Bassmaster Weekend Series Regional Championship Coming to Shreveport

October 10-15, 2011

Fishing’s ‘super bowl’ of tournaments will have anglers from the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series trying to fill one of the spots to compete in the Bassmaster Classic to be held in February.

The top 40 boaters and co-anglers from each Division of the Mid-West region of the Bassmaster Weekend Series will be in Shreveport-Bossier City, La., for the 2011 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series Mid-West Regional Championship, next week, October 10th - 15th.

The top 50 from this Regional Championship will move on to the National Championship and a seat at the 2012 Bassmaster Classic. This region consists of Texas SouthEast, Texas East, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kentucky. Host for the event is the Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau.

“Known as Sportsman’s Paradise, Shreveport-Bossier is proud to host this exciting event,” said Stacy Brown, President, Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau. “Being held at the Red River South Marina, the same location as the upcoming 2012 Bassmaster Classic, the anglers and spectators will get a taste of what is to come.”

• Anglers and co-anglers official practice days will begin at safelight Monday, October 10th and conclude Thursday, October 13th at 3:00 pm.

• Tournament days begin at safelight Friday, October 14th and Saturday, October 15th, 2011, with weigh-in at 3:00 pm both days.

Location for blast-off and weigh-in will be at Red River South Marina. The residents of Shreveport-Bossier City and the surrounding areas are invited to come out and watch the excitement as anglers anxiously await their final placement and the opportunity to advance to the National Championship.

The top 50 boaters and co-anglers from this regional will advance to the Bassmaster Weekend Series National Championship at Lake Santee Cooper in Manning, South Carolina.

There is no entry fee for the National Championship and the contingency awards are through fifty places on the boater and co-angler side. There is also a possible $205,000 top boater award and $102,500 top award for the non-boater. The boater champion advances to the 2012 Bassmaster Classic.

The Red River was discovered by DeSoto while exploring the Mississippi for riches. Bienville followed its route to explore north Louisiana. St. Denis spent years searching its shores for gold and silver. Early settlers and farmers used it to ship cotton and other goods to New Orleans.

The Confederate Army used it to move food and troops south. The Union Army used it to move food and troops north. Steamboat lines from St. Louis, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati roamed its waters. Today, the gifts of the waterway continue to support the River community. Under the guidance of the Red River Waterway Commission, the River provides both recreational and commercial opportunities to Louisiana residents.

The Red River is a vital source for economic development essential to the future of the state as well as offering some of the very best bass fishing. Many National Tournaments have been held on the waterway and it will be the site of the 2012 Bassmaster Classic.

Practice days are Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, October 9-13.

Competition tournament days will be Friday and Saturday, October 14 and 15.

Weigh-in will take place at Red River South Marina at 3:00 pm on these days.

The public is invited out to this free event to help cheer these anglers on. The winner will take home a 2011 Triton Boat and Mercury Motor.

For more information call toll-free 888-203-6222 or email the tournament director, Porter Trimble at ptrimble@americanbassanglers.com.

About American Bass Anglers

American Bass Anglers offers over 1,100 tournaments per year in 41 states that are designed for the weekend angler. American Bass Anglers commitment is to provide low cost, close to home tournaments for the weekend angler and at the same time offer each an upward path for angler progression. Facebook

For more information on American Bass Anglers and the American Fishing Trail, The Bassmaster Weekend Series, The American Couples Series, Military Bass Anglers, or the ABA Steak Cook-off sponsored by Early Times Kentucky Whisky, visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call 888-203-6222 toll-free.

Local Media Contacts:

Chris Jay, Public Relations & Social Media Manager, Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau, (800) 551-8682 or (318) 429-0658.

Kelly Wells, Vice President, Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, (800) 551-8682 or (318) 349-9768.