Toyota Texas Bass Classic Announces 2013 Date; Future Changes
OutdoorHub 01.23.13
Contest to return to Lake Fork in 2014
Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) officials have announced that this year’s World Championship of Bass Fishing is scheduled for Oct. 4-6, 2013 at Lake Conroe.
After five years at Conroe, the 2014 TTBC will return to Lake Fork, the inaugural host site, on May 9-11, 2014.
In another major change, anglers will qualify for both the 2013 and 2014 TTBC during the 2013 Angler of the Year races in the Bassmaster Elite Series, Walmart FLW Tour and Bass Pro Shops PAA Tournament Series. Four sponsor exemptions and the prior year champion will complete the field.
Failing to qualify for the 2013 TTBC would eliminate an angler from the tournament until 2015.
“With having double event qualification, it makes each and every point available on each respective Tour that much more valuable,” Tournament Director Lenny Francoeur said. “Anglers who compete at TTBC are the best of the best, and to come here and win is truly something special. Earning the chance to compete in the event twice in one season is something we know will give the anglers extra motivation for this year.”
TTBC officials are also pleased to announce the return of the TTBC BBQ Cook-Off. The BBQ Cook-Off, daily tournament weigh-ins, outdoor expo and concerts will take place at the Lone Star Convention and Expo Center, making the Toyota Texas Bass Classic a destination for families, fishing enthusiasts and country music fans to enjoy. The 2013 concert lineup will be released later in the year. Tickets to TTBC will be free and available at www.toyotatexasbassclassic.com later this year.
Anglers will compete on Lake Conroe over three days, October 4-6, 2013, with the field being reduced to the top 10 for the final round on Sunday, October 6. The tournament will remain a non-entry-fee event, and all 50 competing anglers will receive guaranteed prize money. Through a continued partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), TTBC will continue to focus on conservation efforts and adhere to a strict catch, weigh and immediate release format. Over the last six years, the Toyota Texas Bass Classic has donated over $1.5 million to the TPWD, an effort that will continue again this year.
“The City of Conroe has been an incredible host over the past four years,” Tournament Director Lenny Francoeur said. “We have an amazing partnership and we’re excited to return to Conroe again in October. We are also excited to return to Lake Fork, an historic Texas bass fishery where the community was so welcoming the first time around.
The Lone Star Convention & Expo Center is a state-of-the-art facility conveniently located minutes from Lake Conroe and The Woodlands and only 40 minutes north of Houston. The location offers easy access to event activities, local shops and restaurants. For more information visit www.thelonestar.org.
The Toyota Texas Bass Classic tournament functions are operated by the Professional Anglers Association with technical assistance and support from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Inland Fisheries Division. Title sponsor for the event is Toyota. For additional information, visit toyotatexasbassclassic.com or call (866) 907-0143.
