DESTIN — This year's Spring Fishing Classic at Bass Pro Shops, 4301 Legendary Drive in Destin, provides adults, children and families the chance to learn how to fish at Bass Pro Shops stores across the U.S. and Canada at no cost.
The free 17-day event, which runs from Feb. 28 to March 16, features fishing seminars, learning from the pros, and special activities for kids. Plus, one lucky winner will walk away with a grand prize of a new Nitro Z-7 performance bass boat.
“Bass Pro Shops is dedicated to making sure families have fun together outdoors and events such as this are the perfect way for them to learn how,” said Katie Mitchell, Bass Pro Shops spokeswoman, “With this year’s event offering new workshops, seminars, and kids’ activities, we’re expecting the 2014 Classic to be another great event.”
In addition, a lucky customer will be the national grand prize winner of a new Nitro Z-7 performance bass fishing boat, which features a 150-horsepower Mercury motor and a trailer. The winner also gets a guided fishing trip with Bassmaster Elite Series professional angler Edwin Evers on Table Rock Lake near Branson, Mo. This prize package also includes a three-day, three-night stay at nearby Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Mo., and up to $3,000 for travel and accommodations.
The total sweepstakes package value is more than $32,000.
See basspro.com for complete rules.
In addition to learning the hottest tips and strategies from the world’s best anglers, Spring Fishing Classic attendees have two weekends to see lots of new fishing tackle, live tank demonstrations, and boat shows while the kids can enjoy activities just for them.
Seminars will be held at all store locations except Miami, Branson, Mo., Islamorada, and the Bass Pro Shops Outlet store in Springfield, Mo.
New to the Spring Fishing Classic event this year is the Women’s Fishing Workshop. This free seminar is for women who are interested in learning how to fish, and focuses on fishing tips for beginners. The seminar is 3 p.m. March 15 at U.S. stores.
The Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster University National Fishing Pros seminars are Feb. 28 – March 2 at the U.S. stores. These seminars feature experts such as:
• Kevin VanDam – Four-time Bassmaster Classic Champion and seven-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year
• Jimmy Houston – America’s favorite fisherman and host of “Jimmy Houston Outdoors” TV show
• Roland Martin – Nine-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year
• Peter Miller – Three-time World Sailfish Champion and host of “Bass 2 Billfish” TV show on NBC Sports
• Timmy Horton – Former Bassmaster Angler of the Year and four-time Bassmaster Elite Series winner and host of “Timmy Horton Outdoors” TV show
• Gary Klein – 29-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier and two-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year
See the schedule below for details about which pros will appear in Destin along with seminar topics, dates and times.
Friday, Feb. 28
• 6 p.m. — Eric Holstman, PENN, Berkley and SpiderWire Pro Staff Member, will host Speckled Trout and Redfish.
•7 p.m. — J. Todd Tucker, 17 Top Ten Finishes on the FLW Tour and Bassmaster Elite Series, will host "J. Todd's Secrets to Sight Fishing."
• 8 p.m. — Dennis Tietje, Bassmaster Elite Series Pro, will host Let's Talk Crawfish Baits—How, When, Why at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 1
•Eric Holstman, PENN, Berkley, SpiderWire Pro Staff Member, will host Speckled Trout and Redfish at 1 p.m.
Sunday, March 2:
•Eric Holstman, PENN, Berkley, SpiderWire Pro Staff Member, will host Speckled Trout and Redfish at 1 p.m.
The hottest local advice will be offered during fishing seminars held March 7-9 at the U.S. stores. These seminars will be led by local pros, conservation groups and other area experts. Seminars will vary by store location and all will be geared towards topics pertinent to the local area.
The below seminars will be offered at the Destin Bass Pro Shops location.
Friday, March 7
•7 p.m. – Flipping and Pitching for Bass
Saturday and Sunday, March 8-9
•11 a.m. – Casting Artificials for Redfish
•1 p.m. – Offshore Terminal Tackle Rigging
•2 p.m. – Offshore Fishing Knots
•3 p.m. – Offshore Reel Maintenance
•4 p.m. – Surf Fishing Basics
•5 p.m. – Choosing a Lure for Redfish
(Pros, seminar topics, and times vary by store and are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Please check individual store schedules by visiting www.basspro.com/classic and clicking on the store from drop down box.)
Other special events include:
•Feb. 28-March 5 — Reel Trade-In: Anglers with old reels that don’t see a lot of action can trade them in at a participating Bass Pro Shops store during Reel Trade-In days. This trade-in event is held at U.S. stores. Reels can be traded in for a coupon worth $5 to $100 off the purchase price of a new reel. The donated reels will be given to local nonprofit groups whose mission is to teach children about fishing and the outdoors.
•March 7-11—Rod Trade-In: Out with the old fishing rod and in with the new at the U.S. stores. Bring an old rod you aren’t using to a participating Bass Pro Shops store and trade it in for a coupon worth $5 to $100 off the purchase price of a new one. Donated rods will be given to local youth organizations to help with their outdoor education programs.
•Noon to 5 p.m. March 15-16 — Bass Pro Shops Next Generation Weekend: Kids can enjoy Free events geared for them at the U.S. stores. Activities include crafts, catch and release pond, and kids’ fishing workshops held at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Kids can also get a free 4×6 photo and a KeepAmericaFishing Certificate (U.S. locations only). Plus, the first 150 kids to complete a punch card each day will receive a special Bass Pro Shops fishing tackle box (while supplies last).
Get ready for a family summer full of fishing and outdoor adventures. Make plans now to attend the free Spring Fishing Classic event at your local Bass Pro Shops store.
For more information, visit http://www.basspro.com/classic/.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Destin Bass Pro Shops Spring Fishing Classic starts Feb. 28, features pro anglers, kids' activities
