Welcome to BassFan's live coverage of the 2014 Bassmaster Classic.
Today is media day in Birmingham and BassFan editors John Johnson and Todd Ceisner will be on the scene at the brand-new Regions Field to get a feel for how the 55 competitors plan to tackle Lake Guntersville in the morning.
There's a threat of severe weather late Thursday into early Friday morning across much of central and northern Alabama, so there's that to contend with. Hopefully, it'll move through swiftly and quietly and not pose a danger to anyone or delay the action.
We'll be posting news and notes and interesting tidbits here throughout the anglers' media availability.
Also be sure to check back during the tournament for our on-the-water coverage. In addition, be sure to follow our coverage on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
11:55 a.m.: Bruce Akin, CEO of B.A.S.S., announces that the Toyota Angler of the Year championship in September will be held at Bays de Noc on Lake Michigan in Escanaba, Mich. Also, the Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Trail championship will be held in December at Bismarck, Ark., at DeGray Lake. B.A.S.S. will also host a high school championship July 16-19 at Kentucky Lake and Henry County Reservoir in Paris, Tenn.
11:45 a.m.: B.A.S.S. officials and local leaders address the gathered media at Regions Field regarding bringing the Classic back to Birmingham. Angler availability will begin shortly.
4:05 p.m.: Our apologies for the lull in posting. We were quite busy running from one end of the concourse at Regions Field during trying to get some final input from the Classic anglers. We'll be heading to the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame induction dinner tonight before heading to the lake bright and early tomorrow.
