MONTGOMERY, Ala., Oct. 15, 2002 - In an ongoing effort to showcase the sport of bass fishing to a wider and more diverse audience, B.A.S.S. has announced plans for the inaugural B.A.S.S. International Cup. This unique event will feature spirited competition among anglers from around the globe.
Competition will take place Oct. 16 and 17 in Stuttgart, Ark. The event will air in January on ESPN2. The inaugural event will be a made-for-television event and is not accessible to the public, though plans are for future competitions to be open to the public.
"The B.A.S.S. International Cup will provide the opportunity to strengthen bonds of friendship and sportsmanship among anglers from several nations," explained Dean Kessel, B.A.S.S. general manager. "We anticipate good sportsmanship, fierce competition and overall fantastic fishing."
Anglers will be competing for points based on the team they are representing, either the United States or International. Each team will be led by a captain, charged with making all strategic decisions, particularly deciding which anglers are to be paired with one another. The exact details of the special competition format will be disclosed to the teams following the lone practice day.
The anglers selected to represent the United States include Kevin VanDam, Tim Horton and Mark Davis, who were selected by a formula based on a two-year total of Busch B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year points. Also selected were Jay Yelas as the recently crowned BASSMASTERS Classic champion, Davy Hite as the current Busch B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year and Denny Brauer as the all-time B.A.S.S. money leader. Additionally, Brauer will serve as captain of the United States team.
"This will be a unique event where we have to compete with an overall team mindset rather than against one another as we are accustomed to," explained Brauer. "As an athlete anytime you have the opportunity to represent your country it is definitely an important moment in your career."
Yelas, who has had tremendous demands placed on his time since winning bass fishing's most coveted title in July, actually rescheduled several engagements in order to make time for the inaugural International B.A.S.S. Cup.
"I am extremely excited to be asked to compete," said Yelas. "It is great to have the opportunity to represent your country in an event such as this. I'm sure that the competition will be extremely tough."
The International competition team will be captained by two-time BASSMASTERS Classic qualifier Gary Yamamoto. Yamamoto, an American who was born in Hawaii and now lives in Texas, is one of the most recognizable individuals in international fishing. The custom bait company he owns has offices in the United States, Japan, Spain and Italy.
"We are exceedingly grateful for Gary's assistance in assembling an all-star team for this groundbreaking event," said Kessel. "His success in international events along with his many years of international experience were extremely valuable in putting this event together."
The International team will consist of several top anglers including: BASSMASTERS Classic qualifiers Takahiro Omori of Japan and Gerry Jooste of Zimbabwe, B.A.S.S. Federation Championship qualifier Lionel Botha of South Africa and Spain's Sergio Longas and Joan Arnal, who have qualified for a total of 19 European championship appearances. While not familiar to many in the U.S., the International team is made up of anglers well-known in their respective nations.
"Generally people would consider us an underdog," explained Yamamoto. "I want to put the anglers together in a manner where they will be fishing together rather than against one another. There is no difference in fishing desire among anglers from around the world. We are all avid anglers."
Anglers for both teams will be operating Skeeter and Triton boats with special paint schemes designating their teams. The craft will be powered by Yamaha and Mercury motors. Additionally, each angler will be wearing a customized jersey provided by Bass Pro Shops designating the team he is representing. They will also be provided with jackets from Columbia Sportswear Company.
The event will be telecast according to the following schedule: Episode #1 Saturday, Jan. 4th 10:30 a.m.; Thursday, January 9th 4 pm.; Friday Jan. 10th 11 a.m. and Episode #2 Saturday, Jan. 11th 10:30 a.m.; Thursday, Jan. 16th 4 p.m. and Friday, Jan. 17th 11 a.m. All times Eastern.