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CAYUGA LAKE, N.Y. — New York native Jamie Hartman is having a breakout summer, winning a Bassmaster Elite Series event for the second time in three tournaments and propelling himself into 11th place in the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings.

While his first win in June at Lake Guntersville (Ala.), was special, he is quick to admit that last week’s victory at the SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at Cayuga Lake meant a little more.

“It just couldn’t be any better than this,” Hartman said. “For it to happen right here in my home state with all of my family here, it’s incredibly special. This is where my heart is. It’ll be hard to top this — ever.”

These victories are more impressive after realizing how far Hartman has come to compete in the 2019 season.

Just after the second Elite tournament of 2018, Hartman had to claim “Medical Hardship” with B.A.S.S. officials. Sciatic nerve issues in his mid and lower back crippled him as he prepared to fish the Upper Mississippi River out of La Crosse, Wis.

“It was literally the worst pain I’d experienced, and to make it worse it took me out of the Elites for the season,” Hartman said.

Hartman’s rookie year on the Bassmaster Elite series in 2017 was one for the ages. He earned five Top 12s, more than any other rookie in the history of the series, and missed earning the Rookie of the Year title by ounces.

“When you experience success at this level it gets in your blood,” Hartman said. “You’ll do whatever it takes to repeat. When it gets ripped away from you, there’s not much that can be done to ease the pain. All I worked for was to compete on the top level of professional bass fishing, and then the rug got ripped out from under me.”

Hartman lost weight and committed to dietary and physical improvements that only he could accomplish. No medicine would improve his condition. Most mornings, in the pre-dawn darkness when the Elite field takes-off for competition, you will find Hartman performing a series of back and leg stretches on the front deck of his boat. He keeps his mental and physical state in unison to stay ahead of himself, and his competition.

“I’m going to be at the Classic next year. Count on it,” Hartman reiterated. “And that starts every morning when I eat right, do some stretches that help make my back and torso stronger. I’m not about to get hurt again due to negligence. I love this sport too much.”

About B.A.S.S.

B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it.

Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 510,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events.

For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, BassPro.com Bassmaster Opens Series, TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.

Fishing in his home state of New York, Jamie Hartman came from behind to win on the final day of the 2019 SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at Cayuga Lake with a four-day total of 80 pounds, 13 ounces.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/web1_BASS-ELITE-SERIES.jpg.optimal.jpgFishing in his home state of New York, Jamie Hartman came from behind to win on the final day of the 2019 SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at Cayuga Lake with a four-day total of 80 pounds, 13 ounces. Submitted Photo

Times Leader Staff Report