Paul Elias

Paul Elias — During his 42-year career as a B.A.S.S. pro, Paul Elias has won six tournaments, including the 1982 Bassmaster Classic on the Alabama River in Montgomery, Ala. In that tournament, he introduced his “Kneel ‘N Reel” technique for deep cranking. He used the tactic years later to establish the all-time winning weight record for a 5-bass-limit tournament with 132 pounds, 8 ounces during an Elite Series event in April 2008 at Lake Falcon, Texas.

In between those tournaments, he became a recognized expert and innovator in the technique of deep cranking. He qualified for 15 Bassmaster Classic, finishing in the Top 10 eight of those events. He has won six B.A.S.S. events and posted 41 Top Ten finishes. A true Pro’s Pro, Elias has been an ambassador for the sport and especially for the profession of competitive bass fishing.