The Professional Anglers Association (PAA) announced details of a new qualifying event, through which anglers can secure a berth in the 2008 Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC).
The PAA will first fill the TTBC field with tour-level members based on points standings (details of which will be announced at a future date), and the Qualifier will be used to fill the remaining 25 spots in the TTBC field. Here's the skinny.
The Qualifier's scheduled for Feb. 8–9 at Choke Canyon in Texas.
The Qualifier field will be set at 100 boats. Participation is by invitation only. Current PAA tour-level members will be eligible to compete in the Qualifier. The exception will be anglers already determined as eligible for the TTBC from the points standings.
The Qualifier format includes a 2-day practice and 1-week off-limits. Entry fee is $2,500 with a 100% payback, based upon a full field of 100 boats.
The PAA is offering berths in the Qualifier to five anglers fishing the National Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship. Four will be determined by performance at the Championship. The fifth will be determined by an essay contest. Each of the five will have his or her entry fees waived for the Qualifier. Details on the essay contest are available here.