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Roanoke VA Anchors 15-Stop Kayak Fishing Tournament

ROANOKE, Va. – An eco-friendly bass fishing tournament that features human-powered boats and catch-and-release practices is stopping in the Roanoke Region, giving anglers a chance to explore the area’s lakes and rivers.


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National bass-fishing tournament
coming to Roanoke Region

2011 River Bassin’ finale set for Sept. 10

ROANOKE, Va. – An eco-friendly bass fishing tournament that features human-powered boats and catch-and-release practices is stopping in the Roanoke Region, giving anglers a chance to explore the area’s lakes and rivers.

The national 2011 River Bassin’ Tournament Trail, with stops in 15 locations across the United States, will hold its finale on Sept. 10, including a celebratory wrap-up event in Roanoke.

This up-and-coming national tournament is drawing anglers for its unique approach. At each stop competitors fish rivers and lakes of their choice then take photos of their catch on a ruler device before releasing fish back into water. They then bring their camera’s memory card to determine the winner based on a three-fish combined length. Only paddle-powered boats are allowed.

“This new twist on fishing tournaments is growing in popularity, and the Roanoke Region’s pristine rivers and its reputation as a premier outdoor lifestyle region combine to make this an exciting last stop for the Bassin’ Tournament,” says Pete Eshelman, director of outdoor branding for the Roanoke Regional Partnership. “Our region boasts impressive waterways that will serve to both challenge and reward these competitors while raising the region’s profile as an outdoors destination.”

The tournament features a lake and river division. Lake bassers will fish Smith Mountain Lake, while river anglers can choose any river within 60 miles, with the James and New rivers expected to be the most popular.
Prizes are awarded in three divisions – avid angler, casual angler and young river bassers. The avid anglers will compete in a separate tournament in Roanoke, with the top 10 anglers competing for the title “River Basser of the Year.”

Learn more about the tournament at: www.riverbassintrail.com/roanoke.

ABOUT ROANOKE REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP
The Roanoke Regional Partnership markets the region to new and expanding industry. Since 1983, the Partnership has assisted expansions and locations representing $1.3 billion in new investment and nearly 14,000 direct new jobs in the region. To learn more, visit www.roanoke.org, www.RoanokeOutside.com, www.Get2KnowNoke.com, and www.RoanokeEntrepreneur.com.