2011 Oakley Big Bass Tour

WFN: WORLD FISHING NETWORK PRESENTS EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE OF 2011 OAKLEY BIG BASS TOUR

DENVER, CO. – MARCH 2, 2011 – With the support of prominent fishing brand sponsors Oakley, Bass Pro Shops, Nitro Performance Bass Boats, Quantum, Lazer TroKar, Sony, Busch Beer, Reserve Fishing and Earth Sports, WFN: World Fishing Network, North America’s only 24/7 fishing lifestyle network will present first-time coverage of the 2011 Oakley Big Bass Tour – a premier national amateur big bass tournament series hosted from March-October.  The announcement was made by Corey Russell, Vice President of Programming for WFN and Louis Wellen, with Oakley Sports Marketing.

“This partnership with WFN will raise awareness for the tour among amateur anglers and provide valuable reach to our brand and our sponsor partners,” said Wellen.  “The show will provide anglers an inside view into our tour events and allow them to experience the excitement and hospitality that only Oakley can provide.”

The Oakley Big Bass Tour is a premier big bass tournament series open to all amateur anglers.  As opposed to many tours that offer a five-fish limit format, the Oakley Big Bass Tour is all about catching the biggest bass.  The six tournaments on schedule for this year include: Lake Conroe Big Bass Classic (Lake Conroe, TX., March 5-6); Kevin VanDam Big Bass Classic (Table Rock Lake, MO., March 26-27); Jamie McMurray's Carolina Big Bass Classic (Lake Norman, NC., Apr. 30-May 1); Blue Ridge Big Bass Classic (Smith Mountain Lake, VA., May 21-22); Kelly Jordon Big Bass Classic (Sam Rayburn Lake, TX., Sept. 10-11); and the Gerald Swindle Big Bass Classic (Lake Guntersville, AL., Oct. 15-16).

“We are thrilled to add the Oakley  Big Bass Tour to our programming  line-up,” said Russell. “Viewers will be captivated by this unique tournament format as they watch participants battle for the big bass.  With some of the biggest names in fishing co-hosting the various tournaments while highlighting amateur anglers competing for the “big one”, we are excited to be the first network to air this tournament.”

The seven episode series will feature a 30-minute highlight show for each of the tour’s six events plus a “Best Of” show to recap the season.  Carlton Wing, former host of the FLW Tour will host the series and he will be joined by notable Oakley athletes at each event including Kevin VanDam, Jamie McMurray, Kelly Jordon and Gerald Swindle.  The series is being produced by Wing Media Group.

In addition to highlighting the big catches, each episode will also provide instructional tips from the Oakley pros to help viewers land their own big bass.   The show, will also include product placement and sponsored vignettes from many of the show sponsors.
 

About WFN: World Fishing Network
 
WFN: World Fishing Network is the only 24/7 television network dedicated to all segments of fishing with programming that covers instruction, tips, tournaments, travel, food, boating, outdoor lifestyle and more. WFN's wide-ranging programming lineup includes primetime theme nights, regional bureaus from across the nation, a selection of the best international series and the most diverse species coverage of any TV channel. Featuring popular programs hosted by the world's top anglers, the schedule also includes a variety of exclusive lifestyle shows including; Hookin' Up with Mariko Izumi, Reel Fishy Jobs with Mark Melnyk, Lost Lake, The Lodge and Getting School'd with JP DeRose. The beauty of WFN's programming is available in 100 percent stunning High Definition. WFN's multimedia platform includes a mobile portal, WFN Fishing Log (fishing app for the iPhone and iPad) and a robust fishing website, www.WorldFishingNetwork.com.
 
Originally launched in December 2005, today WFN and WFN HD are available in more than 20 million households through North American cable, satellite and telecommunications distributors including: DISH Network, Comcast, Charter, AT&T U-Verse, Verizon FiOS and more. For more information, visit www.WorldFishingNetwork.com.
 

About Oakley Big Bass Tour
 
The Oakley Big Bass Tour is a premier big bass tournament series open to all amateur anglers. The tour provides anglers of all skill levels with an exciting tournament format and event experience on some of the nations best bass fisheries. Since it was established in 2007 the tour has focused upon the promotion of bass fishing and bass conservation at the grass roots level. The 2011 Oakley Big Bass Tour features the following six tournaments: Lake Conroe Big Bass Classic, Kevin VanDam Big Bass Classic, Jamie McMurray's Carolina Big Bass Classic, Blue Ridge Big Bass Classic, Kelly Jordon Big Bass Classic and the Gerald Swindle Big Bass Classic. For more information regarding tour events please visit www.oakleybigbass.com or call (877) 958-TOUR (8687).