DURANT, Okla. — The unique format of GEICO Bassmaster BASSfest presented by Choctaw Casino and Resort at Lake Texoma offered fans an educational opportunity to take in professional-angler seminars, visit sponsor booths and even gather autographs from their favorite Bassmaster Elite Series pros.
The anglers did not fish today, but instead enjoyed a chance to sleep in before spending the afternoon at the same location as the daily weigh-ins mingling with fans, and sharing inside secrets to catching bass across the country at Bassmaster University.
“The whole idea behind BASSfest and Bassmaster University was to provide the fans with a midseason event that is bigger than a regular season Bassmaster Elite Series stop,” explained Angie Thompson, B.A.S.S. VP of Events and Sponsorship Activation. “The Bassmaster Classic used to be held during late summer, and the dedicated, life-long Bassmaster fans really enjoyed having a big event to look forward to during the summer. We listened, and three years ago, BASSfest was initiated.”
Thompson said a group of Elite anglers who make up the Bassmaster Angler Advisory Board offered input on activities, and suggested the event take place in early June to help kick off the summer stretch of tournaments.
“We knew if we could create a format that offers pro interaction with the fans, we could present educational opportunities within fishing communities at upper tier bass-fishing destinations.
“Lake Texoma and the Choctaw Casino and Resort really rolled out the red carpet this week, and helped create an event that was very enjoyable and successful,” Thompson said. “If you think about it, what other sporting venue offers a chance for the fans to personally interact, ask questions and directly learn from their favorite pros? There aren’t many at all. And that is what Bassmaster University at BASSfest is all about.”
If you didn’t have the chance to attend this year, there are plenty of photo galleries, videos and stories on Bassmaster.com.
The Top 12 anglers will return to Lake Texoma on Sunday to compete for the $100,000 first-place prize and a berth to the 2017 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro.
Takeoff will be held Sunday morning at Dam Site Park in Denison, Texas, at 6:15 a.m. CT, and weigh-in will take place at 3:45 p.m. at Choctaw Casino in Durant, Okla.