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2001
Classic Coverage
VANDAM HOLDS ON TO WIN CLASSIC
Michigan Pro Captures Sport's Biggest
Title
NEW ORLEANS, La. (August 4, 2001)- Kevin VanDam moved into
the lead of the BASS Master Classic Friday and fished his way
today to win the coveted victory. This was his first Class Win,
shedding the title of being the best angler to never win the
BASS Masters Classic. Read Complete Story
VANDAM HAS CLASSIC LEAD ENTERING FINAL
ROUND
Michigan Pro Poised To Capture Sport's
Biggest Title
NEW ORLEANS, La. (August 3, 2001)- On Friday, Kevin VanDam
put himself in a position to lose the title of being the best
angler to never win the BASS Masters Classic by taking the lead
heading into the final day of competition. Read Complete Story
WALKER TAKES EARLY CLASSIC LEAD
America's Top Pros Find Louisiana Delta
Challenging
NEW ORLEANS, La.--August 2, 2001- With an approaching weather
front looming large on the horizon, Kentucky pro David Walker
made sure to get off to the best start possible Thursday, catching
12 pounds, 4 ounces of Louisiana Delta bass to take the first-round
lead in the 31st BASS Masters Classic. Read Complete Story
31ST BASS MASTERS CLASSIC BEGINS IN THE
BIG EASY
45 Top Pros Invade Louisiana Delta Searching for Fortune and
Fame
NEW ORLEANS, La.--August 1, 2001- As the 31st prestigious
BASS Masters Classic unfolds beginning Thursday, the biggest
topic of discussion among the contenders has centered around
how challenging the fishing is expected to be. Read Complete Story
'Kids-Only' Fishing Contest, Fan Fair Attracts
Thousands at BASS Masters Classic
NEW ORLEANS, La.- (August 1, 2001)-A youth fishing
contest and fan fair held prior to Thursday's kickoff of the
BASS Masters Classic attracted several thousand eager kids, their
parents and autograph seekers to a New Orleans city park. Read Complete Story
Last Man Standing
July 31, 2001 - New Orleans - Thirty years ago, 24
fishermen participated in the first BASS Masters Classic(r) on
Nevada's Lake Mead. One is still casting for the title. Read Complete Story
FRANKLIN TO HOST BASS MASTERS CLASSIC -
FIRST-EVER SAME-DAY COVERAGE ON ESPN2 AUGUST 2-4
Long-time ESPN college football and basketball play-by-play commentator
and fishing show host Ron Franklin will host ESPN2's three days
of same-day coverage of the BASS Masters Classic August 2-4 from
New Orleans. In a television first, all three days of the event
the Super Bowl of bass fishing -- will be covered on national
television. Franklin will be joined on air by familiar ESPN Outdoors
hosts Jerry McKinnis and Tommy Sanders and long-time Bass Tournament
Trail commentator Fish Fishburne. Read Complete Story
IT'S BEEN A MEMORABLE YEAR FOR BASS FISHING
ESPN Purchase, Multi-Sponsorships,
Rojas' Streak Highlight Season
NEW ORLEANS, La. --- July 26, 2001 - As the 31st annual BASS
Masters Classic approaches, the sport's biggest tournament and
celebration provides the perfect opportunity to reflect back
on the memorable year that the BASSMASTER Tournament Trail has
enjoyed. Read
Complete Story
Famed Antique Lure Collector to Appear
at BASS Masters Classic Outdoor Show
NEW ORLEANS, La.---July 25, 2001---Karl White has
compiled such a large selection of antique lures and tackle that
it will take a diesel truck to bring his selected items to the
2001 BASS Masters Classic Outdoor Show, Aug. 2-4, at the Ernest
N. Morial Convention Center. Read
Complete Story
Chevy pro staffers to make Classic appearances
Tommy Biffle, Denny Brauer, Jimmy Houston, Tom Mann, Jr., Larry
Nixon and Kim Stricker will meet fans, sign autographs
July 24, 2001 - The Chevy Truck Pro Staff, one of
bass fishing's most illustrious groups, will storm the 31st annual
BASS masters Classic in New Orleans August 2-4, giving fishing
fans a chance to meet their favorite stars up close and personally.
Read
Complete Story
BASS Masters Classic Just One of Two Championships
Decided in Louisiana
NEW ORLEANS, La.-- (July 23, 2001)--While bass fishing's
top 45 anglers are casting for the sport's world championship
title on the Louisiana Delta, another 10 equally as ambitious
anglers will be casting for a title of their own in New Orleans.
Younger in age but just as competitive, they will be competing
in the BASSMASTER CastingKids National Championship. Read
Complete Story
CLASSIC FANS GET FIRST LOOK AT NEW TACKLE
Classic outdoor show expected to attract
more than 100,000
NEW ORLEANS, La. -July 21, 2001-- Fishing fans from
across the country come together to celebrate their favorite
sport each year during the BASS Masters Classic Outdoor Show,
a festival of boat and tackle displays, appearances by their
favorite fishing pros, hands-on activities and just plain fun.
Read
Complete Story
Classic pros return to the big easy
The 31st Classic puts fishing's spotlight
on New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS, La. - Davy Hite has nothing but good
memories of New Orleans and the Louisiana Delta. And that is
understandable. After all, the last summer that he was here,
the big Delta surrendered 55 pounds of bass to him and the Big
Easy crowned him the champion of the prestigious BASS Masters
Classic. Read
Complete Story
Qualifiers for 2001 Classic announced
Based on the season point standings the following
anglers have qualified for the 2001 BASS Masters Classic with
competition days August 2-4 in New Orleans, LA. Read
Complete Story
Lake Fork Texas joins nations' elite bass
fisheries
ALBA, Tex. - Make room, Toledo Bend. Make room, Okeechobee.
This year Lake Fork joined this elite list and just may have
established itself as a center of bass fishing. Read
Complete Story
LEGENDARY ANGLERS HEAD BASS MASTERS CLASSIC FIELD
Clunn, Martin Ride Illustrious Resumes Into Event
NEW ORLEANS, La. (July 2, 2001) - They are the legends
of professional bass fishing, two pros who have accomplished
just about everything significant that the sport has to offer.
Between them, they own four BASS Masters Classic championships,
ten B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year titles, 32 victories and 51 Classic
appearances. And at the age of 55 and 61 respectively, Rick Clunn
and Roland Martin are still at the top of their game, as evidenced
by their qualification for the 31st BASS Masters Classic. And
the star-studded duo are once again among the favorites.
Clunn and fishing's main event have become synonymous over
the years, which is understandable when you consider that the
Missouri pro has qualified every year since turning pro in 1973
- winning the Classic a record four times. This year, Clunn will
be competing for a record 28th consecutive time.
Clunn expects to qualify for the Classic each year. "I
don't think about not making it, to be honest, except for some
of those years when there's been two tournaments left and I'm
going, 'Whoa, wait a minute," he said. "This isn't
exactly where I want to be. Fortunately, this wasn't one of those
years."
Clunn, who finished third in the B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year
race behind Mark Davis and Kevin VanDam, was asked if he understood
the magnitude of his Classic accomplishment. "I really didn't
until Tim Horton said something a year ago when he won Angler
of the Year," he replied. "He put it in a context beyond
what I had even been thinking. He said it may be one of the greatest
feats in all of athletics, not just bass fishing. That kind of
hit me when he said that. I really had not considered it up until
that point.
"He was comparing it to Cal Ripken and some of those
guys that have been playing at a high level for a long period
of time."
As usual, Clunn will be among the pros to watch as Classic
XXXI unfolds in the tidal waters of the Louisiana Delta.
The oldest man in the Classic field, Roland Martin served
notice this year that his competitive fires had not waned by
winning the points title in the Eastern Invitational division.
That earned him a 23rd Classic invitation (second only to Clunn)
and his first return since 1998.
"It's been damn hard work. It's tough to make the Classic,"
Martin said. "It used to be easy to make the Classic, but
it kept getting harder. The last couple of years, I've missed
by just a few points. There's been five or six years where I
was real close to making it and didn't make it. So it's getting
harder and harder.
"It went from a point that making the Classic was like
falling off a log for me. I remember quoting myself 20 years
ago saying I'll always make the Classic. Now, I'm lucky and relieved
to make it period."
Returning to the Classic at age 61 is special for Martin,
since it is the one title that has eluded him over the years.
"I'm just as driven as ever to win the Classic,"
said Martin. "It would be terrific right now at this stage
of my career to win it. It's the only thing missing from my career."
Martin, who owns B.A.S.S. records for tournament victories
(19) and Angler of the Year titles (nine), is a true pioneer
of this sport, who has grown up with B.A.S.S. In fact, he is
the only angler in the 2001 Classic that participated in the
first BASS Masters Classic in 1971.
"It's been a great ride and I'm proud of what this sport
and B.A.S.S. has become," he said. "I've always believed
in B.A.S.S. from the start."
Among the sport's elder statesmen in this Classic field will
be 56-year-old Harold Allen of Texas, who will be making his
13th Classic appearance. "It's great to be going back to
the Classic," said Allen, the Classic runner-up in 1981.
"I'm tickled to death to be fishing another Classic."
The 45 Classic contenders will be fishing for a $100,000 top
prize and the most important title in the sport. Winning the
Classic is the high-water mark in professional fishing and an
accomplishment that has rewarded past winners with as much as
$1 million in residual earnings.
The Classic is the championship event of the BASSMASTER Tournament
Trail. By sanctioning over 20,000 tournaments worldwide, B.A.S.S.
is the world's largest fishing organization. The BASSMASTER Tournament
Trail is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass fishing tournament
circuit. It continues to set the standard for credibility, professionalism,
and sportsmanship after more than three decades.
B.A.S.S. is a wholly owned subsidiary of ESPN. The BASS Masters
Classic is a week-long celebration for those who love the sport
of bass fishing. Notable activities during the 2001 Classic Week
in New Orleans include the Kids Klassic which takes place on
Wednesday, August 1st at Lafreniere Park. The event is highlighted
by a Meet the Pros autograph session from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m
The Kids Klassic takes place from 9 a.m. to noon.
Sponsors of the 2001 BASS Masters Classic include: Chevrolet
Trucks, Mercury Marine, Yamaha Outboards, Triton Boats, Skeeter
Boats, Lowrance Electronics, Pennzoil Marine, Flowmaster Exhaust
Systems, Stowaway Batteries, Kumho Tires, Long John Silvers,
Gore-Tex Outwear, MotorGuide Trolling Motors, Bass Pro Shops,
Armstrong Industrial Hand Tools, GMAC Vehicle & Boat Insurance,
B.A.S.S. Platinum First USA Visa Card.
Associate Sponsors include: Bass Cat Boats, G3 Boats The 2001
BASS Masters Classic is presented locally in conjunction with:
State of Louisiana, Jefferson Parish Tourism and Greater New
Orleans Sports Foundation.
BASS MASTERS CLASSIC TO FEATURE
MULTIPLE BOAT AND MOTOR SPONSORS
New Boat, Outboard Companies Enjoy 2001
Classic Spotlight
NEW ORLEANS, La. After more than 30 years of featuring
a single boat and
outboard, the 2001 BASS Masters Classic will now feature multiple
boat and
motor sponsors for the very first time.
When Classic XXXI unfolds in New Orleans, the massive Louisiana
Delta will
be alive with activity as the 45 Classic pros pilot three different
boat
brands powered by the two biggest names in outboards. It will
be a new look
for fishing's Big Show - and no one is happier about that than
recently
crowned B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year Mark Davis.
"I1m really excited about being able to compete in the
Classic driving a
Bass Cat," the Arkansas pro said. "Not only has Bass
Cat been a longtime
sponsor of mine, but it is a real advantage to be able to fish
from a boat
that you are real familiar with. I1m sure the other guys would
agree with
that."
The Classic pros will be divided into 21 Triton boats, 20
Skeeters and four
Bass Cats. Twenty-five boats will be running Mercury outboards,
while 20
will have Yamaha engines on their transoms. The breakdown: three
Bass Cats
powered by Mercury and one with a Yamaha; 14 Tritons with Mercury
and seven
with Yamaha; and 12 Skeeter boats rigged with Yamaha and eight
with Mercury.
This unusual diversity is the result of a new game plan of
involving
multiple sponsorships that has become the centerpiece of the
B.A.S.S.
partnership philosophy. Triton and Skeeter are the official boats
of the
BASSMASTER Tournament Trail; Mercury and Yamaha share the same
title as
outboards. Bass Cat and G3 boats are associate sponsors of the
Classic and
Tour.
"This is a very exciting time and a great opportunity
for our sport to grow
and reach its full potential," said B.A.S.S. CEO Helen Sevier.
"For the very
first time, several of the great boat and motor companies who
have supported
our anglers will now have the opportunity to promote their products
to the
widest possible audience."
"Everyone in the industry is well aware that the B.A.S.S.
shield is the most
respected seal of approval."
"Being named an official boat of B.A.S.S. and the BASS
Masters Classic is a
dream come true," said Earl Bentz, founder and president
of Triton Boats,
America1s largest-selling brand of fiberglass fishing boats.
"B.A.S.S.
originated competitive bass fishing over 30 years ago, and has
led the fight
against water pollution and bass habitat destruction. With over
600,000
members worldwide, the Society is a guiding force shaping the
sport of bass
fishing today. "
"Teaming up with B.A.S.S. to promote fishing is a great
opportunity," said
Phil Dyskow, Yamaha Marine Group president. "Our new association
with
B.A.S.S. provides a strong venue to demonstrate to bass anglers
worldwide
that Yamaha outboards and Team Yamaha pro anglers are proven
performers."
B.A.S.S. Tournament Director Dewey Kendrick said the logistics
of weaving
several different manufacturers1 products into a cohesive, smooth-running
Classic operation is somewhat challenging, but well worth the
effort.
"It1s a lot to do and keep on top of, but it1s exciting
having several
different sponsor1s boat and motors involved in the Classic,"
he said. "And
I think the pros are really going to like it."
The 45 Classic contenders will be fishing for a $100,000 top
prize and the
most important title in the sport. Winning the Classic is the
high-water
mark in professional fishing and an accomplishment that has rewarded
past
winners with as much as $1 million in residual earnings.
The Classic is the championship event of the BASSMASTER Tournament
Trail.
By sanctioning over 20,000 tournaments worldwide, B.A.S.S.
is the world1s
largest fishing organization. The BASSMASTER Tournament Trail
is the oldest
and most prestigious pro bass fishing tournament circuit. It
continues to
set the standard for credibility, professionalism, and sportsmanship
after
more than three decades. B.A.S.S. is a wholly owned subsidiary
of ESPN.
Classic XXXI is a week-long celebration for those who love
the sport of
bass fishing. Notable activities during the 2001 Classic Week
in New Orleans
include the Kids Klassic which takes place on Wednesday, Aug.
1st at
Lafreniere Park. The event is highlighted by a Meet the Pros
autograph
session from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the contest taking place from
9
a.m. to noon.
The Morial Convention Center will host the popular Classic
Outdoor Show,
which showcases new products in the fishing and outdoor industry.
The show
will be open to the public from Thursday through Saturday. In
addition to
the Classic Outdoor Show the Morial Convention Center will also
host the
first two days1 weigh-ins. There is no admission charge.
The annual BASSMASTER CastingKids national finals, sponsored
by Chevy
Trucks, will also be held at the Morial Convention Center on
Friday.
The final day weigh-in and the award-winning BASS Masters
Classic weigh-in
show will take place at the Louisiana Superdome on Saturday,
Aug. 4th. The
show will be complete with a laser light show and will feature
the crowning
of the new BASS Masters Classic Champion.
The 31st BASS Masters Classic will air on Saturday, Aug. 18th,
at 9:00 p.m.
(Eastern) on ESPN2.
Sponsors of the 2001 BASS Masters Classic include: Chevrolet
Trucks, Mercury
Marine, Yamaha Outboards, Triton Boats, Skeeter Boats, Lowrance
Electronics,
Pennzoil Marine, Flowmaster Exhaust Systems, Stowaway Batteries,
Kuhmo
Tires, Long John Silvers, Gore-Tex Outwear, MotorGuide Trolling
Motors, Bass
Pro Shops, Armstrong Industrial Hand Tools, GMAC Vehicle &
Boat Insurance,
B.A.S.S. Platinum First USA Visa Card.
Associate Sponsors include: Bass Cat Boats, G3 Boats
The 2001 BASS Masters Classic is presented locally in conjunction
with:
State of Louisiana, Jefferson Parish Tourism and Greater New
Orleans Sports
Foundation.
For more information contact:
B.A.S.S. Communications
(334) 272-9530
fax: (334) 396-8230
http://www.bassmaster.com
BASS MASTERS CLASSIC TO FEATURE MULTIPLE BOAT AND MOTOR SPONSORS
New Boat, Outboard Companies Enjoy 2001 Classic Spotlight
NEW ORLEANS, La. Ð After more than 30 years of featuring
a single boat and
outboard, the 2001 BASS Masters Classic will now feature multiple
boat and
motor sponsors for the very first time.
When Classic XXXI unfolds in New Orleans, the massive Louisiana
Delta will
be alive with activity as the 45 Classic pros pilot three different
boat
brands powered by the two biggest names in outboards. It will
be a new look
for fishing1s Big Show Ð and no one is happier about that
than recently
crowned B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year Mark Davis.
"I1m really excited about being able to compete in the
Classic driving a
Bass Cat," the Arkansas pro said. "Not only has Bass
Cat been a longtime
sponsor of mine, but it is a real advantage to be able to fish
from a boat
that you are real familiar with. I1m sure the other guys would
agree with
that."
The Classic pros will be divided into 21 Triton boats, 20
Skeeters and four
Bass Cats. Twenty-five boats will be running Mercury outboards,
while 20
will have Yamaha engines on their transoms. The breakdown: three
Bass Cats
powered by Mercury and one with a Yamaha; 14 Tritons with Mercury
and seven
with Yamaha; and 12 Skeeter boats rigged with Yamaha and eight
with Mercury.
This unusual diversity is the result of a new game plan of
involving
multiple sponsorships that has become the centerpiece of the
B.A.S.S.
partnership philosophy. Triton and Skeeter are the official boats
of the
BASSMASTER Tournament Trail; Mercury and Yamaha share the same
title as
outboards. Bass Cat and G3 boats are associate sponsors of the
Classic and
Tour.
"This is a very exciting time and a great opportunity
for our sport to grow
and reach its full potential," said B.A.S.S. CEO Helen Sevier.
"For the very
first time, several of the great boat and motor companies who
have supported
our anglers will now have the opportunity to promote their products
to the
widest possible audience."
"Everyone in the industry is well aware that the B.A.S.S.
shield is the most
respected seal of approval."
"Being named an official boat of B.A.S.S. and the BASS
Masters Classic is a
dream come true," said Earl Bentz, founder and president
of Triton Boats,
America1s largest-selling brand of fiberglass fishing boats.
"B.A.S.S.
originated competitive bass fishing over 30 years ago, and has
led the fight
against water pollution and bass habitat destruction. With over
600,000
members worldwide, the Society is a guiding force shaping the
sport of bass
fishing today. "
"Teaming up with B.A.S.S. to promote fishing is a great
opportunity," said
Phil Dyskow, Yamaha Marine Group president. "Our new association
with
B.A.S.S. provides a strong venue to demonstrate to bass anglers
worldwide
that Yamaha outboards and Team Yamaha pro anglers are proven
performers."
B.A.S.S. Tournament Director Dewey Kendrick said the logistics
of weaving
several different manufacturers1 products into a cohesive, smooth-running
Classic operation is somewhat challenging, but well worth the
effort.
"It1s a lot to do and keep on top of, but it1s exciting
having several
different sponsor1s boat and motors involved in the Classic,"
he said. "And
I think the pros are really going to like it."
The 45 Classic contenders will be fishing for a $100,000 top
prize and the
most important title in the sport. Winning the Classic is the
high-water
mark in professional fishing and an accomplishment that has rewarded
past
winners with as much as $1 million in residual earnings.
The Classic is the championship event of the BASSMASTER Tournament
Trail.
By sanctioning over 20,000 tournaments worldwide, B.A.S.S.
is the world1s
largest fishing organization. The BASSMASTER Tournament Trail
is the oldest
and most prestigious pro bass fishing tournament circuit. It
continues to
set the standard for credibility, professionalism, and sportsmanship
after
more than three decades. B.A.S.S. is a wholly owned subsidiary
of ESPN.
Classic XXXI is a week-long celebration for those who love
the sport of
bass fishing. Notable activities during the 2001 Classic Week
in New Orleans
include the Kids Klassic which takes place on Wednesday, Aug.
1st at
Lafreniere Park. The event is highlighted by a Meet the Pros
autograph
session from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the contest taking place from
9
a.m. to noon.
The Morial Convention Center will host the popular Classic
Outdoor Show,
which showcases new products in the fishing and outdoor industry.
The show
will be open to the public from Thursday through Saturday. In
addition to
the Classic Outdoor Show the Morial Convention Center will also
host the
first two days1 weigh-ins. There is no admission charge.
The annual BASSMASTER CastingKids national finals, sponsored
by Chevy
Trucks, will also be held at the Morial Convention Center on
Friday.
The final day weigh-in and the award-winning BASS Masters
Classic weigh-in
show will take place at the Louisiana Superdome on Saturday,
Aug. 4th. The
show will be complete with a laser light show and will feature
the crowning
of the new BASS Masters Classic Champion.
The 31st BASS Masters Classic will air on Saturday, Aug. 18th,
at 9:00 p.m.
(Eastern) on ESPN2.
Sponsors of the 2001 BASS Masters Classic include: Chevrolet
Trucks, Mercury
Marine, Yamaha Outboards, Triton Boats, Skeeter Boats, Lowrance
Electronics,
Pennzoil Marine, Flowmaster Exhaust Systems, Stowaway Batteries,
Kuhmo
Tires, Long John Silvers, Gore-Tex Outwear, MotorGuide Trolling
Motors, Bass
Pro Shops, Armstrong Industrial Hand Tools, GMAC Vehicle &
Boat Insurance,
B.A.S.S. Platinum First USA Visa Card.
Associate Sponsors include: Bass Cat Boats, G3 Boats
The 2001 BASS Masters Classic is presented locally in conjunction
with:
State of Louisiana, Jefferson Parish Tourism and Greater New
Orleans Sports
Foundation.
CLASSIC PROS RETURN TO THE BIG EASY
31st Classic Put Fishing's Spotlight on New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS, La. - Davy Hite has nothing but good memories
of New Orleans and the Louisiana Delta. And that is understandable.
After all, the last summer that he was here, the big Delta surrendered
55 pounds of bass to him and the Big Easy crowned him the champion
of the prestigious BASS Masters Classic.
"That week changed my life," the South Carolina
pro said. "Not only was it
the most exciting thing to happen in my career, it provided me
with the
financial security I wanted for my family.
"There's nothing like winning the Classic."
That was August of 1999 when the B.A.S.S. pros alerted the
world to the
wealth of bass that live in the shadow of New Orleans.
On Aug. 2-4, 45 of America1s brightest fishing minds will
return to New
Orleans and the Louisiana Delta for a replay of that phenomenal
week two
years ago. Included will be defending Classic champion Woo Daves
and
recently crowned B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year Mark Davis.
Missing will be Davy Hite, who failed to qualify for a return
trip to New
Orleans. Hite will be in town to work the Classic Outdoor Show
for his
fishing industry sponsors, as well as greeting his fishing fans.
"You don't know how much I hate not being able to fish this
Classic," Hite
said. "I would love another shot at the Louisiana Delta.
It's a great
fishery.
"New Orleans is a great place to hold the Classic. There
is so much for
adults and their families to do. It's a great city and the perfect
place for
all of the festivities that are part of Classic Week."
The 45 Classic contenders will be fishing for a $100,000 top
prize and the
most important title in the sport. Winning the Classic is the
high-water
mark in professional fishing and an accomplishment that has rewarded
past winners with as much as $1 million in residual earnings.
The Classic is the championship event of the BASSMASTER Tournament
Trail.
By sanctioning over 20,000 tournaments worldwide, B.A.S.S.
is the world's
largest fishing organization. The BASSMASTER Tournament Trail
is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass fishing tournament
circuit. It continues to set the standard for credibility, professionalism,
and sportsmanship after more than three decades. B.A.S.S. is
a wholly owned subsidiary of ESPN.
BASS Masters Classic XXXI is a week-long celebration for those
who love the sport of bass fishing. Notable activities during
the 2001 Classic Week in
New Orleans include the Kids Klassic which takes place on Wednesday,
August 1st at Lafreniere Park. The event is highlighted by a
Meet the Pros
autograph session from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the contest taking
place from 9 a.m. to noon.
The Morial Convention Center will host the popular Classic
Outdoor Show,
which showcases new products in the fishing and outdoor industry.
The show will be open to the public from Thursday through Saturday.
In addition to
the Classic Outdoor Show the Morial Convention Center will also
host the
first two days1 weigh-ins. There is no admission charge.
The annual BASSMASTER CastingKids national finals, sponsored
by Chevy Trucks, will also be held at the Morial Convention Center
on Friday.
The final day weigh-in and the award-winning BASS Masters
Classic weigh-in show will take place at the Louisiana Superdome
on Saturday, August 4th. The show will be complete with a laser
light show and will feature the crowning of the new BASS Masters
Classic Champion.
The 31st BASS Masters Classic will air on Saturday August
18, 2001 at 9:00PM (Eastern) on ESPN2.
Sponsors of the 2001 BASS Masters Classic include: Chevrolet
Trucks, Mercury Marine, Yamaha Engines, Triton Boats, Skeeter
Boats, Lowrance Electronics, Pennzoil Marine, Flowmaster Exhaust
Systems, Stowaway Batteries, Kuhmo Tires, Long John Silvers,
Gore-Tex Outwear, Motorguide Trolling Motors, Bass Pro Shops,
Armstrong Industrial Hand Tools, GMAC Vehicle & Boat Insurance,
B.A.S.S. Platinum First USA Visa Card.
Associate Sponsors include: Bass Cat Boats, G3 Boats
Regional Sponsors include: State of Louisiana, Jefferson Parish
Tourism, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation
Qualifiers for 2001 Classic announced
Based on the season point standings the following
anglers have qualified for the 2001 BASS Masters Classic with
competition days August 2-4 in New Orleans, LA.
Top 150
001 Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR
002 Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI
003 Rick Clunn Ava, MO
004 Clark Wendlandt Cedar Park, TX
005 Peter Thliveros Jacksonville, FL
006 Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ
007 Alton Jones Waco, TX
008 Bud Pruitt Sam Rayburn, TX
009 Takahiro Omori Emory, TX
010 Aaron Martens Castaic, CA
011 Gary Yamamoto Mineola, TX
012 David Walker Cannon, KY
013 Marty Stone Linden, NC
014 Randy Howell Trussville, AL
015 Paul Elias Pachuta, MS
016 David Fritts Lexington, NC
017 Curt Lytle Suffolk, VA
018 Harold Allen Shelbyville, TX
019 Chet Douthit Clewiston, FL
020 Robert Kilby Hot Springs, AR
021 Mike Wurm Hot Springs, AR
022 Gerald Swindle Hayden, AL
023 Chris Baumgardner Gastonia, NC
024 Randy Blaukat Lamar, MO
025 Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL
2000 BASS Masters Classic Defending Champion- Automatic
Berth
Woo Daves Spring Grove, VA
East
001 Roland Martin Clewiston FL
002 Rufus Johnson Strawplains TN
003 Dwayne Horton Knoxville TN
004 Mark Menendez Paducah KY
005 Gerry Williams Winter Garden FL
Central
001 Jay Yelas Tyler TX
002 Todd Faircloth Jasper TX
003 Kelly Jordon Mineola TX
004 Scott Rook Little Rock
005 Keith Green Arkadelphia AR
Western
001 Skeet Reese Auburn CA
002 Mark Tyler Concord CA
003 Kotaro Kiriyama New Milford NJ
004 Robert Lee Angels Camp CA
Federation
Michael Holt Lexington, TN
John Semken Olympia, WA
Pete Ponds Madison, MS
Jim Johnson Lacrosse, WI
Harry Charcalis Gilmanton, NH
Super Bowl of Bass Fishing Returns to New Orleans
Louisiana Delta to Host
The 31st BASS Masters Classic
MONTGOMERY, Ala., January 19, 2001 - Professional fishing's
most
prestigious event -- the BASS Masters Classic -- is set to return
to New
Orleans August 2-4.
"The state of Louisiana is excited to host the biggest
event in professional fishing and the world's largest fishing
organization,' said Lt. Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco. "We
are also very enthusiastic about another opportunity to showcase
Louisiana's great outdoors and many tourist attractions."
The weigh-ins will be conducted at the recently constructed
New Orleans Arena. The New Orleans Arena will offer fans a chance
to get up-close and personal with the superstars of professional
angling.
"We are delighted to be returning to New Orleans,"
said B.A.S.S., Inc. CEO Helen Sevier. "New Orleans was the
site of one of the best-attended Classics in the history of the
event. With the history, culture and cuisine the city has to
offer, our anglers and fans have a lot to look forward to."
In 1999, New Orleans fans were able to witness Davy Hite catapult
to international fame with his 55-pound 10-ounce victory.
"The New Orleans Arena is a brand-new, state-of-the-art
arena," said Dave Ellison, Classic Special Events Director.
"It is one of the most spectator-friendly and technically
advanced venues in the nation. It will allow fans to watch the
Classic, but feel like they are in the comfort of their own living
room."
Vacationers from around the world are attracted to the award-winning
extravaganza and consumer show to see the fishing prowess of
legendary anglers firsthand. In addition to the spectacular weigh-in
shows, fans will be able to attend the BASS Masters Classic Outdoor
Show at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Fans attending
the Outdoor Show will be able to see the newest products available
to avid outdoors entusiasts.
State Rep. John Alario, whose district incudes Bayou Segnette
State Park, was instrumental in bringing the BASS Masters Classic
back to the Big Easy. "All 46 competitors launch from the
park and can expect to return to some of the best fans in the
world at the daily weigh-ins and outdoors show."
Great anticipation and nail-biting suspense will surround
the final-day weigh-in as the championship crown, $100,000, and
endorsements reaching up to $1 million will be up for grabs to
the winning angler.
"The Louisiana Delta is an excellent fishery," remarked
B.A.S.S. National Tournament Director Dewey Kendrick. "The
Delta is a location we have been to many times in the past, and
the fishing has always been very good. I think that we will see
some extremely competitive fishing this year."
2000 BASS Masters Classic Champion Woo Daves agrees. "The
Louisiana Delta offers great fishing everywhere," he said.
"I am extremely excited about the opportunity to defend
my world title in New Orleans."
National Sponsors of the BASSMASTER Tournament Trail include:
Ranger' Boats, RangerTrail' Trailers, Mercury' Outboard, Chevy
Trucks, ACDelco' Batteries, Worldwaters.com, Humminbird' Electronics,
Zercom' Marine, Pennzoil' Marine, Flowmaster' Exhaust Systems,
B.A.S.S. Platinum Visa®/First USA, MotorGuide' Trolling Motors,
Gore-Tex' Outerwear, GMAC Insurance and Kuhmo' Tires.
2001 BASS Masters Classic Schedule of Events
Outdoor Show HOURS
August 1-4, 2001
MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER
Thursday and Friday 10 am-10 pm
Saturday 9 am-2:30 pm Ð show closes
for Final Weigh-In at the Superdome.
7 pm-10 pm ÐOutdoor Show Reopens
Classic EVENTS:
August 1, 2001 Wednesday
LAFRENIERE PARK
8 am-11 am Pro Autograph Session
9 am-Noon Kids Klassic®
August 2, 2001 Thursday
MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER
BASS Masters Classic Weigh-Ins
2:40 pm Pre-Weigh-In Show
3 pm Weigh-In
August 3, 2001 Friday
MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER
BASSMASTER CastingKids®
1 pm National Championships
BASS Masters Classic Weigh-Ins
2:40 pm Pre-Weigh-In Show
3 pm Weigh-In
August 4, 2001 Saturday
LOUISIANA SUPERDOME
3 pm Pre-Weigh-In Grand
Finale Show
4 pm Final Weigh-In, Championship Trophy Presentation, Classic
Boat Drawing
and the $1,000,000 Cast Of A Lifetime
2000 Classic Coverage
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