With the 2021 expansion of a Southern California Teams series, the Wild West Bass Trail (WWBT) proudly announces the addition of Jim Sleight as the new region’s Tournament Director.

Sleight is well known in the Southern California tournament scene as a veteran Director for over a quarter-century.

“Wild West was glad that Jim agreed to work with us,” said current WWBT Tournament Director Randy McBride, of Sleight, his longtime associate. “He is the most experienced Tournament Director in Southern California and continues to run some of the most prestigious events on the West Coast – The Paul Leader Memorial as well as the San Diego Team Series.”

Sleight’s roots take him all the way back to the WON Bass U.S. Open with Harvey Naslund.

“That is where I started so many years ago,” Sleight shared. “And, I’ve been doing this so long, I know most of the anglers out here and they know me; so, it should be an easy transition.”

Like the anglers competing in the WWBT tournament events, Sleight is also an avid bass fisherman.

“I’ve fished for the past 35 or 40 years, with FLW, B.A.S.S. and most every organization,” Sleight said. “When I was younger, I was more competitive with the young guns, but as time has gone on, I’ve slowed down and lean more towards running the circuits. It allows me to stay involved in bass fishing, which I love. I still get excited and can’t sleep at night when there is a tournament the next day.”

Sleight’s excitement is shared by many in the area and the debut of the SoCal Teams is met with welcome anticipation by local anglers.

“The Wild West circuit brings something to Southern California that is long overdue – a class outfit to the region for competition. I’ve followed it since the beginning, but the group that has got it now will bring it to an even higher level for Southern California.”

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The Wild West Bass Trail operates the premier suite of tournament circuits, including APEX Pro Cup Series, Pro/Am events, team tournaments, a college series, an open, and kayak tournaments. WWBT is dedicated to showcasing the best anglers on the country’s finest fisheries. For more information, please visit: www.wildwestbasstrail.com