“We could not have better weather for the ninth BoatUS Collegiate Bass Championship, and the fishing has been reported to be fantastic,” said Middleton, co-founder of the Association of Collegiate Anglers, a division of CarecoTV.

In association with the The Bass Federation, ACA is a sanctioning body developed to facilitate growth, development, and structure within competitive collegiate bass fishing. The ACA provides support to dozens of school-operated regional events nationwide and owns and operates the Cabela’s Collegiate Bass Fishing Series, the largest participatory collegiate tournament circuit in the country.

“The event continues to get bigger and bigger. We will have over 100 schools and nearly 400 college anglers participating this week,” Middleton said. “We are making television for NBC Sports and the Pursuit Channel. More than 20 companies in the industry are providing services and support to the college kids.”

Middleton said the action this week can be followed online at www.CollegiateBassChampionship.com, which features streaming live coverage and live blogs.

He also said fans can expect to be treated to some outstanding fishing by the collegiate anglers.

“The fishing has been reported to be fantastic. Most of the kids we have been talking to are predicting it will take over 40 pounds over two days to win and some are saying it will take at least 45 pounds. They are catching the fish from as shallow as less than a foot out to as deep as 25 feet.”

The lake’s large size naturally fishes big, but its varied options and huge fish population will spread the teams out far and wide. Add Lake Wilson, along with Tennessee waters, both part of tournament waters, and the opportunities and possibilities become even greater.

The collegiate anglers are urged to join The Bass Federation before the competition begins Thursday. The fee for college anglers is $35 and if at least six members of a college fishing club join the club is covered by TBF insurance during their club events.

Membership has an even greater advantage for the winning team in the BoatUS championship this week. The winning Boat US Collegiate team is invited to fish the TBF National Championship held each spring in conjunction with an FLW Tour event. The TBF National Championship is the quickest way to qualify for the BFL All-American and the FLW Cup as well as winning TBF’s top prize, “The Living the Dream Package”

The package also puts team members on the FLW Tour for one year with the use of a new Ranger Boat and Chevy Truck as well as entry fees and expense money to see if they have what it takes to be a pro angler.

Collegiate anglers are also eligible for a 40 percent discount on the BoatUS ANGLER “Unlimited TRAILER ASSIST Roadside Assistance Membership.” The $29 fee covers 24/7 dispatch for trailer breakdowns, flat tire assistance, lock-out service, jump-starts and more.

“Every year we get calls from teams driving to the Championship that have had something happen and are in a bind on the side of the road. With this program, BoatUS ANGLER will be there to help and give them a chance to reach the event on time so they can compete in the biggest event in college fishing. So why would you risk not being a part of this program and getting left on the side of the road?” Middleton asked.

 

“Joining BoatUS ANGLER at the exclusive rate also qualifies you to register for our ‘Weigh-To-Win’ contingency program which could be worth up to $1,000 at the Championship event on Lake Pickwick. This program gives you the opportunity to earn even more bonus money at sanctioned team, College, BASS, and FLW events.”

This year’s event features a wide range of activities, including Yamaha Angler Appreciation night Tuesday, Ranger Boats Demo Rides, dinners hosted by Costa and Temple Fork Outfitters, and the collegiate angler appreciation banquet Wednesday night, all to be held at the Marriott Shoals Resort in Florence, Ala.

The event will wrap up Friday with the crowning of the 2014 championship collegiate team.

 

Boat U.S. Collegiate Bass Championship

May 21-23, 2014

Pickwick Lake

McFarland Park

www.collegiatebasschampionship.com

Call 210-697-8081 for information