Porter Wagoner Memorial
Artists & Anglers
Fishing Tournament Set
Bass Pro Shops, Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits, Costa Del Mar Sign on as Sponsors
(Nashville, Tennessee…) – May 19, 2008 -- Bass Pro Shops, Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits
and Costa Del Mar Sunglasses proudly announce the first Porter Wagoner Memorial Artists & Anglers Fishing Tournament, Tuesday June 3, 2008 on Nashville’s J. Percy Priest Lake. The world’s greatest male and female Bass fishing anglers will pair up with some of the biggest and brightest stars in country music for a day of fishing, fun and music.
Fishing legends such as Bill Dance, Roland Martin, Jimmy Houston, Gary Yamamoto and 2008 Bassmaster Classic women’s champion Judy Wong will team up with their favorite country artists to spend the day searching for “the big one.” Pro anglers Tom Mann, Jr., Big Fred Contaoi and his custom Orange County Chopper's bass boat, Gary Clouse, Ron Colby and Joe Jones have signed on to participate in the tournament.
Artists confirmed to fish include Vince Gill, Jeff Cook, Luke Bryan, Lorrie Morgan, Tracy Byrd, Barry Bales, Bobby Bare, Katie Armiger, Eric Durrance, Andy Griggs, Wade Hayes, James House, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Brad Mates and Dale Wallace from Emerson Drive, Jeremy McComb, Michelle Murray, Heidi Newfield, Jaclyn North, Jon Randall, Porter’s daughter Denise Wagoner, Bryan White and Trent Willmon. An Opry Legends boat will include Jim Ed Brown and Jeannie Seely.
The exciting day will culminate in an all-star weigh-in at Bass Pro Shops at Opry Mills around 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, with a very special acoustic concert/jam session and fish fry following the crowning of the first year’s champions.
Few things were more important to Country Music Hall of Famer Porter Wagoner than spending time on the water. An avid bass angler and Grand Ole Opry legend, a photo of Porter holding the largest bass he ever caught still hangs in his Opry dressing room. A poster-size version of the same photo hangs inside the entrance to Bass Pro Shops at Opry Mills in Nashville.
Money raised throughout the day of the tournament will be donated to the Opry Trust Fund in Porter’s name.
Event Schedule (subject to change):
Nashville Shores on Percy Priest Lake
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Check in at the Old Hickory Boat Ramp at Nashville Shores *
9:00 a.m.
Donnie McElvoy, host of the syndicated “Hunt, Fish, Cook” show will launch the boats
3:00 p.m.
All boats return to boat ramp
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Anglers and fish escorted to Bass Pro Shops at Opry Mills
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Weigh-In hosted by Donnie McElvoy
* The Old Hickory Boat Ramp at Nashville Shores is exit 221B off I-40 in Hermitage. Turn right off the exit, and Old Hickory will end right at the lake. This is NOT the same entrance to Nashville Shores water park or marina.
About Bass Pro Shops: With its Outdoor World, Sportsman’s Center and World Wide Sportsman super stores, Bass Pro Shops has established itself as a prime destination for the outdoor enthusiast. Almost invariably, Bass Pro Shops rank among the top tourist attractions in their respective states. Customers actually plan getaways and even honeymoons around a visit to a Bass Pro Shops superstore because of the one-of-a-kind experience it offers. Impressive indoor waterfalls, giant aquariums, wildlife mounts, delicious food and more make each Bass Pro Shops store a must-see attraction for the sporting family. www.basspro.com.
About Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits: Our revolutionary fishing products, like the industry-altering Yamamoto Senko, are the result of the efforts of dyed-in-the-wool fishermen like you with only one thought in mind: to catch more and bigger fish. We here at Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits are proud to bring you what we believe are the finest soft plastic fishing lures on the market. www.baits.com.
About Costa Del Mar: As the leading manufacturer of premium polarized performance sunglasses, Costa Del Mar offers superior lens technology, unparalleled fit and durability, and a lifetime warranty on all of its products. Still handcrafted today in Florida, Costa Del Mar creates the highest quality, best performing sunglasses for outdoor enthusiasts.
For more information, contact 1-800-447-3700 or visit the company’s Web site at www.costadelmar.com.