ST. LOUIS - Anglers arrived at airports this morning with no idea where they would find themselves this afternoon. Unlike other fishing tournaments, packing tackle for the BUSCH Shootout was a guessing game. After landing at the Springfield, Mo. airport, anglers eventually found themselves at Bass Pro where the announcement was made that they would fish on Table Rock Lake over the next two days and enjoy the comforts of Big Cedar Lodge.
The "BUSCH Shootout" will take place Sept. 16-17 at Table Rock Lake where qualifying anglers will compete under a "modified showdown format."
"The mystery part of the 'BUSCH Shootout' makes it so much fun for us and unique for the anglers," said Jim Lukowski, director of marketing, tactical brands, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "We think the guys are really going to enjoy this lake and we look forward to a great competition among some of the best anglers in the world."
The angler with the largest catch over the two days will collect the $100,000 grand prize and each of the other 12 anglers will receive a check for $5,000 - creating a "Shootout" for the top honors and a chance for all participants to earn money. The "BUSCH Shootout" will air at 10 a.m. EST on Sept. 24 on ESPN2. It will re-air on Sept. 30, Oct. 6, Oct. 7, Nov. 26 and Dec. 24.
John Murray of Phoenix was the champion of the inaugural "BUSCH Shootout" last year, which was held at Anheuser-Busch's Kingsmill Resort and Spa in Williamsburg, Va.
New this year, 13 lucky fans will have the opportunity to fish alongside the Shootout anglers.