LAKE LEWISVILLE, TX, May 20, 2009 -- With 286 student anglers representing 73 universities registered for the 2009 BoatUS National Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship, it will easily surpass last year's record field of 194 by over 90 anglers making it the largest collegiate bass fishing tournament ever held. Officials for the event this year had to expand the field to accommodate the record number of registrants.

"The explosive growth that club fishing has had among America's colleges over the past few years is a testament to the quality of this event, which is the premier collegiate fishing tournament. The participating anglers are the future of our sport, and we are proud to support them in their quest to be successful - and safe, tournament anglers," stated Chris Edmonston of BoatUS.

Every two-person team attending Cabela's College Day at the Cabela's retail store in Fort Worth, Texas on May 25 will be treated to a $100 shopping spree complements of Cabela's. Seminars will also be provided by several top bass fishing pros such as Clark Wendlandt, Kelly Jordon, Dave Smith, Sean Hornke, Mike Hawkes and Jeff Kriet.

The collegiate anglers will enjoy numerous incentive and discount purchasing programs provided by BoatUS Angler, Cabela's, Pure Fishing, Costa Del Mar, Sperry Top-Sider and Gemini Sport Marketing, as well as product samples provided by all the sponsors on site at the event. Contestants will also receive travel stipends and complementary meals to further offset costs. Scholarships and merchandise awards will be made to the top finishers - all designed to promote the growth of collegiate bass fishing.

"We continue to be impressed by the rapid growth of this tournament and collegiate bass fishing as a whole, but we're most proud to be here to provide these students the support they need both on and off the water. The dedication and can-do attitude that they bring to the table is so encouraging for the future of tournament angling and the sport of recreational fishing," said Mike Pellerin of BoatUS Angler.

All of the action and excitement during this event will be captured by Careco Multimedia's camera teams and will be featured on the television series airing on the Versus network starting this August on Saturdays at 12:30PM EST.

"This field size this year is amazing. This event features some of the anglers who participated in our very first event in 2006. As seniors this year, they will be transitioning into the business world and will be ambassadors of the sport of fishing based on their experiences at this event and others," stated Wade Middleton, Tournament Director.

All tournament activities will take place at Sneaky Pete's, located on Lake Lewisville in Lewisville, Texas. The official practice period is May 26 & 27. Registration and the pre-tournament banquet will take place on the evening of May 27. Competition days are May 28 & 29. For updates on the event, visit CollegiateBassChampionship.com.

The 73 schools that will be represented include: Arizona State University, Arkansas Tech University, Auburn University, Baylor University, Boise State University, Clemson University, Drury University, East Carolina University, Eastern Kentucky University, Eastern Oklahoma State College, Faulkner University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Freed-Hardeman University, Friends University, Georgia College & State University, Henderson State University, Indiana University, Kansas State University, Lamar University, Louisiana State University - Shreveport, Louisiana Tech University, Metro State College of Denver, Midwestern State University, Murray State University, North Carolina State, Northeastern A&M College, Northwestern State University, Oklahoma State University, Penn State University, Purdue University, Radford University, Sam Houston State University, Southeast Missouri State University, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale, Stephen F. Austin State University, Tarleton State University, Tennessee Tech University, Texas A&M Galveston, Texas A&M Kingsville, Texas A&M University, Texas State University, Texas Tech University, University of Alabama, University of Alabama - Birmingham, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas - Little Rock, University of Arkansas - Monticello, University of Central Arkansas, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of Iowa, University of Kentucky, University of Louisiana Lafayette, University of Louisville, University of Mississippi, University of Montevallo, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, University of Nevada - Reno, University of North Alabama, University of North Texas, University of Oklahoma, University of Oregon, University of South Alabama, University of Tennessee - Chattanooga, University of Tennessee - Knoxville, University of Tennessee - Martin, University of Texas - Arlington, University of Texas - Austin, University of Texas - Tyler, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, Virginia Tech University, Wabash College, and Western Kentucky University.

National supporters of the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship and Association of Collegiate Anglers events include: BoatUS, Cabela's, BoatUS Angler, Ranger Boats, TruckVault, Costa Del Mar, Berkley, Aviva Fishin Buddy, Sperry Top-Sider, Sebile Lures, Frogg Toggs, Columbia Sportswear, Yamaha, Plano, Garmin, Power Pole, All Star Rod, Abu Garcia, Gemini Custom Apparel, Columbia Sportswear, Power Pole, Activision's Rapala Fishing Frenzy, American Rodsmith, Lago Vista Lodge, City of Lewisville, Dodge, Sneaky Pete's and The Bass Federation.

Dinghy Digest ®