Registering to be an official observer in the 2010 PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix is as easy as tying on a jig.
The first of four events in the Tournament Series is scheduled for July 8-10 on Cherokee Lake in Morristown, Tenn. Observer registration is open now for the Cherokee event, as well as the season’s other tournaments on Lake Norman near Charlotte in August, Lake Tawakoni northeast of Dallas in September and Table Rock Lake in Branson, Mo., in October.
Observers must be at least a General Member of the PAA. Observer entry fees are $50 per tournament, which allows the observer to participate up to all three days of the event. In addition to witnessing first hand how top pros dissect a lake and strategize, observers also will be registered in a shared-weight competition for Bass Pro Shops gift cards worth $100. To be eligible for the shared-weight competition, observers must participate both Days 1 and 2.
Observers will be paired with their pro partners for both days at the Wednesday night registration meeting at Bass Pro Shops. On Day 1, the observer will earn the same weight as their Day 2 Pro. On Day 2, the observer will earn the same weight as their Day 1 Pro. At the conclusion of Friday’s weigh-in, the Top 20 observers, based on their Pros’ combined weight, will win $100 Bass Pro Shops gift cards and other special merchandise prizes.
“Being able to see some of the best professional anglers make decisions on the water throughout the day is a great way to learn and improve your skills,” said Danny Blandford, PAA Program Director. “Anglers who want to learn more about their home lake and study how the pros choose and pick apart their locations, select baits and make critical decisions during the day can be a great asset during their next fishing trip.”
Observers cannot fish during the tournaments but will be eligible for a special PAA Pro-Am event on Saturday on a nearby lake. Observers will be paired with a pro for this event, with the weigh-in to be held at Bass Pro Shops prior to the final pro-weigh in at the retail store. Observers participating in the Pro-Am will not be able to observe on Saturday, and those who participate in Days 1 and 2 will receive priority entry.
“The value of the experience not only is found in the knowledge gained with the pros, but also with the chance to win merchandise from Bass Pro Shops,” Blandford added. ‘The opportunity to fish with the pros on Saturday in the Pro-Am tournament adds more value by giving observers more chances to ask
questions and learn while having a fun day on the water.”
Observer registration and complete information for all tournaments can be found at the fishpaa.com/tournaments/observer-information/website or you can register by calling (270) 527-2030.
About the PAA: The Professional Anglers Association is a non-profit organization that gives professional anglers a unified voice in order to aid in the growth of the sport of professional bass fishing. The PAA also aims to administer educational programs to the average angler, to increase enjoyment of the sport, and to embrace sound conservation practices to further the future of the sport.By: Alan Clemons
