishes hard, never has won a Classic, but may with a little luck.
Mark Davis of Arkansas, although gentle and quiet, always goes all-out to win. The pressure of the media, the hot temperatures and the orneriness of the bass in the Louisiana Delta mean Davis' laid-back temperament will pay off for him.
Gary Klein of Texas, another of those really-strong competitors, never has won a Classic, although he's come close several times.
Harold Allen of Texas has fished in bass tournaments when many of this year's participants still were in their teens and has the age and the experience to win.
Shaw Grigsby, Jr., of Florida, a strong competitor, has a "never say die" attitude. I never count him out.
A Bitter loss
I also have to give a vote of confidence to Jim Bitter of Florida. At one time, Bitter had a Classic victory, but while holding the winning fish for his pressman to take a picture, he dropped the bass back in the water and lost the Classic.
Roland Martin of Florida will fish in this, his 25th Classic. You've got to believe that he's learned from those 24 defeats and has a strong opportunity to win this time.
Conventional wisdom says that Roger Boler of Slidell, Louisiana, who has had a good year on the circuit and knows the Louisiana Delta like the back of his hand, may win the tournament. However, Boler will have a huge amount of hometown pressure on him.
UContact John Phillips at the Birmingham Post-Herald in Alabama at http://www.postherald.com.