The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Source: Press Release
Tuesday, January 01, 2019 02:45 PM
City of Knoxville Reels in 2019 Bassmaster Classic On Tennessee River
Bassmaster reeled in its 50th anniversary of tournaments this year with competitions in states like South Carolina, Alabama, Texas, and Oklahoma. But, the tournament's no stranger to Tennessee as competitions have been scheduled for May in Paris, Tennessee, and September in Dandridge. The city of Knoxville landed the tournament scheduled for March 15-17 of 2019 in downtown Knoxville and on the University of Tennessee's campus.
“Knoxville meets and exceeds all the requirements we have for the Bassmaster Classic — great fishing on the Tennessee River, first-class facilities to accommodate crowds of fishing fans, a vibrant city with plenty to see and do, and a corps of state and local tourism professionals who will ensure its success,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin.
Over the years, bass fishing has shifted from a calming hobby to a major money-making industry. The popularity of the tournament that kicked off in 1968 has attracted thousands of people across the country.
Bassmaster representatives claim the tournaments have generated a $24 million economic impact for Bassmaster Classic host cities in recent years through visitor spending, expo sales, and lodging costs. The fishing series also boasts big-name sponsors like Geico and Dick's Sporting Goods.
“Hosting the 2019 Bassmaster Classic is an incredible privilege for the Visit Knoxville Sports Commission. This has been a total team effort over the past two years to land this highly respected event. We look forward to welcoming the anglers and their families, along with all of the loyal Bassmaster fans from around the country to our great city,” said Visit Knoxville Sports Commission Senior Director Chad Culver.
The tournament often dubbed the "Superbowl of Bass Fishing" has averaged more than 100,000 people attending each of the last six years, according to officials. An organization closely affiliated with the sport also has ties to East Tennessee. Controlling interest in the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) was acquired in 2017 by Anderson Media Corporation, a company with headquarters in Knoxville. More than 500,000 people are members of the B.A.S.S. organization.
Seven fishermen who call East Tennessee their home waters take up spots in the 110+ anglers selected for this year's Elite Series Class.
Brandon Card of Knoxville, Tenn.
He's been a B.A.S.S. pro for seven years and has competed in 74 events. His best finish was when he placed 27th in 2016. He fishes in Norris Lake.
Brandon Coulter of Knoxville, Tenn.
He's competed in 43 B.A.S.S. events and has earned more than $193,000 from the sport. He fishes in Ft. Loudoun Lake.
Ott DeFoe of Knoxville, Tenn.
He has fished in 93 B.A.S.S. events and won the 2017 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open. DeFoe has earned over one million dollars through bass fishing. He spends his time fishing on Douglas Lake.
Skylar Hamilton of Dandridge, Tenn.
Hamilton has been classified as a full-time B.A.S.S. member for two years. He can be seen using his signature "flipping a jig" technique while fishing on Douglas Lake.
John Murray of Spring City, Tenn.
Murray has qualified for the Bassmaster Classic seven times. He has more than $1.1 million B.A.S.S. earnings under his belt.
