April 5, 2018

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River presented by Econo Lodge, which was postponed last week because of heavy rains and unsafe boating conditions in the Sabine River watershed, has been rescheduled for June 7-10 at Orange, Texas.

Citing concerns for the safety of anglers and other boaters on the Sabine River and its tributaries, B.A.S.S. Tournament Director Trip Weldon said last week that he and other B.A.S.S. officials “felt compelled to postpone the event until conditions are more favorable.”

The decision to reschedule was announced jointly today by B.A.S.S., which conducts the prestigious bass fishing circuit, and the host organization, the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce (GOACC).

Practice for the event, which was originally scheduled as the second of nine regular season Elite Series tournaments, will get underway Monday, June 4, with competition taking place Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10.

The tournament originally was to begin Friday, April 6, and conclude Monday, April 9.

“We recognize that some of our anglers, staff and others involved in the Elite Series will have commitments that conflict with the new dates, but we owe it to our fans, hosts, sponsors and anglers to reschedule the event at Orange this season,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “We appreciate the hard work our staff and our partners in Orange have put into rescheduling this tournament and overcoming the curveball nature threw at us.”

Previous Elite Series tournaments in Orange have been among the most popular and well-attended in B.A.S.S. history. Local organizers were hoping to set new records this week and had planned concerts following the afternoon weigh-ins to further entertain bass fishing fans.

“We are excited that B.A.S.S. has worked with the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce to reschedule the Bassmaster Elite Tournament on the Sabine River. This community has looked forward to this event, and we are pleased that we can still offer it,” said Tad McKee, Chairman of the GOACC Board, “Orange County has suffered a huge loss in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, and this tournament will offer a significant economic boost to the businesses in our area. We look forward to the welcomed distraction from the everyday recovery process. We value our continued partnership with B.A.S.S. for years to come.”

Chamber of Commerce officials said they intend to hold a festival during the rescheduled tournament. A Bassmaster Outdoors Expo also will be held during the event, which will take place at the City of Orange Boat Ramp. Visit Bassmaster.com for further details.