ATHENS, ALABAMA - The best military anglers in the country will gather at Lewis Smith Lake in Jasper, Walker County, AL., on April 29-May 4, 2012, to fish for bragging rights and a trip to fish the legendary lakes with owner and fishing icon, Ray Scott during the 22nd Annual American Bass Anglers Military Team Bass Championship.
Any active duty military or Coast Guard member, Department of Defense civilian, retired military member, honorably discharged veteran, military family members at least 16 years old and DoD contractors can participate. Angling teams of two people pay $150 per team to enter, if the team registers by April 19, 2012. After that, the entry fee rises to $175. Anglers can also enter an optional big bass pot for $30 per team with the hope of collecting cash rewards for landing lunkers. Each team may weigh in up to five bass per day.
After three days, the team with the largest bag will win a 3 night / 4 day fishing adventure to Ray Scott's Trophy Bass Retreat. The legendary trophy bass lakes will offer 2 lucky anglers the opportunity to fish in the wake of presidents, first ladies and fishing superstars like Kevin Van Dam, Rick Clunn, Roland Martin and Bill Dance - all amidst 200 acres of live oaks, Spanish moss and whitetail deer, all courtesy of Early Times Kentucky Whisky.
Fishing in his first Military Bass Anglers tourney is US Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Joseph Cusimano, who is stationed at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, located in Virginia Beach. Cusimano, who calls Ragley, Louisiana his hometown, has fished his entire life.
In addition, one lucky person will win a seven-day vacation to any destination in the world served by the Armed Forces Vacation Club in a drawing. Other high tournament finishers will receive cash prizes, based upon the total number of entries.
For MAJ Mike Rasco, participating in this tournament will give him the opportunity to return home and fish on waters he fished as a boy. Growing up in Birmingham, AL, he grew up fishing Lay and Smith Lakes, both located in the central part of the state.
The public is invited to attend the free weigh-ins, which begin at 3 p.m. each tournament day at the Smith Lake Dam Launch Area. In addition, the Bama Girls will entertain during a free USO show, slated for 7 p.m. on Monday, April 30th at the Community Health Systems Building in Jasper. The public is invited to attend this great patriotic event, as long as seats are available.
Sponsors for the event include: the Walker County Chamber of Commerce, Jasper, Alabama, Triton Boats, Early Times Kentucky Whisky, Royal Purple Synthetic Motor Oil, Anheuser Busch, Anglers Advantage Insurance, Carlisle Tire & Wheel, The Armed Forces Vacation Club, Moon Pie, Rejuvenade, Innovative Outdoors - Moss Hawg, Lucky Craft Lures, US Reel, and Odyssey Batteries.
For more information on the Military Bass Anglers and to enter, call (888) 203-6222. On line, see Military Bass Anglers and American Bass Anglers.