Temecula, Calif. - The Outdoor Channel (TOC) has announced the addition of Ultimate Match Fishing College Edition to the network's fall schedule in 2007. Based upon the success of the professional version of Ultimate Match Fishing (UMF), the collegiate version will attempt to build upon and expand the franchise of this unique tournament format which features anglers competing head-to-head in the same boat in a single elimination, bracketed tournament series. The made-for-television event, produced in high definition video, is set debut in the 4th quarter of 2007, and will be hosted by veteran professional angler and host of TOC's Ultimate Match Fishing, Joe Thomas.
Set to participate are team members from The University of Illinois, The University or Oregon, Penn State University, Kansas State University, Texas A&M, Louisville, Wisconsin, Purdue, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kentucky and Alabama. Each team will send one angler to represent their squad in Ultimate Match Fishing College Edition.
In a notable departure from other tournaments, the UMFC event will place two anglers in the same boat, with each getting the front of the boat for half of the fishing day. The back-of-the-boat angler will be prohibited from moving to or fishing in the front half of the boat and vice versa for the angler who has the bow. Anglers will switch positions every 90 minutes over four periods. All other standard tournament rules will apply and be enforced by UMF Referee Mark Randolph.
According to veteran pro angler and Collegiate UMF host Joe Thomas, "In my opinion, the explosive growth in competitive bass fishing among college teams is one of the most exciting developments in angling today. Our goal is to show just how intense and exciting this competition is becoming. And for hardcore and casual fans alike, who can resist the head-to-head competition between anglers from schools with long histories of intercollegiate rivalry, like Big 10 rivals Iowa vs. Wisconsin, SEC rivals Kentucky vs. Alabama or Big 12 rivals K-State vs. Texas A&M. Plus, we're going to introduce our viewers to some of the best young anglers in nation and believe me, these guys have all of the skills necessary to take it to the next level."
Ultimate Match Fishing College Edition will take place on Oneida Lake in Oswego County, New York, and be hosted by the Oswego County Office of Promotion and Tourism. "We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work with The Outdoor Channel and UMF host Joe Thomas and his staff on this inaugural event," said David Turner, director of the department. "Given that the fishery in Oswego County has produced no less than 12 World and New York State records, this is an excellent place to introduce America's next generation of professional anglers. I have no doubt that they will find exactly what they are hoping for in the rich waters of Oneida Lake."
Each college angler will be competing for a share of the $25,000 prize purse to be awarded to their school's scholarship fund to aid in the development of intercollegiate competitive bass fishing. The winning angler will receive a $10,000 scholarship, the runner-up will receive a $7500 scholarship, the 3rd place angler will receive $5000 and the 4th place angler will be awarded a $2500 scholarship.
Additionally, the Ultimate Match Fishing College Edition champion will receive an all expense paid "field trip" to Billy Chapman Jr. Angler's Inn on Mexico's legendary Lake El Salto where the top student angler will be able to do a little field study on some of the best bass fishing in North America.
Ultimate Match Fishing College Edition will premier the 4th quarter of 2007 only on The Outdoor Channel and the Outdoor Channel 2HD.