B.A.S.S. announced today that registration for the 2012 Bassmaster Opens will begin this month. Like this year, Open winners will be awarded a Bassmaster Classic berth, provided they fish the entire three-event circuit in that division. Also, the Top 5 in the points in each division will again be offered Bassmaster Elite Series berths.
The pro prize package at each event includes $5,000 cash and a bass boat rig valued at $45,000. The co-angler top prize is a boat-and-motor package valued at $35,000. Events pay to 40th place in the pro and co-angler divisions; awards totaling $229,700 are based on 125 boats. In addition, $500 each will be awarded for the pro and co-angler big bass of the tournament.
The 3-day format will remain, with only the Top 12 pros and co-anglers fishing the final day. Entry fees remain at $1,250 for pros and $350 for co-anglers.
Registration dates are as follows:
- Monday, Nov. 7: Priority (Bassmaster Elite Series anglers, top anglers in Opens points, etc.)
- Monday, Nov. 14: B.A.S.S. Federation Nation and Life Members
- Monday, Nov. 28: B.A.S.S. Members, full division
- Monday, Dec. 5: Single Event
Here's a look at the 2012 schedule:
Southern
> Jan. 19-21 -- Harris Chain of Lakes -- Tavares, Fla.
> April 5-7 -- Lake Norman -- Charlotte, N.C.
> Oct. 4-6 -- Lewis Smith Lake -- Jasper, Ala.
Central
> Feb. 9-11 -- Lewisville Lake -- Lewisville, Texas
> April 26-28 -- Table Rock Lake -- Branson, Mo.
> Sept. 6-8 -- Fort Gibson Lake -- Wagoner, Okla.
Northern
> June 14-16 -- James River -- Richmond, Va.
> July 19-21 -- Detroit River -- Detroit, Mich.
> Aug. 16-18 -- Cayuga Lake -- Seneca Falls, N.Y.
