The show boasts a few new elements, including a weekly segment called "Be Like Ike," in which 2003 CITGO Bassmaster Classic champion Michael Iaconelli ("Ike" to his fans), explains the steps to becoming a successful pro bass angler. This Saturday, Mike tells us about his introduction to bass fishing through his local BASS Federation club. Mike drops in on a club meeting and stresses the importance of the Federation to competitive angling.
Another familiar face will also be in the studio, as former BASS touring pro turned tournament master of ceremonies Fish Fishburne makes his debut as a studio analyst. The Open Championship on Louisiana's Toledo Bend Reservoir gives Fish plenty to discuss, as Arizona's John Murray racks up bass after bass with drop-shots and, later, a lipless crankbait.
Fishburne and co-hosts Jerry McKinnis and Tommy Sanders go in depth with Murray in this week's show, highlighting not only his march to victory, but the incredible honors he earns along the way, including a double qualification for the Classic, the Purolator Big Bass Award, and a berth in September's inaugural Busch Shootout.
"The CITGO Bassmasters" airs Saturday at 10:30 a.m. (ET)/9:30 a.m. (CT) on ESPN2. The next new episode, slated for Feb. 7, will cover the season opener of the CITGO Bassmaster Tour presented by Busch Beer, slated for Jan. 29-Feb. 1 on Florida's Harris Chain of Lakes. Visit www.bassmaster.com for additional telecast dates and times.
BASS is the world's largest fishing organization, sanctioning more than 20,000 tournaments worldwide through its Federation. This April, BASS introduces the all-new Bassmaster Elite 50 Series, a four-event, no-entry-fee circuit featuring a $1.6 million prize purse for the world's best anglers. The CITGO Bassmaster Tournament Trail presented by Busch Beer is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass-fishing tournament circuit and continues to set the standard for credibility, professionalism and sportsmanship as it has since 1968.
Sponsors of the CITGO Bassmaster Tournament Trail presented by Busch Beer include CITGO Petroleum Corp., Busch Beer, Purolator, Triton Boats, Skeeter Boats, Mercury Marine, Yamaha Outboards, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Lowrance Electronics, Flowmaster Exhaust Systems, MotorGuide, Bass Pro Shops, and BankOne.
Associate Sponsors include G3 Boats and Bryant Heating and Air Conditioning.
For more information, contact BASS Communications at (334) 551-2375 or visit www.bassmaster.com.
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