For More Information Contact:
Dan Johnson: 651-237-0159; djohnson@namginc.com
NABC at: 877-893-7947 or events@namginc.com
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ANUARY 10, 2012—MINNETONKA, MN—Registration is now open for the North American Bass Circuit’s second season of team-tournament action. Anglers are signing up online, by fax or regular mail to enjoy great bass fishing while competing for thousands in cash and prizes in four qualifying tournaments.
The NABC’s 2012 qualifying schedule is as follows:
May 12 Lake Winnebago Chain at Menominee Park, Oshkosh, WI
June 23 Madison Chain at Green Lantern on Lake Waubesa, Madison, WI
Aug. 4 Gull Lake at Cragun’s Resort, Brainerd, MN
Sept. 8 Leech Lake at Trapper’s Landing Lodge, Walker, MN
In 2011, the NABC paid out more than 166 percent of entry fees in cash and prizes, including a $20,000 cash prize to winners of the NABC World Bass Championship. To provide even deeper, richer payouts in 2012, the NABC at the request of many anglers raised the entry fee to $500 per team, per event.
Based on a full 50-team field, the payout will be $10,000 for first place, $3,400 for second, $1,800 for third, and pays out to $400 for 10th place. Sponsor contingencies from Cabela’s, Ranger Boats, Stratos, and U-2 The Oxygenator add more than $10,000 in potential payouts at each qualifier.
Teams fishing two or more tournaments compete for berths in the NABC World Bass Championship, set for Oct. 5-6 on Pools 4 and 5 of the Mississippi River. The event offers a $30,000 cash purse plus sponsor bonuses, and carries a $20,000 first-place paycheck plus ultimate bassin’ bragging rights.
A number of additional incentives await teams who sign up for three or more tournaments before noon (CST) on February 15. Considered “NABC Premier Teams,” these “earlybird” entries enjoy great odds of qualifying for the Championship, as Premiers are allotted 20 of the 30 total points-based berths. Teams fishing all four qualifiers get an automatic invite. Premiers are also allowed to use convenient installment billing options, enjoy priority entry in all events, and priority boat number assignments.
All NABC teams fishing three qualifiers are eligible for the 2012 NABC Team of the Year title, to be awarded to the team finishing the regular season with the highest point total from three qualifying events. The overall Team of the Year will receive a $2,000 cash award. The second place team in the TOTY standings will receive $1,000; third place, $500; fourth place, a paid entry fee to a 2013 NABC qualifier of their choice.
Plus, all anglers are eligible for the brand-new NABC Recruitment Bonus. At each of the four 2012 qualifiers, the angler credited with bringing the most new teams into the NABC family will be awarded a free NABC entry to the tournament of their choice in the 2013 season—a $500 value.
Single-tournament entries are accepted until midnight (CST) on Sunday the week of the each event, although anglers are encouraged to register early to avoid being locked out of a full tournament. “I wouldn’t wait,” said NABC Executive Director Dan Johnson. “We’ve already processed more Premier Team registrations than in all of 2011, and tournament slots are going fast.”
Complete 2012 rules are posted under the “Registration” tab at northamericanbasscircuit.com. Full details, links for online registration and printable registration forms are also available online. For more information, call toll-free (877) 893-7947 or email events@namginc.com.
