BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Registration for anglers wishing to compete in the 2012 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens will take place during the month of November.
The 2012 Opens will continue to award a Bassmaster Classic berth to the pro-side winner of each event. And again, to claim it, a winner must compete in all three events within the same division.
“The 2013 Classic berth to the winner of each Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open event makes each tournament in the series a high-stakes, premier event with the eyes of the industry anxious to see what angler can grasp that coveted invitation,” said Chris Bowes, B.A.S.S. senior tournament manager.
If an angler can amass enough points in the season, his or her reward will be a 2013 Bassmaster Elite Series invitation. The top five pros in each of three Open divisions — Southern, Central and Northern — earn the opportunity to move up to compete at the Elite Series level, the highest in the sport.
The Open’s pro prize package includes $5,000 cash and a bass boat rig valued at $45,000. The co-angler first prize is a boat-and-motor package valued at $35,000. Events pay to 40th place in pro and co-angler divisions; awards totaling $229,700 are based on 125 boats. In addition, $500 each will be awarded for the pro’s and co-angler’s big bass of the tournament.
Open events will stay with the popular three-day format, with only the top 12 pros and co-anglers moving on to a third day. Final-day weigh-ins will be at Bass Pro Shops locations.
“We are extremely excited to once again be holding the Bassmaster Open final-day weigh-ins at nine outstanding Bass Pro Shops retail stores that are in close proximity to the superb fisheries on the 2012 Opens schedule. The final-day crowds have been outstanding since we started this program in 2011, and we hope to grow the events even bigger and better in 2012,” said Bowes.
Entry fees remain the same for 2012 at $1,250 for pros and $350 for co-anglers.
Registration dates:
- Monday, Nov. 7: Priority (Bassmaster Elite Series anglers, top anglers in Opens points, etc.)
- Monday, Nov. 14: B.A.S.S. Federation Nation and Life Members
- Monday, Nov. 28: B.A.S.S. Members, full division
- Monday, Dec. 5: Single Event
For more information about the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens, visit Bassmaster.com/Open.
2012 Schedule of Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Events, By Division
| Tour Name | Name | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opens | Southern Open #1 | 1/19/2012 – 1/21/2012 | Harris Chain of Lakes, Tavares, Fla. |
| Opens | Southern Open #2 | 4/5/2012 – 4/7/2012 | Lake Norman, Charlotte, N.C. |
| Opens | Southern Open #3 | 10/4/12 – 10/6/12 | Lewis Smith Lake, Jasper, Ala. |
| Opens | Central Open #1 | 2/9/2012 – 2/11/2012 | Lewisville Lake, Lewisville, Texas |
| Opens | Central Open #2 | 4/26/2012 – 4/28/2012 | Table Rock Lake, Branson, Mo. |
| Open | Central Open #3 | 9/6/2012 – 9/8/2012 | Fort Gibson Lake, Wagoner, Okla. |
| Opens | Northern Open #1 | 6/14/2012 – 6/16/2012 | James River, Richmond, Va. |
| Opens | Northern Open #2 | 7/19/2012 – 7/21/2012 | Detroit River, Detroit, Mich. |
| Opens | Northern Open #3 | 8/16/2012 – 8/18/2012 | Cayuga Lake, Seneca Falls, N.Y |
Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Official Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, Mercury, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha
Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Supporting Sponsors: Humminbird, Luck “E” Strike, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats
