Abu Garcia pro Bobby Lane won the BASS Elite Series Rookie of the Year title following the conclusion of the Champions Choice tournament on Lake Oneida. The Lakeland, Fla., resident never trailed in the Rookie of the Year standings, which resulted in a $25,000 check and the recognition as the top first-year angler on tour.
"This has been an amazing year on tour with the best bass anglers in the world," Lane said. "I would not have been able to succeed if it weren't for Abu Garcia. The reels that I have been outfitted with have been key to my success on the tour."
Lane burst on to the scene by placing fourth in the Bassmaster Classic, and then continued his success by dominating the Florida swing of the Elite Series. Cashing a check in all but three tournaments, Lane never looked over his shoulder to see who was chasing him.
"I knew this was a special year, but I never had time to stop and think who was behind me." Lane said. "Preparing for the next event and focusing on the task at hand is always the center of attention while you are on the road. If you do stop to think, you lose your focus."
The Rookie of the Year award is based on final season point standing. First-year anglers on the Bassmaster Elite Series have the opportunity to earn not only a check at each tournament, but also a cash bonus of $25,000.
2008 BASS Elite Series Tournament Results
4th Place – Lake Hartwell (Bassmaster Classic)
3rd Place – Harris Chain of Lakes
7th Place – Kissimmee Chain
73rd Place – Falcon Lake
37th Place – Lake Amistad
29th Place – Clarks Hill Lake
35th Place – Lake Murray
72nd Place – Wheeler Lake
58th Place – Kentucky Lake
20th Place – Old Hickory Lake
52nd Place – Lake Erie
17th Place – Oneida Lake