Due to the recent cancellation of the Huk Bassmaster Elite at Upper Chesapeake Bay presented by Mossy Oak Fishing, Bassmaster officials decided today to double the size of the Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster Classic Bracket from eight to 16 anglers.
The change also includes two additional berths to the 2019 Bassmaster Classic for a total of three. All four days of the tournament will be covered by Bassmaster LIVE using six cameras on the water. Fans can follow the tournament on Bassmaster.com and WatchESPN.
“One of the things we regret about having to cancel the Elite event at Upper Chesapeake Bay is its impact on several anglers who were hoping to gain extra points and earn a spot in the Classic,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “After much deliberation, we have come up with plans to address those anglers’ concerns. Instead of inviting the first eight out of the Classic cut to participate in the Classic Bracket tournament on Carters Lake, Ga., in October, we will invite the first 16 below the cut line.”
Akin said these 16 anglers will compete for a total of three berths in the Classic — as opposed to one qualifier from the bracket, as originally planned — in a simple bracket format.
After a day of practice and a full day of competition, the field will be cut to 12 anglers. These 12 will be seeded in three brackets, with each bracket winner earning a bid to the Classic. This will result in 52 anglers in the Classic, the same as in 2018.
The Classic Bracket tournament will be held Oct. 23-26, 2018 on Carters Lake, Ellijay, Georgia.