ESPN has a thing for compiling lists and debating intangibles, which fills up a lot of air time but doesn’t solve many arguments. Take, for example, the Greatest Angler Debate, GAD for short. It should be E- (for ESPN) GAD.

Fans vote online to determine the best of the bass pros.

It’s a fun argument, but it means nothing. ESPN is doling out great anglers and will announce its No. 1 at the Bassmaster Classic in July. Here’s the list to date: 10. Mark Davis, 9. Gary Klein, 8. Jay Yelas, 7. Hank Parker, 6. Larry Nixon, 5. Kevin VanDam, 4. Denny Brauer and 3. Bill Dance.

At Wednesday’s Elite 50 opening round at Lewisville Lake, Roland Martin and Rick Clunn were announced as the final two entries in the GAD. Fans can vote for their favorite at www.bassmaster.com, keyword Vote.

Forget the Top 10. Here’s my top six greatest bass anglers, based largely on personal preference.

6. Jay Yelas stands out in a profession known for good guys. When it comes to competitive bass fishing, good guys usually don’t finish last, and that’s what makes the sport so appealing.

5. Kevin VanDam may go down as the best of the best. At 37, VanDam already ranks fourth on the B.A.S.S. all-time money list. He has developed a reputation as a great all-around angler who fishes with fierce energy.

4. Denny Brauer is the all-time money winner on the B.A.S.S. tour, and his winnings undoubtedly would be higher had he not suffered back problems that affected his fishing. The gentlemanly Brauer is the first angler ever featured on a box of Wheaties, and he’s the first fisherman with his own action figure.

3. Rick Clunn is so bizarre that you either love or hate the guy. He talks about winning tournaments based on visions that he’s had in the night. While other anglers are wailing with Willie or jamming to the Stones, Clunn listens to recordings of whale songs. Pushing 60, he has been known to wear his thinning hair in a ponytail.

2. Bill Dance, who parlayed a winning personality and an ability to catch fish into a small, uh, better make that a large, fortune. Dance’s long-running television show is one of the most entertaining fishing shows ever done, and Dance’s personality makes you, the viewer, feel as if you’re fishing in the boat with him.

1. Your father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, uncle, aunt and whoever else took you fishing when you were a kid. Most of the world’s great anglers never have competed in a tournament. A great angler is the man or woman who fishes for the fun of fishing and never misses a chance to share that fun with a kid.