Registration now open for Fantasy Fishing

Registration for the 2014 season of Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing is open as of Feb. 1.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Registration for the 2014 season of Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing is open as of Feb. 1.

Bass fishing fans may not have the opportunity to compete on Alabama’s Lake Guntersville at the 2014 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by Diet Mountain Dew and GoPro, but they do have the chance to compete for prizes right alongside the contenders as part of Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing.

“Fans can experience the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat,” said Jim Sexton, B.A.S.S. vice president of digital. “Anglers can compete against their friends for a chance at prizes with our free game, which tens of thousands of people play.”

Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing groups each Classic contender into one of five “buckets,” chosen by pundits who factor in the competitors’ finish in the 2013 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings.

“Because of the way we’ve grouped them into buckets, fans can’t just pick the top names in the sport,” said Sexton. “Instead, they get a chance to choose some of the lesser-known anglers, so doing a little research beforehand gives hardcore fans an advantage.”

Bassmaster.com gives fans some guidance with articles that help them choose their picks.

The number of points a Fantasy Fishing player earns is based on a scoring system similar to the Bassmaster Elite Series’ Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year points, in which an angler is awarded points based on his final standing in the Classic.

The Fantasy Fishing player who performs best overall in the Classic competition wins a $2,500 gift card to Bass Pro Shops.

To play, go to www.bassmaster.com/fantasy, register and then pick your team. Be sure to choose your team before 8 a.m. ET, Feb. 21, the first day of Classic competition.

Once the Classic game has concluded, scores will be reset for Bassmaster Elite Series play, which runs throughout the entire season.

“We are looking forward to a tight competition in the Bassmaster Classic,” said Sexton, “and in the Fantasy Fishing leagues.”