Registration for Inaugural Big Bass Bash Now Underway

Collegiate anglers throughout the country may begin registering online for the 2011 Big Bass Bash on January 15. This unique, new tournament is scheduled for March 25-27 at Pickwick Lake in Florence, Alabama. As a showcase event within the 2011 BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship Series, it allows for maximum participation while providing many prizes and tremendous exposure for collegiate anglers. To register online, click here.

Because the event features a big bass format, the rules allow up to 3 contestants per boat and anglers from different colleges are allowed to fish together. Daily weigh-ins will be held at 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm at McFarland Park on March 26 & 27. Prizes will be awarded to 1st thru 5th place big bass every weigh-in session as well as 1st place overall big bass. Complete rules can be found here.

"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."

Extensive coverage of the tournament will be nationally televised on the Versus network from August - October 2011 as part of the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship Series. The television series will feature coverage of several regional events as well as the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship and the Collegiate Bass Fishing Open presented by Pepsi.

"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 twelve anglers to fish this event. Who knows what size bass will be winning prizes this week as we've still got some surprises that we haven't yet revealed!"

The BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship television series will once again be nationally televised with 18 half hours of coverage on the Versus network beginning in August of 2011. Additional coverage of the BoatUS Collegiate Series can be seen on line via streaming video as well on the World Fishing Network as part of the expanded coverage of this series of events.