07 May 2014 Local anglers to compete in Bassmaster Elite
B.A.S.S. will host the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Dardanelle, Thursday, May 15, through Sunday, May 18, in Russellville, the fifth of nine Bassmaster Elite Series professional bass fishing tournaments scheduled in 2014.
The tournament will mark the 11th time B.A.S.S. has held a professional event on the lake. The tournament pits 108 of the top bass anglers in the world against each other, including fishing superstar Kevin VanDam and 2014 Bassmaster Classic champion Randy Howell, as they compete for the $100,000 prize and a coveted spot in the 2015 Bassmaster Classic to be held in Greenville, S.C.
Among those vying for the win are six Arkansas anglers – Stephen Browning (Hot Springs), Mark Davis (Mount Ida), Billy McCaghren (Mayflower), Mike McClelland (Bella Vista), Scott Rook (Little Rock) and Kevin Short (Mayflower).
From watching the first boats take off at 6:15 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, to the winning weigh-in announcement at Lake Dardanelle State Park at 3:15 p.m. Sunday, all of the family-friendly activities planned throughout the weekend are free and open to the public, including:
Thursday, May 15, through Friday, May 16
6:15 a.m. – Full field of anglers take off on Lake Dardanelle. Public takeoff viewing is available from Lake Dardanelle State Park.
3:15 p.m. – Official weigh-in takes place at Lake Dardanelle State Park.
Saturday, May 17
6:15 a.m. – Top 50 anglers take off for semi-finals of the Bassmaster Elite Series at Lake Dardanelle.
Noon – 6 p.m. – Elite Series Expo
3 p.m. – Premiere of Costa’s GEOBASS Episode 4: Nicaragua
3:15 p.m. – Official semi-finals weigh-in starts at Lake Dardanelle State Park.
Sunday, May 18
6:15 a.m. – Top 12 anglers take off for the final day of Bassmaster Elite Series at Lake Dardanelle competition.
Noon – 6 p.m. – Elite Series Expo
3:15 p.m. – Official final weigh-in starts for the Bassmaster Elite Series winner at Lake Dardanelle State Park.
The Elite Series Expo will have B.A.S.S. sponsor representatives onsite throughout the weekend with activities, games and prizes for attendees. Companies like Mercury, Nitro, Skeeter, Triton and Yamaha will have booths at the Elite Series Expo and will offer demo rides. Toyota, Carhartt, Berkley, Booyah, Humminbird, Livingston Lures, Lowrance, Minn Kota, Power-Pole, Shimano, Rigid Industries and Costa Sunglasses, will also exhibit.
Other activities planned throughout the weekend at the Bassmaster Elite Series at Lake Dardanelle include games and prizes for attendees, angler autograph and photo sessions and the opportunity to learn tips and techniques from some of the best bass anglers in the world. Prior to the weigh-in on Saturday, Costa Sunglasses will debut the fourth episode in the GEOBASS series, Nicaragua.
2014 Bassmaster Elite Series Official Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boatsand Yamaha.
2014 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Booyah, Carhartt, Diet Mountain Dew, Livingston Lures, Lowrance, Plano, Power-Pole, Rigid Industries and Shimano.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport. For more than 45 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
