Greg Hackney, who lives in Gonzales, has qualified for the 2009 Bassmaster Classic to be held in February on the Red River out of Shreveport.

Hackney took the last spot allowed for B.A.S.S. Elite Series qualifiers.

Hackney started the 11-tournament Elite Series in March with a last-place finish among 110 pros.

He battled his way into 41st place after 10 events and then fininshed 30th in last week’s tournament in New York to finish in 36th place. The Elite Series gets 36 places in the Classic field.

It is the seventh time Hackney made the Classic. He finished fifth in this year’s Classic held near Greenville, S.C.

Hackney’s career winnings is $1.028 million and his lifetime catch in competition weighs 2,606 lbs., 3 oz.

Hackney could be joined by fellow Gonzales angler, Jamie Laiche.

Laiche, who competed in this year’s Classic, could make his second straight appearance through the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation.

Laiche earned Louisiana’s berth in the Federation’s tournament set for Kansas in Novemeber where he must outfish eight other Central Division anglers to make the ‘09 Classic.
Laiche’s career earnings are $14,666.67 and total catch in competions is 98 lbs. 5 oz.