Gerald Swindle, Kelly Jordon, Rick Clunn and Takahiro Omori have received the four sponsors exemptions for the Toyota Texas Bass Classic, completing the 50-angler field. The tournament, which will also feature defending champion Keith Combs and 45 of the top points-earners from the 2012 tour seasons, will be held Sept. 28-30 at Lake Conroe.
Mike Iaconelli, last year's runner-up, was originally offered one of the exemptions, but declined due to the impending birth of his fourth child. Omori will fill that slot instead.
“We have a strong mix of former champions, fishing legends and up-and-comers,” said tournament director Lenny Francoeur. “It’s going to be a very exciting world championship. In addition, we’re providing fans with a weekend full of free family entertainment, and it’ll be a great time”
The TTBC's tournament functions are operated by the Professional Anglers Association (PAA), with technical assistance and support from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Inland Fisheries Division. Fans can obtain free tickets online at www.ToyotaTexasBassClassic.com, while supplies last. Tickets are available for Friday, Saturday and Sunday individually. Fans can also pick up TTBC tickets at any Toyota dealership or Academy Sports + Outdoors location in the greater Houston area. Walk-up tickets the day of the event will require a donation to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and all days are subject to sell out.
The daily tickets are valid for admission into the festival grounds for angler weigh-ins and the concert on that particular day. All activities, including concerts, weigh-ins and expos, will take place at the Lone Star Convention & Expo Center’s festival grounds in Conroe. Concert headliners are Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan and Jake Owen.
Following is a list of competing anglers.
Defending Champion
Keith Combs
FLW Tour
David Dudley
Jacob Powroznik
Ron Shuffield
Jim Moynagh
Cody Meyer
Luke Clausen
Bryan Thrift
J.T. Kenney
Matt Arey
Dave Lefebre
Clifford Pirch
Wesley Strader
Clent Davis
Jim Tutt
Jay Yelas
Bassmaster Elite Series
Ott DeFoe
Terry Scroggins
Todd Faircloth
Randy Howell
Matt Herren
Edwin Evers
Bill Lowen
Aaron Martens
Bobby Lane
Greg Hackney
Chris Lane
David Walker
Cliff Pace
John Crews
Brandon Card
PAA Tournament Series
Gary Clouse
Steve Kennedy
Mark Rose
Greg Vinson
Mike McClelland
Gary Yamamoto
Matt Reed
Russ Lane
Mark Menendez
David Hendrick
Keith Caka
Guy Eaker
Harold Allen
Brian Snowden
Fred Roumbanis
Sponsor Exemptions
Gerald Swindle
Kelly Jordon
Rick Clunn
Takahiro Omori
