B.A.S.S. members will have an exclusive opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world’s best bass anglers as registration for the Bassmaster Elite Series Marshal program opens this month for the 2013 Bassmaster Elite Series season (see schedule below). The program gives members a unique glimpse into the world of the pros as they spend tournament days on the water, observing as the fishermen employ strategies and special tactics to bring in the biggest catches during the eight-tournament Bassmaster Elite Series season.

“The Bassmaster marshal program’s popularity has grown immensely since its inception,” said Trip Weldon, B.A.S.S. tournament director. “Imagine getting eight hours of one-on-one, on-the-water classroom instruction from the best bass anglers in the world. Bassmaster Elite Series pros have embraced the program, and they are willing to share a wealth of information that is sure to help their marshals become better anglers once they return home.”

Marshal registration for B.A.S.S Federation Nation and Life members opens Sept. 25 at 9 a.m. CST for online applications and Sept. 27 at 9 a.m. CST for phone applications. All B.A.S.S. members can register online Oct. 2 beginning at 9 a.m. CST and by phone Oct. 4 at 9 a.m. CST.

According to Weldon, scoring a marshal slot can be a challenge as B.A.S.S. members play a beat-the-clock game to submit their entries to serve as marshals for their favorite tournament locations.

“We have many serious and dedicated fans, and some tournaments have all marshal spots filled within 15 minutes of registration opening,” Weldon said.

Before each event, participating marshals attend a registration and briefing by B.A.S.S. officials, who provide them with copies of Bassmaster tournament rules. The marshals’ familiarity with the rules helps ensure the integrity of the highest level of professional fishing. Marshals, who must be at least 16 years old to participate, are randomly paired with Elite Series pros.

Marshals will also have the opportunity while on the water to operate BASSTrakk, a cell-phone-based scoring technology, which broadcasts data to the Bassmaster.com website, allowing fans to follow up-to-the-minute tournament action as Elite anglers battle it out for the top prize of $100,000.

All Elite Series marshals participate on the first two days of Elite Series competition, and some are selected to observe the pros on Day 3 or Day 4.

B.A.S.S. members who are interested in becoming marshals can register at www.Bassmaster.com/marshal or by calling 877-BASSUSA. The enrollment fee is $125, which includes an exclusive Bassmaster marshal shirt and hat.