Fifty-two youth anglers and their families, representing forty-seven US States, will be competing on Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho, this October 3rd. The Big Bass Zone JC is presented by Bassmaster and hosted by Billy Chapman’s Anglers Inn International at the beautiful Willows Club in Priest River Idaho.
Returning from the success of last year’s inaugural tournament, Bill Siemantel, Founder/Director of the BBZ JC LLC, has accumulated over $350,000.00 in prizes. These unprecedented prize sponsors include five scholarships to Bethel University, presented by Gary Mason Bethel’s Head Coach, a $140,000.00 value. The President of Bass Cat Boats, Rick Pierce, will present the championship winner with a fully rigged $35,000.00 Bass Cat Margay
Anglers ages 13 through 19 qualify for the BBZ JC by catching the largest freshwater bass in any state between January 1st through August 1st. Entries are verified by tournament director Siemantel. Results are posted on the tournaments official website https://bbzworld.com/, where competitors can monitor the standings.
Anglers can qualify while fishing from shore, kayak, float tube, or boat at any legal body of water. Regardless of one’s experience with modern bass boats, the playing field is leveled. Tournament rules ensure fairness, barriers of traditional bass tournaments have been removed, making this a true grassroots event.
The BBZ JC finals is a one fish tournament, and Lake Pend Oreille can see both largemouth and smallmouth bass over the six-pound range. In a random draw, two state anglers share a boat for eight hours with equal time on the trolling motor. Local volunteers donate their time and boats to marshal anglers from across the US.
The BBZ JC is a life-changing event for both these young anglers and their families, recognizing the parents of these young anglers and the support they provide to their children. Siemantel worked tirelessly to achieve both state and product sponsorships for the 2020 season. State anglers and their families will see over $91,000.00 awarded to help with travel, lodging, food, and amazing prizes to kick off the event.
On October 2nd, while conducting the event preparations, the BBZ JC staff and Miller Media will produce photo ops and interviews for the 2020 BBZ JC fishing show. On the same day, during the welcome dinner and boat pairings, state winners and their families will receive a life-changing experience. Tables filled with Bass Cat life vests, St. Croix Rods, AFTCO weigh-in bags, Rugged Shark shoes, Fish Monkey face guards and gloves, Line Cutterz, tackle, and more await each angler.
Saturday, October 3rd, the competition takes off from the Willows Club Marina. Bassmaster Editor-in-Chief James Hall will oversee Bassmaster’s Facebook live coverage during the weigh-in, starting at 3:00 pm PDT. The tournament will conclude with an awards ceremony, dinner, and more prizes.
Who will be the 2020 Big Bass Zone Junior Champion?
Media Contact: Bill Siemantel/Big Bass Zone Junior Championship Tournament Director 661-210-6028 bill@thebbz.com