High-Stakes Bass Showdown At NABC World Bass Championship On Leech Lake Sept. 24-25
Sep 23rd, 2011 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Sep 23rd, 2011 at 12:00 AM
SEPTEMBER 13, 2011-MINNETONKA, MN-After an exciting season spanning three states and thousands of acres of prime bass water, the North American Bass Circuit’s inaugural season draws to a dramatic close on Minnesota’s mighty Leech Lake with the NABC World Bass Championship.
Set for Sept. 24-25 out of Trapper’s Landing Lodge on the lake’s scenic south shore, the Championship pits the Circuit’s top 25 teams in an all-out bassin’ brawl. First place pays $20,000 in cash, and all told the field is fighting for its share of more than $45,000 including sponsor contingencies from Cabela’s Angler Cash, Stratos 2X ‘Double Your Winnings,’ Ranger Cup, Detwiler-MarineTech Products, Optima Batteries True Blue program, O2 Technologies U2 and Oxygenator bonuses, and the Circuit’s Big-Bass Pot. As a bonus courtesy of Rapala, Trigger X and Sufix line, the top four teams also receive great line and bait packages comprised of these fine products.
Teams earned a berth in the invitation-only Championship at the Circuit’s three qualifiers. The NABC’s first season started strong on Wisconsin’s bass-rich Lake Winnebago Chain June 11, and teams battled on Michigan’s Big and Little Bays de Noc July 30. Minnesota’s Lake Minnetonka hosted the final qualifier August 19.
Rich in bass-fishing talent, the field is led by Minnesotans Keith Tuma, of Baxter, and Jim Smith, of Brainerd, who claimed 2011 Overall and Premier Team of the Year Honors. Teams are allowed to bring their best five largemouth bass to the NABC scale each day, and under the Circuit’s catch-and-release format, the fish will be released at back into Leech Lake at strategic points designated by the Department of Natural Resources. The NABC will also donate $15 per boat to the DNR for projects benefiting the fishery. To date, the NABC and its sister trail, the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit, have donated more than $300,000 to fisheries conservation.
 |
 |
|
|
Weigh-ins are free and open to the public, beginning at 4 p.m. both days. Weigh-in spectators will be treated to a steady stream of burly bass crossing the NABC stage, along with exciting stories and valuable fishing tips. Plus, the NABC and National Professional Anglers Association will present a Youth and Family Fishing Clinic immediately following the Day One weigh-in. The first 50 youths will receive rods and reels thanks to the NPAA, and tackle packages courtesy of Northland Fishing Tackle.
The North American Bass Circuit’s title sponsors include Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, Ranger Boats, Stratos Boats and the North American Fishing Club. Supporting sponsors include Mercury Marine, Rapala, Sufix, Trigger X, Detwiler-MarineTech Products, Gemini Sports Marketing, Wave Fishing, O2 Marine Technologies and Optima Batteries.
The NABC is open to all anglers. Plans are now under way for the 2012 season, with details on locations, registration and more expected soon. For more information visit www.northamericanbasscircuit.com, call toll-free (877) 893-7947, or email [email protected] for more information.