“This is the way a professional bass tournament should be,” said pro angler Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla. “Bassmaster University has several attractive aspects: For one, getting to know the fans and the community is tough to beat. It’s also nice to recover a little bit. We get up very early all year long and it certainly starts to catch up with you by the end of the year.”
Christie spent his morning in the Power-Pole and Mercury Marine booths signing autographs, talking about gear and sharing insight about Sturgeon Bay smallies. He is also happy with the weather today. It’s warm and sunny with a pretty strong northerly breeze, which would have most likely made Saturday a tough day to fish.
“It’s a lot busier today that I think most of us expected,” he said. “But, this is exactly what our job is all about; talking about fishing and the kind of gear it takes, boats and motors and so much more. This is where a new fishing passion for a kid or new angler can be created and cultivated. That kind of impact is at the heart of why we do what we do.”
This is the perfect bass tournament for the anglers and the fans. The weather and community involvement have made Bassmaster University in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, a fantastic experience.
The fact that B.A.S.S. chose to hold the season-ending Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year out of Sturgeon Bay, Wisc. is testament to how great the fishery and community is. The entire town seems to be at Bassmaster University and people are coming from great distances to experience this event.
“Not only is this fishery amazing, but being able to have a day to talk with and learn from the best bass fisherman in the world is priceless,” said Jeremiah Shaver, president of the Wiscosin B.A.S.S. Nation. “It just adds a cool opportunity to get autographs and meet guys that most bass anglers have looked up to for many years.”
Shaver said he enjoys talking the pros on a personal level. “It’s difficult to get time with these guys like this. In fact, I’d consider it a very unlikely possibility if you were not involved in the media and providing tournament coverage. This really is—in my opinion—the best part of this weekend.”
The full northern, early-fall experience can be had here. There’s outstanding restaurants, cheese and fudge shops, antiques, golf courses, scenic drives and overlooks—not to mention the Green Bay Packers are right down the road, too. The uniqueness of Door County combined with the fishing lifestyle is exactly why Bassmaster University is buzzing with tourists, fans and residents of this beautiful community.
Whether you are looking to learn more about Sturgeon Bay smallmouth bass fishing, quiz the best bass anglers on techniques, take in a seminar, take a test ride in one of numerous boat-and-motor combinations or just enjoy a beautiful day near the water’s edge, Bassmaster University taking place at CenterPointe Marina until 5 p.m.
The final day of competition will resume Sunday morning at 6:30 a.m. out of CenterPointe Marina. Weigh-in will take place at the same location beginning at 3:15 p.m.