MONTGOMERY, Ala. - "The Bassmasters" is back on ESPN2. The 2004 season begins this Saturday, Jan. 10 at 10:30 a.m. (ET)/9:30 a.m. (CT)/7:30 a.m. (PT), with coverage of the Bassmaster Open Championship presented by Busch Beer, in which anglers scramble to qualify early for bass fishing's world championship.
The show boasts a few new elements, including a weekly segment called "Be Like Ike," in which 2003 Bassmaster Classic champion Michael Iaconelli ("Ike" to his fans), explains the steps to becoming a successful pro bass angler. This Saturday, Mike tells us about his introduction to bass fishing through his local BASS Federation club. Mike drops in on a club meeting and stresses the importance of the Federation to competitive angling.
Another familiar face will also be in the studio, as former BASS touring pro turned tournament master of ceremonies Fish Fishburne makes his debut as a studio analyst. The Open Championship on Louisiana's Toledo Bend Reservoir gives Fish plenty to discuss, as Arizona's John Murray racks up bass after bass with drop-shots and, later, a lipless crankbait.
Fishburne and co-hosts Jerry McKinnis and Tommy Sanders go in depth with Murray in this week's show, highlighting not only his march to victory, but the incredible honors he earns along the way, including a double qualification for the Classic, the Big Bass Award, and a berth in September's inaugural Shootout.
"The Bassmasters" airs Saturday at 10:30 a.m. (ET)/9:30 a.m. (CT) on ESPN2. The next new episode, slated for Feb. 7, will cover the season opener of the Bassmaster Tour slated for Jan. 29-Feb. 1 on Florida's Harris Chain of Lakes.