Fifty of the best professional bass fishermen in the country will attack Lake Ray Hubbard in April in the inaugural Bass Pro Shops PAA All Star Series tournament.
The no-entry fee tournament will be April 21-23 and based at Bass Pro Shops in Garland, Texas, right off of I-30 at the lake. Free daily launches from the store’s docks and weigh-ins each afternoon will provide fans with great access to the star-studded field.
Invited anglers include the top 44 pros from the 2010 PAA Tournament Series point standings, PAA Angler of the Year Tommy Biffle of Oklahoma and PAA Legends qualifier Harold Allen of Texas. Also invited will be Kevin Van Dam of Michigan, the 2010 Bassmaster Classic champion and Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year, along with 2010 Forrest Wood Cup champion Kevin Hawk of Alabama and 2010 FLW Tour Angler of the Year Bryan Thrift of North Carolina.
After more than a year of planning, the inaugural PAA All Star Series is the culmination of one of the goals of the organization when it was founded six years ago.
“It’s exciting for a couple of reasons, one being that it will be held in a great state known for its fisheries and passion for fishing, and also because we have a great partner with Bass Pro Shops,” said PAA President Chad Morgenthaler. “But the All Star Series will set a standard for the sport with a move toward no-entry fee events. Packed with a great field, it will be an exciting and highly competitive tournament for the anglers and fans.”
Garland served as the host for the 2010 PAA Tournament Series event on Lake Tawakoni. Fans of all ages packed the final day weigh-in at Bass Pro Shops to witness the record-setting winning performance by Keith Combs of Texas.
“We’re thrilled to host the inaugural Bass Pro Shops PAA All Star Series tournament for the 2011 season featuring some of fishing’s top pros,” said Lucia Arrant, director of the Garland Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. “Last year’s PAA tournament at Garland’s Bass Pro Shops had a great turnout. We look forward to hosting more tournaments in the future and continuing our strong partnership with Bass Pro Shops and the PAA.”
Interest already is building for the event and the official PAA Member Observer positions are filling quickly. Observers do not fish, but will be able to learn first-hand from the pros as they dissect Lake Ray Hubbard and strategize during each tournament day.
The full field will compete the first two days and then be cut to the Top 12 for the final day. Fans will be able to meet the pros during official registration on Wednesday, April 20, and on Saturday, April 23, and attend free seminars both days at Bass Pro Shops featuring some of the top pros.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing the inaugural All Star Series tournament to Garland, which was a wonderful host last season,” said PAA Program Director Danny Blandford. “Not only is the Bass Pro Shops perfectly situated on the lake and near great attractions for the fans and anglers, but the pros will be competing on a super lake at one of the best times of the year.
“This is a big step for the PAA and one of the things the anglers have wanted, a true no-entry fee tournament featuring the best anglers. We look forward to visiting the great state of Texas once again and should have a fantastic week in Garland.”
For more information about the Bass Pro Shops PAA All Star Series event, Lake Ray Hubbard and Garland, visit http://fishpaa.com/2011-lake-ray-hubbard-event/
Event specifics
What: Bass Pro Shops PAA All Star Series tournament
When: April 18-23, 2011
Practice: April 18-20, Monday through Wednesday
Competition: April 21-23, Thursday through Saturday
Format: Full field will compete the first two days before being cut to the
Top 12 for the final day
Launch, Weigh-in: Bass Pro Shops in Garland, Texas; Times TBA
About the PAA –
The Professional Anglers Association is a non-profit organization that gives professional anglers a unified voice in order to aid in the growth of the sport of professional bass fishing. The PAA also aims to administer educational programs to the average angler, to increase enjoyment of the sport, and to embrace sound conservation practices to further the future of the sport. Web: www.FishPAA.com
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