One of the coolest things about the Bassmaster Elite Series Postseason is that fishing fans can pick a convenient time, day and place to see — and even meet — the 12 bass pros currently ranked as the sport's best.
Happening July 24-31 in Montgomery and Wetumpka, Ala., the event — Toyota Trucks Championship Week — also offers fans free attendance at a world-class competition as the dozen pros vie for the title of the 2010 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year and its $200,000 prize.
The pros qualified for the Postseason by amassing points during the regular season. To try for the title, they'll earn more points as they compete on two bodies of water. After two days on Lake Jordan in the Ramada Trophy Chase, the anglers will go two more days on the Alabama River on Friday and Saturday, July 30-31, in the Evan Williams Bourbon Trophy Triumph.
A sliding points scale starting at 50 for the highest weight in each leg gives any of the 12 pros a shot, mathematically speaking, of capturing the Angler of the Year title, and the trophy run promises to go to the wire.
From early morning takeoffs to afternoon weigh-ins followed by concerts, fans have their choice of free fun. The schedule, especially the July 30-31 portion at Montgomery Riverwalk, is packed with activities that appeal to kids as well as to adults. All times are Central.
MON., JULY 26
- 4 p.m.: Meet all 12 pros at Bass Pro Shops, 2553 Rocky Mount Road, Prattville, AL, 36066 (near I-65 Interstate exit 179). Also at the store, fans can get in on "Bassmaster Collect and Win" hosted by Bass Pro Shops, in which fans can pick up free Postseason pro cards and enter to win four ways. Free.
FRI., JULY 30
- 9 a.m.: Takeoff for Day 1 of the Evan Williams Bourbon Trophy Triumph on the Alabama River. Pros will begin at the Riverwalk waterfront facility, 355 Coosa St., Montgomery, AL 36104 (at the end of Coosa Street). Free.
- 2 p.m.: The Bassmaster Expo doors open. A full schedule of events is available at Bassmaster.com. Highlights are listed below. Free, except the two activities noted below in Expo highlights.
- 6 p.m.: Weigh-in begins at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. Free.
- After weigh-in: A concert by country music artist Jason Michael Carroll will begin immediately after the 12 pros weigh their Day 1 Alabama River catches. Free.
SAT., JULY 31
- 9 a.m.: Takeoff for Day 2 of the Evan Williams Bourbon Trophy Triumph at Riverwalk 355 Coosa St., in downtown Montgomery. Free.
- 2 p.m.: The Bassmaster Expo doors open. A full schedule of events is available at Bassmaster.com. Highlights are listed below. Free, except the two activities noted below in Expo highlights.
- 6 p.m.: The finale weigh-in begins at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. Free.
- After weigh-in: A concert by Lifehouse will begin immediately after the crowning of the 2010 Angler of the Year. Free.
2010 TOYOTA TRUCKS CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK
Catch these Bassmaster Postseason Expo highlights on Friday and Saturday, July 30-31, at the Riverwalk in downtown Montgomery, Ala.:
- Toyota: The Toyota Casting Challenge will be set up. It's always a fan fave, especially with the kids.
- Ramada:, Try to win 100,000 Ramada Reward Points by signing up to be paired with one of the 12 Postseason pros. The winner of the Montgomery leg and his fan partner will win 100,000 Ramada Award points. The other 11 fans will win 10,000 points.
- Yamaha: Stop by to learn about the new VMAX SHO and receive a free hat and a chance to win a $100 or $50 gift certificate.
- Mercury: Enter for a chance to win a fishing gear package valued at more than $500, including a $100 Bass Pro Shops gift certificate. Also, two Bassmaster Elite pros will sign autographs at the Mercury booth. Friday, Boyd Duckett will be on hand from 3:30-5 p.m. Saturday, Gerald Swindle will be signing from 3:30-5 p.m.
- Humminbird/Minn Kota: Catch demos of the latest electronics, trolling motors and accessories, like the Minn Kota Talon Shallow-Water Anchor, winner last week of an ICAST Best of Show award in the marine category.
- Bass Pro Shops: Enter to win the Kevin VanDam Prize Pack Sweepstakes.
- Evan Williams Bourbon/Montgomery Lion's Club (Saturday): Free BBQ Cook-Off, courtesy of the Lion's Club and Evan Williams.
- Bassmaster (Friday): Military Appreciation Day. Showing a military ID at the Bassmaster booth nets a free gift (while supplies last).
- Miller High Life: For $10, all-you-can-eat wings during "Cluck & Suds" on Coosa Street, 2-5 p.m.
- Beasley Allen Kidzone: $10 armband for all-day play.