NPAA Member Scott Bonnema Purchases Classic Bass
Category: npaa
Jun 18th, 2013 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Jun 18th, 2013 at 12:00 AM
ELK RIVER, MN – “June 14, 2013 – “Competitive bass fans have an exciting new option in tournament fishing. The Classic Bass Invitational will be held August 29-30 on Pokegama Lake out of Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
The team-format event offers 100 percent payback in cash and prizes, and allows anglers to pick their fishing partners-“doubling the fun while splitting expenses. Two-person teams will enjoy intense competition on the 6,700-acre Mississippi River impoundment’s renowned bass fishery-“as they try to amass the heaviest two-day total weight of largemouths and smallmouths.
Although the Classic Bass Invitational was just announced this spring, it has already drawn serious attention from notable names in the Minnesota bass scene, including Ron Lindner, patriarch of what is perhaps the state’s most famous fishing family.
“This is going to be a great event,” said Lindner, who is a Fishing Hall of Famer, co-founder of In-Fisherman, and a driving force behind Lindner Media. “I plan to fish it, and encourage anyone who enjoys competitive bass fishing to do the same.” Besides himself, he expects the Lindner family to be well-represented at the tournament, including brother Al and son James.
Lindner was not alone in anticipating the event. “It’s about time,” said Rapala’s Mark Fisher, also a Fishing Hall of Famer and longtime tournament competitor. “I commend Classic Bass for putting together a great venue on a great body of water, and putting competitive bass fishing back on track in Minnesota.”
For nearly two decades, Classic Bass has been Minnesota’s go-to source of bass tournament information. The website was recently purchased by longtime bass pro Scott Bonnema, of Zimmerman, Minnesota, and is being managed by Rick Pelletier, one of Classic Bass’s founding fathers and a veteran tournament organizer.
Fisher sees their tournament venture as a forerunner of things to come. “With Classic Bass behind it, this is just the beginning,” he said. “I’m glad they’re putting the fun and professionalism back into the sport.” Lindner quickly agreed. “Scott’s a stalwart in Minnesota bass fishing. With him involved, I’m sure this is the start of great things,” he predicted.
As a bonus, participants will gather at a private premier to watch firsthand as the totally redesigned Classic Bass website goes live, showcasing the popular site’s new look, cutting-edge content and streamlined functionality.
The tournament entry fee is $600 per team, and the registration deadline is Friday, August 23. For more information or to register, visit classicbass.com or contact Tournament Director Rick Pelletier at: [email protected], (952) 270-3864.