The 2020 Peteys – Lockdown Edition

While other award-granting institutions have been forced to cancel or postpone their ceremonies, here at Pete Weighs In international headquarters this is a moment we’ve been waiting for. As a confirmed introvert and germophobe, the opportunity to offer up my 2020 honors from the comfort of my own home, without having to walk the red carpet or shake any hands is something that has been 50 years in the making.

Besides, what else am I going to do? I’ve long lived by the motto that it’s better to crap your pants than to die of constipation.

That does not mean that these awards are any more or any less important than in past years. Indeed, the challenges of 2020 required a certain type of resolve to excel. Some anglers and companies rose to the challenge, others faded away weakly.

So without further suspense, here are my award winners. Each of them will be awarded a 12 pack of Corona Extra, 3000 yards of Original Blue Stren, a Color-C-Lector and an optional bleach injection.

Media Circus of the Year – Presented by Abe Vigoda

Luke Dunkin and Dave Mercer

I’m not a podcast or YouTube addict, simply because I don’t have time to savor 6 minute cat videos or 2 hour conspiracy theories, but these two dudes have brought new life to the discussion of the pro bass scene, and despite having everything to lose they take a balls-out approach to their topics. Nothing seems to be off limits — there are other similar shows and podcasts, but this nevertheless feels like the first seismic change in bass fishing coverage since BassFan emerged two decades ago.

Personality of the Year – Presented by Weird Al Yankovic

Jim Jones

I am neither endorsing nor rejecting JJ’s approach to the sport. Frankly, even as someone who has occasionally been accused of being a “hater,” I still find him offputting at times But it’s a sign that the sport has reached the big time that an entire league has inspired a parody account. Granted, the dude only has 450 followers, so he’s hardly mainstream, but whether you like him or not – and whether he serves a valid purpose or not – he reflects the strong passions that are imbued in our little corner of the world.

Angler of the Year (co-winner) – Presented by Mary Kate Olsen

Brandon Palaniuk

With much respect to Clark Wendlandt, Jordan Lee, Hank Cherry and others, Palaniuk continues to set the standard for what a pro angler should be. No one had any idea how others would react or how he would perform upon returning to bass after a brief interlude at BPT, but he didn’t miss a beat. He added two major victories on two very different waters, brought his own videographer to the table, and added a line of merch.

Angler of the Year (co-winner) – Presented by Ashley Olsen

Jacob Wheeler

Love him or hate him, Wheeler continues to remain in the limelight. Do the constant allegations against him represent the idea that “where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” or is it just sour grapes from jealous competitors and fans? I haven’t been around him enough to have a clue, but the bottom line is that he catches them everywhere he goes, at every level.

Lure of the Year – Presented by Johnny Morris

Evergreen JackHammer

It’s not new, but when you can get non-sponsored pros to mention it on stage, there’s something lasting about it that’s deserving of recognition. I walked into a tackle store at Guntersville during the Classic and the proprietor informed me that he’d sold 70 of a single color that day and would’ve sold more if he could have gotten them. Had there been a normal tournament schedule thid might not have been the case, but the spring/fall split amplified its value even more.

Style Icon of the Year – Presented by Anna Wintour

Austin Felix

The Elite Series Rookie of the Year wears pajama pants in the boat. He has argyle on his jersey. He’s listened to the Harry Potter audiobooks over a dozen times. As Lester Bangs said: “Style is originality. Fashion is fascism.”

Looking forward to a great 2021, absent of quarantines but full of 12:1 baitcasting reels, 12XD crankbaits and Pete Robbins Signature Series Senko colors.

And to all a good night!