Full Field to Kick Off 2013 NABC Seasons North Region in Michigan
OutdoorHub 05.08.13
High-octane competitive bass fishing and thousands in cash and prizes will be on hand when the Cabela’s North American Bass Circuit visits Lake Michigan’s legendary Sturgeon Bay May 10-11.
The team-format tournament offers one day of competition on the bay’s world-class smallmouth fishery, with one day reserved in case of bad weather. Teams are scheduled to fish 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, with Saturday reserved in case foul weather causes a cancellation on Friday. When the dust settles, the team with the heaviest total weight for up to five bass will be crowned the tournament champions.
Bass fans of all ages are invited to watch the action unfold at the weigh-in, which is free and open to the public, and begins at 3 p.m. in Sawyer Park, in the city of Sturgeon Bay. The Cabela’s NABC and National Professional Anglers Association will present a Youth & Family Fishing Clinic immediately after the weigh-in. The first 50 youths will receive rod-and-reel combos courtesy of the NPAA.
Cabela’s NABC payouts are based on the number of teams entered in each event. Based on a 75-boat field, the payout runs from a cool $15,000 for first place on out to $500 for 15th place, with a total payout of $30,000 in cash and prizes, including Cabela’s gift cards, plus the NABC Big Bass Pot, along with sponsor contingencies including Cabela’s Angler Cash, Ranger Cup and Optima True Blue add thousands in cash and prizes to the total.
Teams competing in multiple events can reap even greater rewards. Those fishing at least two NABC tournaments have a shot at qualifying for the prestigious, high-stakes championship for their respective NABC Region, which offers a $20,000 first-place purse. Regional Team of the Year titles will also be awarded to the team from each region finishing the regular season with the highest point total from any three NABC qualifiers. Each title is worth a $2,000 Cabela’s gift card, plaques and paid entry into their regional championship. In all, the Team of the Year races will award nearly $10,000 in cash and prizes to the top four teams in each region.
This is the first of four Cabela’s NABC North Region qualifying tournaments in 2013. The remaining schedule includes Lake Pokegama, Minnesota, June 1; the Mississippi River at La Crosse, Wisconsin, July 20; Leech Lake, Minnesota, out of Horseshoe Bay Lodge, Sept. 20; and the North Region Championship, set for Oct. 11-12 on Wisconsin’s Chippewa Flowage. In addition, the NABC South Region features qualifiers at Lake Hartwell, South Carolina, Sept. 7; and Clark’s Hill Lake, Georgia, November 9. The South Region Championship is set for Lake Lanier, Georgia, Dec. 7-8.
Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is entering its third season as title sponsor of the NABC. Other sponsors include: Ranger Boats, Stratos Boats, Mercury Marine, MotorGuide, Optima Batteries, O2 Marine Technologies and Sea Grant.
Based in Ponca City, Oklahoma, the Cabela’s NABC is open to two-person teams regardless of club or sponsor affiliation. Entry fees are $500 per regular season tournament and $600 for each two-day region championship. Payback is 80 percent at the event, with the balance to support the championship and angler of the year prizes. In addition, a small donation is included in each entry fee and matched by NABC and other conservation organizations up to 3-to-1 in support bass conservation projects anywhere NABC does business.
Registration remains open through the Sunday night prior to each tournament or until the field fills. For more information, visit northamericanbasscircuit.com, email info@northamericanbasscircuit.com, or call (580) 765-9031
Daily coverage and results can be found at: www.northamericanbasscircuit.com
Event pictures will be on our facebook page so fans can view the event photos or download them from anywhere in the world.
