FLW announced today that it will assist USA Bass in its efforts to showcase the first ever Pan-American Bass Fishing Championship Feb. 4-9 at Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston. The event, which was awarded to USA Bass by the Pan-American Sportfishing Delegation, will feature anglers from 41 nations and is part of a larger effort by the Confederation Internationale de Peche Sportive (CIPS) to make bass fishing an Olympic sport.
“The international fishing community is thrilled about this event,” said tournament organizer and CIPS Vice President John Knight. “It fits perfectly into the global initiative to increase participation in bass fishing. Steps like this are making bass fishing the frontrunner when fishing becomes an Olympic sport.”
Roland and Mary Ann Martin’s Marina & Resort in Clewiston, Fla. is set to host the event. Teams will arrive Feb. 4 for the opening ceremony, followed by practice Feb. 5-6. Competition kicks off Feb. 7-8 with takeoff scheduled for 7:30 a.m. EST each day from the Clewiston Boat Basin. Weigh-ins each day will be held at 3:30 p.m. at Roland and Mary Ann Martin’s Marina & Resort. A medal presentation will follow the final weigh-in.
