When rainfall saturated Branson, Mo., and water levels rose to dangerous levels last week, permits were revoked by the Water Patrol Division of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and all events — including the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open — were canceled on Table Rock Lake.
With the collaborative efforts of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, Table Rock State Park, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bass Pro Shops, the anglers will have their shot at tackling this fishery.
The Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open has been rescheduled for Oct. 20-22, 2011.
“In spite of the high water level that has impacted some businesses around the lake, the spring tourism season is well under way in Branson. Our theatres, theme parks, family attractions, museums, restaurants and shops are all open, with the exception of just a few,” said Ross Summers, president/CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. “All the theatres are high and dry and ready for this season with their new productions. Out of more than 240 restaurants in the Branson/Lakes Area, less than a half-dozen are still affected by the water levels. People should know they’re able to drive anywhere they want to go in Branson!”
The new daily launch time is 7:15 a.m. CT from Table Rock Lake State Park Marina, 380 State Park Marina Drive, Branson, MO 65616.
Weigh-ins will take place Oct. 20 and Oct. 21 at 3:15 p.m. CT at the launch location, and the final weigh-in, Saturday, Oct. 22, will be at 4:15 p.m. CT in front of the Branson Landing water fountain next to the Branson Bass Pro Shops, 1 Bass Pro Drive, Branson, MO 65616.
“With immense postseason awards like the Bassmaster Elite Series and the Bassmaster Classic at stake, we felt that eliminating an event from the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open division was not in the best interest of the anglers, fans and sponsors,” said Chris Bowes, senior tournament manager of B.A.S.S.
“Once it was determined that the event would be rescheduled, we knew we had great partnerships with Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, Table Rock State Park, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and our title sponsor Bass Pro Shops to make it happen. Staying at Table Rock Lake was a no-brainer for B.A.S.S.”
For more information about the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open on Table Rock Lake, go to www.bassmaster.com/open.
2011 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Official Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, Mercury, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha
2011 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Supporting Sponsors: Humminbird, Luck “E” Strike, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats
