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Pros find
Chicago waters rich with bass
B.A.S.S. Media Classic a hit with contenders and celebrities
ALSIP, Ill. - June 12, 2000 - Spectators at Howell's Landing over the weekend
got a sneak preview of the upcoming BASS Masters Classic as they
watched many of the world's best anglers weigh-in their limits
during the second annual B.A.S.S. Media Classic. The event, which
was designed to build awareness for next month's "Super
Bowl of Sportfishing," coincided with the contenders' final
practice day until Classic week.
Pros were granted an extra
day of official practice in order to provide
media and major sports celebrities a first-hand look at fishing
conditions
in the Illinois waters which will play host to the 46 Classic
contenders
July 17-22. According to B.A.S.S. rules, none of the contenders
are allowed
back on the water until Tuesday, July 18. "We do this to
ensure a fair and
level field of play," stated National Tournament Director
Dewey Kendrick
who, with valuable assistance from the Illinois B.A.S.S. Federation,
conducted the day-long festivities.
Two-time B.A.S.S. Angler
of the Year Gary Klein was paired with veteran
Chicago Sun-Times writer Neil Steinberg. The two walked off with
the top
prize by bagging a limit of five fish weighing in at 14 pounds,
5 ounces.
"I can't wait to return
to Chicago to see what these waters will offer
during world championship competition," said Klein. "The
idea of daily
weigh-ins on Soldier Field is sure to attract many new fans to
our great
sport."
Among the celebrities competing
in the B.A.S.S. Media Classic Pro-Am were Detroit Red Wings right
winger Pat Verbeek and Chicago Bears wide receiver Marcus Robinson,
who sees a comparison between catching touchdown passes and catching
fish.
"These guys are highly
competitive and are working hard for a living in
their sport", said Robinson. "I know they will really
like weighing their
fish on Soldier Field."
Top Finishers in the
2000 B.A.S.S. Media Classic
Place, Pro Media Partner
Weight
1. Gary Klein Neil Steinberg,
Chicago Sun-Times 14-05
2. Kotaro Kiriyama Kevin McLean, Outdoor Notebook 11-15
3. Norio Tanabe Bob Schmidt, Horizon Basin Report 11-13
4. Bernie Schultz Chris McNamara, Street Zebra Mag. 11-07
Big Bass
Bernie Schultz Chris McNamara,
Street Zebra Mag. 4-6
Sponsors of the 2000 BASS
Masters Classic include: Ranger Boats,
RangerTrail Trailers, Mercury Outboard, Chevrolet Trucks, ACDelco
Batteries, Worldwaters.com, Humminbird Electronics, Zercom Marine,
Pennzoil
Marine, Flowmaster Exhaust Systems, First USA Visa Card, MotorGuide
Trolling Motors, Gore-Tex Outerwear, GMAC Insurance, State of
Illinois and
the City of Chicago.
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