Athens, AL Monday, September 20, 2004
American Bass Anglers, Inc. the nation’s largest tournament trail for the
weekend angler will hold its 29th annual National Championship on Wheeler Lake
in Decatur, Alabama, October 3-8, 2004. The National Championship consists of
the top anglers from around the country plus Active Duty Military Anglers
recently returned from overseas. The field has been increase by 10% due to
growth and to accommodate activity duty military members. The increase brings
to the field to at least 580 anglers. Additionally, 50 CAST (Collegiate Angler
Scholarship Tour) anglers will be competing.
ABA members have set their sites on a portion of $300,000 in cash and prizes at
the largest weekend angler bass fishing National Championship in the world. At
this event, ABA will crown a “National Champion” and the top overall point’s
holder will gain the title “Angler of the Year”. These two prestigious titles
will each be rewarded with a 2005 Triton TR21X with a matching custom Triton
Trailer, Mercury’s award winning 2005 Optimax 225 hp outboard, Lowrance
Electronics, and a MotorGuide Trolling Motor. In addition, one more ABA
member’s name will be drawn for a third Triton TR21X Boat.
ABA will award cash and prizes to the top 15% of the angler field plus recognize
the top five anglers in each Service Team. ABA Services Teams consist of: Army,
Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Associate/Non-Military and Lady Anglers.
There will also be a special big bass award daily worth $5,000 per day.
ABA members and families will start arriving in Decatur, AL on October 1 and
begin practice on October 2. Competition days are October 6, 7, and 8 with
weigh-in set for 3:00pm Wednesday and Thursday and 2:00pm on Friday. The public
is invited to attend these events.
The competition begins on Wednesday October 6th at daylight with a special on
the water flag ceremony saluting America and the Armed Forces. The American,
Alabama State, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, and Coast Guard flags will be
brought across the water in the midst of 300 competitors’ boats to patriotic
music. The flags are then taken by a color guard and posted on shore and the
national anthem is played.
This is ABA’s first year to have College Students from its CAST program
competing in the national championship. The (CAST) Collegiate Angler
Scholarship Tour is designed to introduce college students to the sport of bass
fishing and the opportunity to compete in ABA tournaments free of charge. This
year these CAST members will be competing for $12,000 in scholarships and
special awards.
Special guest for the week will be: BASS Angler of the year Gerald Swindle,
Friday October 8 at the final weigh-in, Jimmy Mason local BASS professional
October 6-8 and Mr. Earl Bentz founder of Triton Boats October 8.
Other special events: Monday, October 4, 2004 ABA will host a special
Sponsor/Media bass fishing event. Media and Sponsor Celebrities will be paired
with a top ABA angler and compete from 7:30am to 11:00am. The Celebrities will
weigh in at River Walk Marina at 11:00am. The public is invited to meet these
celebrities and get their autographs.
Schedule of Events:
Location: River Walk Marina, Decatur, AL Wheeler Lake
Sunday, October 2 – 5 – Practice Days for Anglers
Monday, October 4 – 11:00am – Sponsor/Media Weigh In (Public Invited)
Wednesday, October 6 – sunrise – Salute to America and the Arm Forces Flag
Ceremony
Wednesday, October 6 – 3:00pm – Weigh in of anglers (Public Invited)
Thursday, October 7 – 3:00pm – Weigh in of anglers (Public Invited)
Friday, October 8 – 2:00pm – Weigh in of anglers (Public Invited)
American Bass Anglers is the largest tournament trail for the weekend angler in
the country, offering over 800 tournaments yearly. American Bass Anglers
provide low cost, close to home tournaments for the weekend angler with a huge
National Championship the same season. For more information on American Bass
Anglers visit http://www.americanbassanglers.com or call the weekend angler hotline
toll free at 888-203-6222
American Bass Anglers is sponsored by: Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Lowrance,
Gander Mountain, Berkley, Diamond Cut Jeans, All Star Rods, Probass Networks,
Anglers Advantage Insurance, Motor Guide, Bill Heard Chevrolet of Huntsville,
Alabama, Trilene, ABU Garcia, and Bayou Outdoors.
American Bass Anglers, MBAA since 1975, Tournament Trail, Military Bass Anglers
Association, and ABA are all registered or pending collective membership or
service marks of American Bass Anglers, Inc. All rights reserved.
American Bass Anglers, Inc PO Box 475, Athens, AL 35611 1-800-232-4428 or
1-888-203-6222 (FAX 256-233-2295)