Shreveport-Bossier City, will be 2012 Bassmaster Classic Venue

The world's premier fishing event, Bassmaster Classic, will return to Shreveport  Feb. 24-26, 2012, on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La.

This marks the second time in four years the event has been held in Shreveport.

The Shreveport Regional Sports Authority was host to the 2009 Bassmaster Classic, and several attendance records were smashed for the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo.

I wonder if James E. Hester and Steve Graf from Hook 'N' Up and Track 'N' Down are checking out the waters this weekend too?

BassMaster.com said that Stephen Browning of Hot Springs, Arkansas could be among the top finishers at the 2012 tournament. Browning is a self-proclaimed “river rat” and lives less than 3 hours away.

Others like Jamie Horton, who’s in town this weekend scoping out the waters, is convinced that research and preparation will be vital in their efforts. He's checking things out now because the present weather is close to what it will be in February.

Classic programming will be available across several multimedia platforms throughout the event, and fans can follow the competition by tuning in, attending the daily launches and weigh-ins or logging on to Bassmaster.com, which will provide extensive hourly coverage.

Kevin Gaubert, president of the Louisiana B.A.S.S. Federation Nation said, "What a great opportunity for our state, our Federation Nation organization — and what could be a better compliment to our fisheries?" He went on to say, "We are pleased to be the host site once again for the world's greatest fishing event."

Launches on the Red River through the three days of competition in 2012 will be from Red River South Marina in Bossier City, La.

The Shreveport Regional Sports Authority will roll out the red carpet for Classic weigh-ins at the CenturyLink Center in Bossier City. The 2012 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo will be at the Shreveport Convention Center.

Those interested in volunteering at the 2012 Bassmaster Classic in Shreveport-Bossier City should call B.A.S.S. at 877-BASS-USA.