San Clemente, Calif. –– WON Bass, a division of Western Outdoor News and the longest-running Western bass fishing tournament circuit, has announced new partnerships for the 2024 WON Bass Western Opens Series of events and more incentives for its participants.
In 2024, the WON Bass Western Opens Series will include five pro-am style events that will be held in California, Nevada and Arizona. The events will also feature automatic berths for pro and AAA competitors to compete in the 2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship.
In a new partnership with B.A.S.S., the Top 5 anglers in each of the four regional pro and AAA events as well as the Top 5 anglers in the WON Bass Angler of the Year standings after the five events will receive berths into the 2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. At the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, three anglers will earn berths into the 2026 Bassmaster Classic.
In addition to the 25 B.A.S.S. Nation entries, the Top 5 pros in the 2024 WON Bass Angler of the Year standings will receive priority entry codes to the 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens, guaranteeing their spot in the Opens Elite Qualifiers Division. Only EQ anglers, who compete in all nine Bassmaster Opens, have a chance to qualify for the 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series.
To be eligible, each angler will be required to be a current member of WON Bass and B.A.S.S Nation and not currently competing in the 2024 Bassmaster Elite Series, MLF Bass Pro Tour, Tackle Warehouse Invitationals or the National Professional Fishing League (NPFL).
WON Bass Tournament Director Bill Egan said that he is proud to announce a new partnership.
“Being able to offer our anglers new opportunities is something we take very seriously at WON Bass,” said Egan. “We are excited to introduce this new partnership with Bassmaster. Their faith in WON Bass and investment in the Western angler is something we are humbled and proud to announce.”
Egan also said that he is grateful for the support from both the industry and the anglers who helped make these announcements a possibility.
“We have and have had tremendous partnerships with companies that have helped WON Bass grow the Western Open Series to the level it is at today. The support of the industry and the anglers who make up our fields are the reason we continue to grow, and we are grateful for it all and looking forward to growing with these new partners into the future.”
“We’re excited to enter into a partnership with such a historic organization, and look forward to working together to create more opportunities for western anglers,” said GL Compton, B.A.S.S. Nation tournament manager.
The 2024 WON Bass Western Opens Series of events will consist of five events, culminating with the 2024 WON Bass U.S. Open.
Jan. 31–Feb. 2, Lake Shasta
April 17-19, Clear Lake
May 15-17, Lake Havasu
Sept. 18-20, Lake Mead
Oct. 14-16, U.S. Open at Lake Mohave
For complete details, look to wonbassevents.com and WONews.com and tune in to WON Bass and Western Outdoor News’ social media platforms on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 6:00 p.m. PST to hear the latest news about the 2024 season and beyond at Facebook.com/WONBassTournaments.
