BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The 2018 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops will take place Aug. 14-16 on Milford Lake out of Junction City, Kan., B.A.S.S. announced today.
The tournament will host the Top 4 finishing teams from the 2018 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops, which will be held on Lake Tenkiller just a few weeks prior on July 19-21.
The bracket-style, catch-and-release competition will feature all eight anglers competing in the first round. From there, the field will be cut to the Top 4 on Day 2. And finally, the remaining two anglers will compete head-to-head for a berth in the 2019 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jordan Lee of Grant, Ala., represented the College Series in the 2014 GEICO Bassmaster Classic. Now, just three years later, he is the reigning GEICO Bassmaster Classic champion — a title most anglers only dream of winning.
“College fishing was by far the greatest step for me and the best four years I could ever hope for,” said Lee. “I learned a lot about the sport, and that is really paying off now. College fishing makes you step outside your home lake and challenges you to find bass on different lakes. To win the Classic a few years after graduating college shows the younger generation that it can happen — just have to put in your time, take the right steps and have fun!”
New this year, the final two days of the event will be aired on Bassmaster LIVE presented by Mossy Oak Fishing and Covercraft. Fans can visit Bassmaster.com to watch on-the-water action in real-time as it occurs throughout the competition.
“It was only a matter of time before Bassmaster LIVE would make its way into the College Series events,” said Mike McKinnis, vice president of media content for JM Associates and producer of The Bassmasters TV show on ESPN2.
“With quality anglers like Jordan Lee coming through the ranks every year, we need to see more of how they’re doing it — and what better way to do that than through Bassmaster LIVE.”
The local host for the event will be Junction City, Kan., and Geary County, Kan.
“Junction City and Geary County, Kansas, are very honored to have been selected as the host of the 2018 Bassmaster Carhartt College Series Classic Bracket,” said Michele Stimatze, Junction City/Geary County Convention and Visitors Bureau Director.
“This will be an exciting time for Milford Lake, the largest lake in Kansas, and for our citizens and visitors. Having worked with B.A.S.S. in the past, we know this event will attract visitors from across the nation and put the spotlight on Kansas bass fishing. Our team is already working to make it a great event, and we look forward to making everyone feel welcome.”
For more information on the tournament, visit Bassmaster.com.
