Officials of the Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) announced today that the tournament will return to Lake Conroe this fall, and then the 2014 edition will be staged at Lake Fork in late spring of that year. That means that this year's qualifiers for the unified championship will carry over to following year's event under a similar scenario to the one the Bassmaster Classic underwent in 2005-06.
This year's TTBC is set for Oct. 4-6. The dates for 2014 at Fork, the TTBC's inaugural site, are May 9-11.
“The City of Conroe has been an incredible host over the past 4 years,” said tournament director Lenny Francoeur. “We have an amazing partnership and we’re excited to return to Conroe again in October. We are also excited to return to Lake Fork, an historic Texas bass fishery where the community was so welcoming the first time around.”
Anglers qualify for the TTBC through the Angler of the Year (AOY) points races in the Bassmaster Elite Series, FLW Tour and PAA Tournament Series. There are four sponsor-exemption slots and the champion from the prior year is guaranteed a berth.
With the 2014 move, anglers will qualify for both tournaments via the 2013 AOY races.
“With having double event qualification, it makes each and every point available on each respective tour that much more valuable,” Francoeur said. “Anglers who compete at TTBC are the best of the best and to come here and win is truly something special. Earning the chance to compete in the event twice in one season is something we know will give the anglers extra motivation for this year.”
The tournament remains a no-entry fee event and all 50 competing anglers will receive guaranteed prize money. Through a continued partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the TTBC will continue its focus on conservation efforts and adhere to a strict catch, weigh and immediate release format.
Over the last 6 years, the TTBC has donated over $1.5 million to the TPWD.
