Full press release after the break.

America’s Leader in Outdoor TV Brings Another Hit Fishing Series to Growing Lineup

TEMECULA, Calif., and CELEBRATION, Fla. – March 10, 2011 – Outdoor Channel, America’s Leader in Outdoor TV, and B.A.S.S., the authority on bass fishing, today announced that the two companies have entered into an agreement that brings “The Bassmasters,” one of the highest-rated outdoor programs on television, to Outdoor Channel. The popular show highlighting the Bassmaster Classic and Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments will debut on Outdoor Channel beginning March 28, 2011. The addition of this successful Bassmaster series follows Outdoor Channel’s recent acquisition of other top fishing shows, such as “Buccaneers and Bones,” “The Madfin Shark Series,” “Spanish Fly,” “Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show,” “The Fish Fishburne Show,” “The Salt Water Series” and “Fishing University.”

Under the terms of the deal, Outdoor Channel will air 26 weeks of programming including the 2011 “Bassmaster Classic” and “Bassmaster Elite Series” as well as several of the top episodes from 2010. The series will appear on Outdoor Channel as part of its 2011 second-quarter and third-quarter programming lineup. The Bassmaster series will join Outdoor Channel’s prime time programming schedule as well as its highly popular Yamaha Friday Night Fishing block. The hour-long Bassmaster episodes will appear on Outdoor Channel approximately 30 days after their original air dates on ESPN2 and its affiliated networks.

“We are excited to embark on this new partnership with B.A.S.S. as we continue to expand our fishing content with top-quality proven programming. These high-caliber Bassmaster TV series further strengthen and broaden Outdoor Channel’s angling appeal, providing us with leading fishing programs that immediately resonate with our viewers,” said Roger Werner, president & CEO at Outdoor Channel. “This agreement with B.A.S.S. reflects our ongoing commitment to providing our 35 million viewers with the best in outdoor programming.”

“Our goal has always been to have Bassmaster TV programs distributed as widely as possible to allow anglers across the country access to our leading fishing series. Our new partnership with Outdoor Channel significantly increases our reach, and enables fishing fans to watch “The Bassmasters” during weekend prime time slots along with other popular fishing shows,” said Jerry McKinnis, a pioneer in outdoor television production and one of three new owners of B.A.S.S. “We’re excited to join Outdoor Channel and be part of its roster that includes the industry’s leading outdoor celebrities.”

The Bassmaster programs, hosted by Tommy Sanders and Mark Zona of Outdoor Channel’s “Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show,” serve fishing fanatics with the most comprehensive how-to and where-to information about ways in which Elite Series pros tackle a body of water. The shows provide in-depth analysis on lure choice, fish management, the mental approach to fishing and countless other variables that affect the competition. The series has received critical acclaim, as the production of the “Bassmaster Classic” earned a 2008 Sports Emmy nomination for Outstanding Live Event Turnaround category.

View all 86 images of “Mystery Lake 2004″…

PS- I will be posting a 2010 contributor contest entry tomorrow morning!

I mean, who does that?

via Trout Underground

7lb 3oz largemouth bass

With this fish, I wasn’t targeting bass at all. I was fishing for perch when I had a follow up from a big dark shadow after reeling in a small one. So I put on my big bobber and casted back out. To my amazement it took the giant balsa wood float straight under. Thinking it was probably a pike, I set the hook and loosened the drag to be ready for what usually takes place when you hook a nice northern. But much to my surprise, I watched my line start to rise quickly to the surface and then the biggest largemouth bass I have ever seen broke water with a giant leap.

Thanks Paul!