The PAA begins releasing details of their 3 year event plan
The Professional Anglers Association continues to grow and gain momentum, and the details of the three year event plan solidify their commitment to anglers of all skill levels. For the upcoming 2010 tournament season, the PAA will be expanding the trail to include four events with a unique twist. The new fourth event of the season will be a no entry fee tournament, with a comparable purse, and the field will consist of the top 100 competitors from the first three events. The Toyota Texas Bass Classic, going into its third year, has been a resounding success thanks to Toyota’s commitment to the PAA and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.
Based on the success and the enthusiasms generated from the anglers at the Toyota Texas Bass Classic over the past two years, it has become evident to the PAA that no entry fee events are key to their success. This top 100 ranking will be based on PAA Angler of the Year points at the conclusion of the third tournament of the series. Like the 2009 Carrot Stix Tournament Series, the 2010 series will be filmed for television and provide live streaming of the daily weigh-ins to maximize angler exposure and public interaction.
In addition to the expansion of the 2010 event schedule, details of the plan also include a qualification system for an additional series of no entry fee PAA All-Star events in 2011. The All-Star field will be made up of 77 of the most accomplished anglers in the world, from multiple tournament trails. Approximately half the field will qualify through the 2010 PAA Tournament Series, with the remaining competitors being selected from BASS, FLW, and international competitions. The top 12, based on Angler of the Year points, from the BASS Elite Series and FLW Tour will all earn automatic berths into the All-Star Series; as will the overall AOY champions from the Women’s Bassmaster Tour, BASS Opens, and FLW Series. In addition to these consistent anglers, another group of champions will also be invited to participate. The overall Championship winners from the Bassmasters Classic, FLW Forrest Wood Cup, Stren Series, TBF National Championship, Federation Nation National Championship, BFL All American, as well as three international competitors will all be invited to the All Star Series to round out the field. This unique format will lead to a star studded field, with a mix of legendary anglers and the nation’s hottest rising stars.
The new four event tournament series, on the schedule for the next three years, and the 2011 All-Star Series, aren’t all the changes in store for anglers. The PAA will also be inviting co-anglers to participate in their events, with a new and exciting format to keep things interesting. It is important to note that co-anglers are eligible to fish the first three events of the season; however it will be an observer only format in all no entry fee events as part of the plan. According to John Crews, President of the PAA, “Our new three year event plan illustrates the PAA’s desire to provide as many opportunities to compete as possible, while being conscious of the costs associated with tournament competition. In 2010 we will be keeping entry fees the same as this year, while working towards our goal of high level competitions without entry fees.”
A complete explanation of the Three Year Event Plan, along with more specific details will be made available on www.fishpaa.com in the coming weeks, as will scheduling, entry procedures, and all other pertinent information. Anglers interested in being included in informational releases about the upcoming season should notify the PAA Offices, either via the web or direct line at 270-527-2030.
