BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Sports fans who enjoy watching the top bass pros in the world compete head-to-head on the Bassmaster Elite Series tournament trail can take their passion to the next level and get in on the fun by playing Rapala Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing during the 2021 season.
In 2020, Fantasy Fishing provided almost 37,500 engaged fans with a competitive platform to test their knowledge of professional fishing and prognostication skills to win more than $90,000 in prizes, including Rapala gear packages, gift cards and more. Participants select their best five-angler team for each of the nine Bassmaster Elite Series events and the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, then compete against other players to score the highest number of points. Points are awarded based on each angler’s final standings at the end of an Elite Series event, and every event will feature $2,500 in prizes from Rapala.
Bolstered by a win at the Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest and his third-place finish in Angler of the Year points, Elite Series pro Patrick Walters topped the Fantasy Fishing standings by earning 2,337 fantasy points. Rounding out the Top 5 in fantasy points were Seth Feider (2,330), David Mullins (2,293), Stetson Blaylock (2,278) and Jake Whitaker (2,249).
Joshua Phillips of Knoxville, Tenn., took home the coveted Rapala Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing season points championship title, along with over $20,000 in gift cards, cash and gear in his first full season playing Fantasy Fishing. Phillips scored a staggering 12,209 points, finishing 59 points over second place.
In addition to an exciting grand prize at the end of the season, the Top 20 points leaders in each tournament as well as Top 5 in the points standings at the end of the season will win valuable prize packages, including Rapala Touch Screen Scales and culling kit, Rapala Performance Tool Combos, Rapala baits, clothing, gift cards, cash prizes and more.
The Elite Series season starts Feb. 11 in Palatka, Fla., with the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at the St. Johns River.
Registration for the 2021 competition, along with full rules and a description of each prize package, can be found at Bassmaster.com/fantasy.
