Friday, September 19, 2014

Michigan Hosting Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship Through Sept. 21

Today, bass fishing takes center stage as the world's best anglers battle it out in Escanaba during day two of the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship. The championship tournament is being held on Bays de Noc as part of a partnership between Pure Michigan and Bassmaster to promote the state as a top destination for anglers.

"The Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year Championship is a perfect opportunity to shine a national spotlight on our world-class fisheries," said Leslie Hornung, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. "This event is part of an ongoing effort - working with partners like Bassmaster and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources - to get the word out about the quality and diversity of fishing experiences found here in Pure Michigan."

Only the Top 50 professional anglers in Angler of the Year (AOY) point standings are eligible to compete in the AOY Championship event on Bays de Noc - which runs September 18-21. In addition to $900,000 in prize money, at stake is the coveted title of 2014 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year. The field of competitors includes 2013 Toyota Angler of the Year Aaron Martens, 2014 Bassmaster Classic Champion Randy Howell and current Toyota Angler of the Year frontrunner Greg Hackney.

From watching the first boats take off at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 18 and the final weigh-in at Ludington Park on Sunday at 4 p.m., to participating in the family-friendly Bassmaster Expo with national vendors, the activities planned throughout the weekend are free and open to the public. Other activities planned throughout the weekend include Bassmaster University, a series of seminars from professional anglers and B.A.S.S. staff, games and prizes for attendees, and angler autograph and photo sessions.

Schedule of Events

Fri., Sept. 19
7:30 a.m. The full field for the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship launches on Bays de Noc. Public launch viewing is available from the North Shore Public Boat Ramp.

4 p.m. Official weigh-in takes place at Ludington Park.

Sat., Sept. 20
11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Bassmaster Fan and Military Appreciation Day begins at Elite Series Expo.

11:30 a.m. Welcome and interview with Angler of the Year leader on the Bassmaster Elite Series main stage.

12 - 4 p.m. Bassmaster University begins with seminars from professional anglers and B.A.S.S. staff.

4 p.m. Top 6 anglers will take the stage for a panel discussion with Bassmaster Emcee Dave Mercer and The Bassmasters host Mark Zona.

Sun., Sept. 21
7:30 a.m. The full field for the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship launches on Bays de Noc. Public launch viewing is available from the North Shore Public Boat Ramp.

12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Bassmaster Elite Series Expo with national vendors opens for the day.

4 p.m. Official final weigh-in for the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship winner starts at Ludington Park.

Fishing fans can follow all the tournament action in real time on the B.A.S.S. website, Bassmaster.com, which features action videos from the water, continuously updated scoring from the water and minute-by-minute reports on the action by teams of reporters and photographers.

In addition to the AOY Championship Bassmaster Elite Series, the partnership between Pure Michigan and Bassmaster also features a special section in Bassmaster Magazine's September/October 2014 issue, an online campaign with editorial content and a fan sweepstakes, an episode of Zona's Awesome Fishing Show in Michigan, a Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open presented by Allstate event that was held at Lake St. Clair September 4-7 and a commitment to work with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on conservation projects.

"Anglers know that Michigan is home to some of the finest freshwater fishing found anywhere in the world," said DNR Director Keith Creagh. "This weekend's bass competition and family-friendly events provide a close-up look at Pure Michigan fishing and an opportunity to learn about a rich outdoor tradition that drives the state economy, enhances the visitor experience, and improves our quality of life."

The MEDC and DNR are also working together on a number of initiatives to increase both hunting and fishing license sales in the state and promote programs and events including Free Fishing Weekend and Rec 101 managed by the DNR.

According to the DNR, more than 1.2 million anglers purchased fishing licenses last year. The most recent data from the Congressional Sportsmen Foundation reported the fishing industry generates approximately $2.4 billion in economic impact in Michigan and supports nearly 38,000 jobs in the state.

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan's economy.

For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit: www.michiganbusiness.org. For Michigan travel news, updates and information, visit www.michigan.org.

About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization's fully integrated media platforms include the industry's leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (www.Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), social media programs and events. For more than 45 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series presented by Allstate, Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation events, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series, Bassmaster High School Series presented by Carhartt, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by Diet Mountain Dew and GoPro.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.


Contact: Michelle Grinnell, 517-241-0251Call: 517-241-0251 or Ed Golder, 517-284-5815Call: 517-284-5815