“Bass Boss” to highlight Military Team Bass Tournament's final weighIn

ATHENS, Ala – An American legend and fishing icon will greet those gathered for the 21st annual Military Team Bass Tournament.

Ray W. Scott, Jr., better known as the Bass Boss and founder of the Bass Angler Sportsman Society, will be available to shake hands and sign his book, Bass Boss, in conjunction with the tournament on Clarks Hill Lake. On Friday, May 6, 2011, Scott will greet fans from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Wildwood Park, located at 3780 Dogwood Lane in Appling, in Columbia County, Ga.

In the 1960s, Scott asked anglers to pay to fish tournaments with a portion of the entry fees going back to the top anglers. The Montgomery, Ala., native also interested companies in sponsoring these events and encouraged media to cover them. He’s started Bassmaster magazine among other endeavors. During the past four decades, Scott helped transform fishing from a quiet pastime to a multi-billion-dollar industry, but always kept a personal touch for the anglers, especially those who served this nation.

“The military men and women are very dear to my heart,” Scott said. “We owe them our gratitude for their service to our country. I look forward to spending time with them at Clarks Hill and having the opportunity to share with them my love of bass fishing.”

The tournament actually runs from May 5-7 out of Wildwood Park. The free, public weigh-ins will begin at 3 p.m. each tournament day. Any active duty military or Coast Guard member, Department of Defense civilian or contractor, retired military member or honorably discharged veteran can participate. Military family members at least 16 years old can also participate. The top team will win a 3-night, 4-day big game fishing adventure to Los Sueños Resort in Costa Rica, courtesy of Early Times Kentucky Whisky and JDC Marketing. One lucky competitor will win a drawing for a seven-day trip for two to anywhere in the world, courtesy of Armed Forces Vacations.

The Bama Girls, all former Miss Alabamas, and other acts will entertain during a free USO show, slated for 7 p.m. May 3 at Patriots Park. Vendors will be available to sell food and refreshments.

The Military Team Bass Fishing Tournament began in 1991 as an event to promote camaraderie among all branches of the military and to show gratitude to those who served the nation.

Sponsors for the event include: Columbia County, GA, the Columbia County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Hawthorn Suites of Augusta, Triton Boats, Early Times Kentucky Whisky, JDC Marketing, Royal Purple Synthetic Motor Oil, Anheuser Busch, Anglers Advantage Insurance, Carlisle Tire & Wheel, Gary Yamamoto Baits, The Armed Forces Vacation Club, Moon Pie, Rejuvenade, M2Management / Boat Guardian GPS, and Lucky Strike Lures.

For more information on the Military Team Bass Tournament, call (888) 203-6222. On line, see www.americanbassanglers.com or www.militarybassanglers.com.

About American Bass Anglers:
American Bass Anglers is the largest tournament organization for the weekend angler. American Bass Anglers operates the American Fishing Tour, The Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series, the American Couples Series and Military Bass Anglers. Each tour is designed specifically for the weekend angler, offering low-cost and close-to-home events where anglers can qualify for a larger championship.