First-Ever "Big Bass Bash" Collegiate Tournament Set For March 2011

The Association of Collegiate Anglers announced today that Florence/Lauderdale Tourism will host the newly created "Big Bass Bash" at Pickwick Lake on March 25-27. The event is open to all institutionally-recognized college fishing clubs and becomes the third major, nationally televised event of the 2011 BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship Series.

"We are delighted to host the Big Bass Bash," said Debbie Wilson, Director Florence/Lauderdale Tourism. "There are several elements to this event that are unique and will make it interesting not only for the anglers but also fishing tournament fans. Working with collegiate anglers is rewarding and assures the sustainability of the sport."

This unique event will feature hourly weigh-ins with prizes awarded for first, second and third place each hour, plus additional awards for the three biggest bass overall. The Big Bass Bash will also be one of several BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship Series events that qualifies for a number of sponsor incentive awards from companies such as BoatUS, Cabela's, Abu Garcia, Columbia, Costa Del Mar, Sperry, Gemini and others.

Competitors will be allowed to weigh only one bass each hour, which will make it critical to choose the right time to weigh a bass. The student anglers will also be faced with tough decisions regarding how far to venture from the weigh-in site each day. Daily weigh-ins will take place at McFarland Park in Florence, Alabama, beginning at 9:00 am on March 26 and 27.

"This is going to be a fun week for the collegiate anglers," commented Wade Middleton, Tournament Director. "Not only is the lake and area a great one to fish and visit, the format allows for any collegiate angler to have a chance to win. We expect some college teams to show up with as many as ten anglers to fish this event!"

"The University of North Alabama's fishing team is excited that Pickwick Lake is the site for this inaugural event," stated Shawn Dalrymple, a student angler at the University of North Alabama. "The Big Bass Bash tournament format will allow college anglers to showcase what a great fishery Pickwick Lake has become. I would not be surprised if an 8-pound smallmouth or an 11-pound largemouth is caught during this event. Bass of this size are one of many reasons why people are talking about Pickwick over Guntersville."

Under the leadership of the Association of Collegiate Anglers, collegiate bass fishing continues to grow at an astounding pace as new fishing clubs are forming rapidly at universities throughout the country. Please visit www.CollegiateBassChampionship.com for current news and information about collegiate bass fishing.