BASS Adds New Events and Schedule Shake-Up for 2017 Elites

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Published: 31 August 2016

(Provided by BASS)

BASS Adds New Events and Schedule Shake-Up for 2017 Elites

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The 2017 Bassmaster Elite Series schedule features more exciting twists and changes than the world's premier tournament circuit has seen in its storied 11-year history.

This year, Bassmaster has added a new stop on the circuit, the Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest. The event, which will replace and build upon Toyota Texas Bass Classic's decade-long legacy, is scheduled for May 17-21 on Sam Rayburn Reservoir, one of the hottest big-bass lakes in the United States.

"Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest will combine the best features of the Toyota Texas Bass Classic and our own BASSfest tournament - both of which have become immensely popular among anglers and fishing fans," said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. "Texas Fest will host a special Fan Appreciation Day offering anglers and their families opportunities to meet, greet and learn from the world's best professional anglers."

The Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest will emphasize best practices in fishing conservation, including a catch, weigh and immediate release format. The event will also continue to benefit the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD), which has been instrumental in introducing fishing conservation guidelines that have influenced fishing tournaments throughout the United States.

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A Belly Full of Bluegills

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Published: 12 July 2016

By Louie Stout

Biologists encountered this 13-inch bullheadl that had 18 bluegill in its stomach.

Biologists encountered this 13-inch bullheadl that had 18 bluegill in its stomach.

You won’t find a better example of how fish are opportunistic feeders than this.

The photo supplied with this story is living proof. That 13-inch bullhead catfish was captured in a net by Indiana fisheries biologist Tom Bacula while surveying Loomis Lake near Valparaiso.

Biologists were assessing fish populations on Loomis as they do every year on various lakes. The bullhead catfish pictured was discovered in a net along with dozens of other fish.

Capturing bullheads is not that unusual. But this one was.

“The fish’s stomach was bulging and twitching,” said Bacula. “It was the fattest and most unusual bullhead I had ever seen. I wanted to see what was in there.”

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