Priority registration for the pro division got under way today for the 2012 PAA Tournament Series, which features reduced entry fees and the addition of a co-angler division.
Entry fees are $1,500 per tournament for the pro division and $250 per tournament for the co-angler division. Pro division registration began today for anglers who register for all three tournaments, who were in the Top 100 in the 2011 PAA Angler of the Year point standings or who fished one or more 2011 Tournament Series events. Registration opens Feb. 13 for pro anglers who wish to fish one event this season.
Co-angler registration opens Feb. 20 for anglers wishing to compete in all three tournaments, and Feb. 27 for single events. Co-anglers will fish the first 2 days of the tournament and will have priority to be an observer for the final day, which will feature the top 15 pro division anglers who make the cut.
Registration deposits are $500 per tournament for the pro division and $50 per tournament for the co-Angler division. Deposits are non-refundable.
“The Board of Directors listened to PAA members and discussed the merits of lowering the entry fees for this season,” said PAA president Dave Mansue. “The Board worked diligently to solicit input, consider the various discussions on all sides of the issue and then make a decision they believe is best for the membership.
“We believe the reduction in entry fees, along with the addition of co-anglers, will provide more fishing opportunities to anglers who want to compete in the PAA Tournament Series. Not only will the competition be strong, but the pros will have the ability to gain exposure through FishPAA Television and qualify for the Toyota Texas Bass Classic world championship. We are looking forward to a great season.”
The PAA Tournament Series will compete at Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville, Tenn., in May before returning to Neely Henry Lake in Gadsden, Ala., in July. The final event of the season will be on the Arkansas River in Muskogee, Okla., in September, where the PAA Angler of the Year (AOY) will be crowned.
Updated PAA Tournament Series rules, including those for co-anglers, along with payout structure for the pro and co-angler divisions are available at www.FishPAA.com under the “Tournaments” section.
