ANNUAL “MILITARY TEAM BASS FISHING TOURNAMENT” FINDS NEW HOME AT AMERICAN BASS ANGLERS
ATHENS, AL (Jan. 2, 2008) — “The Military Team Bass Fishing Tournament has found a new home at American Bass Anglers”, stated Morris Sheehan, President, “and we are proud to have this opportunity to continue in the strong tradition that is our roots – the military.” The Military Team Bass Fishing Tournament began in 1991 for all active duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, their dependents ages 16 and over (dependents under 18 must fish with a parent or guardian), National Guard, Reservists, DoD Civilians, DoD contractors and retired military.
“Over the last few years, the tournament has outgrown our capabilities that we can offer here at Robins Air Force Base, and knowing that American Bass Anglers continues to have such a strong presence with the military, seemed to make it the perfect ‘fit’”, said Karan Hudgens, Outdoor Recreation Programmer, Robins AFB- "I feel we are fortunate to find an organization that shares our commitment to excellence. I am certain they will continue to provide an outstanding tournament for our military to enjoy."
American Bass Anglers (ABA) started out as Military Bass Anglers Association (MBAA), in the mid-seventies as a bass fishing tournament trail to promote camaraderie among all branches of the military. Today it recognizes the ‘Angler of the Year’ from each of the military branches as bragging rights for the participants. In 2005, as a way of showing gratitude to active duty and retired military, ABA began offering “Take a Soldier Fishing” events at military installations throughout the country. The events pair a military person with a civilian as their fishing guide for the day. Since the inception in 2005, over 5,000 military personnel have had the opportunity to spend the day on a lake with appreciative citizens wanting to say, ‘thanks’.
“We feel very privileged to be able to work on this event”, stated Debra Talley, ABA National Marketing Director, “we have the expertise in running bass tournaments and are elated over the prospects of working with the staff at Robins AFB to continue in the strong tradition of the Military Team Bass Fishing Tournament and make it even bigger and better.”
"I am really excited about ABA's involvement with this program because the level of tournament excellence they will provide to our military personnel will be unparalleled!” said
Marcia Snead, Chief, Community Support Flight, Robins AFB.
The 18th annual event will be held May 5-9, 2008 at Dale Hollow Lake in Byrdstown, Tennessee. More information will be available soon regarding registration and lodging arrangements on the website at www.militarybass.com
###
About American Bass Anglers
American Bass Anglers offers over 1,100 tournaments per year in 41 states that are designed for the weekend angler. American Bass Anglers commitment is to provide low cost, close to home tournaments for the weekend angler and at the same time offer each an upward path for angler progression. For more information on American Bass Anglers and the America Fishing Trail, The Bassmaster Weekend Series, The Grand Slam Series or the America Couples Series, visit www.americanbassanglers.com.