Toyota Texas Bass Classic Brings Texas Sized Entertainment to Conroe
Limited free tickets available at Toyota dealers and Academy Sports +Outdoors
The Lone Star Convention and Expo Center will once again host the Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC), bringing an incredible array of country music’s most talented acts to Conroe. Eli Young Band will start the weekend’s concerts on Friday, Oct. 4, followed by Southern Slang and Lee Brice before headliners, The Band Perry, on Saturday, Oct. 5. Closing the event Sunday, Oct. 6 will be Thompson Square and Gloriana.
“Toyota Texas Bass Classic has become so much more than a fishing tournament over the past six years,” said Tournament Director Lenny Francoeur. “The talent, entertainment and activities at this year’s festival give Conroe a lot to look forward to and we are proud to continue to support the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.”
Limited free daily tickets for the Oct. 4-6 professional bass fishing world championship, country music and outdoors festival are available now at toyotatexasbassclassic.com, Toyota dealerships and Academy Sports + Outdoors locations in the Houston area. Daily tickets are valid for admission to the festival grounds for angler weigh-ins, daily concerts, Bass Pro Shops Kids Zone, BBQ Cook-Off and the outdoors adventure area and expo at the Lone Star Convention & Expo Center in Conroe.
Composed of four musicians who met during college, Mike Eli, James Young, Jon Jones and Chris Thompson, the Grammy-nominated Eli Young Band will start off the concert line-up in Conroe. The band’s latest single, “Drunk Last Night,” is already becoming a hit on the airwaves after its July 1 release and the single is currently available for download on iTunes. After a self-titled debut in 2002, the band broke out with 2005’s “Level,” opening shows for Miranda Lambert. Eli Young Band found their first top-10 single in 2008’s “Always the Love Songs,” but it was the single “Crazy Girl,” off “Life at Best” that saw the band’s success skyrocket. It hit No. 1 on the U.S. Country chart, along with the follow up, “Even if It Breaks Your Heart.” With their distinct sound that blends powerful country with energetic rock influences, Eli Young Band has masterfully created their sound over the years, and their newest releases will only continue the band’s success.
Since releasing their self-titled debut album on Republic Nashville in 2010, The Band Perry has ascended to dizzying heights. Fronted by Kimberly Perry and rounded out by her younger brothers Reid and Neil, the band has notched a string of hit singles, including the quadruple-platinum “If I Die Young” (which climbed to #1 on Billboard’s Country and AC charts), the platinum “You Lie,” and the gold-certified Country #1 “All Your Life” as well as the consecutive #1 hits, “Better Dig Two” and “DONE.” (co-written by Reid and Neil) from their sophomore release PIONEER, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and #2 All Genre. The project, produced by Dann Huff, sold nearly 130,000 copies in the first week and has received acclaim from top critics across the country. They’ve also enjoyed sold-out headlining dates and a showering of honors, including multiple ACM, CMA, and CMT Music awards, as well as Teen Choice, AMA, ACA, Billboard Music Awards and Grammy Awards nominations — all of which has cemented the sibling trio as one of the hottest acts in recent history.
Husband and wife duo Keifer and Shawna Thompson, met at a singing competition in Nashville and worked as solo acts before deciding to work together as Thompson Square. Their self-titled debut album was powered by a trio of hit singles, including the No. 1 hit “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,” as well as “I Got You” and “Glass.” Thompson Square has won back-to-back Academy of Country Music awards for vocal duo of the year, as well as a multitude of other awards nominations. Their sophomore album, “Just Feels Good,” builds on their signature sound with a refreshingly honest view of their relationship and intimate glimpses into the duo’s lives, with singles such as, “If I Didn’t Have You” and “Everything I Shouldn’t Be Thinking About.”
Gloriana, the all-American trio, made up of Rachel Reinert and brothers, Tom Gossin and Mike Gossin, impressed the masses with their first self-titled album in 2009 and have done it once again. Their second studio album,” A Thousand Miles Left Behind,” was released in July 2012, debuting at #2 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and at #10 on Billboard Top 200. After winning Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 2011 American Country Awards, the group was again nominated in 2012. Gloriana’s hit single, “(Kissed You) Good Night,” was also nominated for Single of the Year and Music Video of the Year: Group or Collaboration. The group’s latest album has already been certified Platinum and their up-tempo relatable tunes are becoming fan favorites on GAC and CMT. While currently touring the country, they are quickly establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the American country music scene.
Songwriting for the likes of Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean and Eli Young Band, Lee Brice has more than an impressive music résumé. On his sophomore album, “Hard 2 Love” (Curb Records), the four-time Academy of Country Music nominee shows maturity in both his songwriting and performance. Currently touring with Brad Paisely, Brice had three No. 1 singles in a row, including, "A Woman Like You," "Hard to Love" and "I Drive Your Truck."
On Saturday, Oct. 5, Houston-based classic and southern rock and blues band, Southern Slang, will perform early afternoon. Formed in 2010, the group performed at the festival last year to rave reviews.
The 2013 TTBC will host a 50-angler field, assembled from the top professional leagues in the world, including the PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series, Bassmaster Elite Series and the Walmart FLW Tour, creating a true bass fishing world championship. Anglers that qualify for the 2013 tournament will automatically be qualified for the 2014 TTBC to be held at Lake Fork.
The Lone Star Convention & Expo Center is a state-of-the-art facility conveniently located minutes from Lake Conroe and The Woodlands, and only 40 minutes north of Houston. The location offers easy access to event activities, local shops and restaurants. For more information, please visit thelonestar.org.
The Toyota Texas Bass Classic tournament functions are operated by the Professional Anglers Association with technical assistance and support from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Inland Fisheries Division. Toyota is the title sponsor of the event, and other sponsors include: Coca-Cola, ATX Wheels, Tellepsen, Geico and Caterpillar. Corporate partnership opportunities are still available. For additional information, visit toyotatexasbassclassic.com or call 1-866-907-0143.
NBC Sports Network to Broadcast Toyota Texas Bass Classic Nationwide
Over 75 million homes will be able to watch this year’s Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) when it airs on NBC Sports Network in November and today Tournament officials also announced that the ShareLunker Club program, where anglers can enter to win $100,000, is still open for registrants. Considered the world championship of bass fishing, the TTBC event was held in Conroe September 28-30 and featured three day days of country music and a BBQ Cook-Off Championship where thousands of free tickets were available to families and fans.
“Being able to air on NBC Sports Network is a great showcase for the world’s top anglers,” Tournament Director Lenny Francoeur said. “Sharing TTBC with such a large number of people is exciting, and it provides Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s conservation and education efforts with a broader audience. Fans will get a great look at what professional anglers deal with during competition and now any angler can experience that with the ShareLunker Club Tournament where amateur anglers can enter to win $100,000.”
As the broadcast partner of TTBC, NBC Sports Network will air the championship in an hour-long broadcast. There will also be one weekday re-air, to be announced at a later date. The debut will air on November 11, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. CST.
Those who tune into the broadcast will watch 50 of the world’s best anglers compete for the TTBC title. The field includes representatives from the Bass Pro Shops PAA Tournament Series, the Walmart FLW Tour and the Bassmaster Elite Series, making it the only event to bring anglers from all the major tours to compete for one title.
Officials also announced that the ShareLunker Club Tournament, where anglers can register to win $100,000, is still open for interested participants. Running from now until Oct. 21 on Lake Conroe, anglers will be able to compete for a $100,000 cash prize by simply registering with the ShareLunker Club. Once a member, participants will need to fish on Lake Conroe from now until Oct. 21 where the largest Toyota ShareLunker caught during the tournament period nets $100,000. Only pre-registered members will be eligible to win and a $100 fee is required to register. Portions of the program proceeds will benefit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s youth outreach programs.
The Toyota Texas Bass Classic tournament functions are operated by the Professional Anglers Association with technical assistance and support from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Inland Fisheries Division. Title sponsor for the event is Toyota. Other sponsors include: Ricoh, ATX Wheels, Coca-Cola, TXU and U.S. Reel.
Bryan Thrift Wins 2012 Toyota Texas Bass Classic
Photos (Photo Credit Chris Keane)
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World champion crowned, three-day country music festival closed with Jake Owen
After an unprecedented 11 anglers competed on Sunday, Bryan Thrift, of Shelbyville, NC, was crowned The Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) champion. With a dominating Sunday, Thrift bested second place angler and 2010 TTBC Champion Brian Snowden at the world championship of professional bass fishing.
It was a comeback for ages at the final day, where Bryan Thrift overcame a final day deficit of 4 pounds, 12 ounces to win the 2012 TTBC by a staggering 9 pounds, 4 ounces. Even after finishing the first day of the TTBC in 3rd place with a 16 pound, 12 ounce limit that included a 6.22 pound kicker, the North Carolina pro wasn’t very optimistic about his chances of contending for the title.
The turning point in Thrift’s tournament came when heavy cloud cover and wind arrived in the area late on Friday afternoon and lingered throughout the remaining two days of competition. On Saturday, Thrift returned to his magical stretch and caught two keepers on a buzzbait in the first hour of competition. He finished day two with a modest limit weighing 11 pounds, 8 ounces and snuck inside the final day cut in 9th place with a total weight of 28 pounds, 4 ounces, nearly 5 pounds behind day two leader Brian Snowden.
On Sunday, Thrift returned to his primary stretch and quickly went to work in the blustery conditions that persisted throughout the day. “I picked up a Chatterbait and caught one and missed one. I went back down the bank with a crankbait and caught a 4 pounder. That got me off to a good start and calmed me down,” he explained.
He landed a 7 pounder at 10:30 and added a 4 pound, 8 ounce largemouth shortly after noon. With minutes remaining in the day, he pulled up on a brush pile and boated a 6 pound, 8 ounce fish that boosted his final day weight to an even 25 pounds and capped off an incredible comeback.
“This tournament is truly a championship event,” explained Thrift just moments after lifting the TTBC trophy in front of the crowd that braved the inclement weather to witness history. “You’re fishing against the top professional bass fisherman over the course of the year, so it’s a stacked field. “I’d like to thank Gulf States Toyota for putting this tournament on. It’s one of the biggest tournaments of the year, and I’m glad that they let this old Chevy boy come catch a few fish.”
Toyota angler Terry Scroggins earned the ATX Wheels Big Bass Award for his 7 lb. 7 oz. catch on Saturday. Scroggins will receive a set of four ATX Premium wheels for his efforts.
The tournament remains a non-entry fee event, with all 50 competing anglers taking home guaranteed prize money. In addition, the TTBC continued its focus on conservation and adhere to strict catch, weigh and immediate release format that has earned the event national praise for its conservation efforts over the past five years.
TTBC is more than just world class bass fishing, and three of country music’s biggest stars took to the main stage. Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan and Jake Owen all entertained the fans throughout the weekend, with Owen closing out the event on Sunday night. Free family fun was also a highlight of the event, with activities in the Bass Pro Shop Outdoor Expo such as the Toyota Drive Center, Reliant Energy Outdoor Adventures Area, Yamaha ATV Test Track, Milwaukee Tools Autograph Alley and Sam’s Club Kids’ Zone.
The unique professional angling tournament focuses on conservation and features a catch and release program that highlights the efforts of Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. A generous donation of $250,000 was given to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department on behalf of the Toyota Texas Bass Classic to fund youth education and outreach programs. Over the past five years, $1.5 million has been donated to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department through the TTBC.
The Lone Star Convention & Expo Center is a state-of-the-art facility conveniently located minutes from Lake Conroe and The Woodlands and only 40 minutes north of Houston. The location offers easy access to event activities, local shops and restaurants. For more information visit www.thelonestar.org.
The Toyota Texas Bass Classic tournament functions are operated by the Professional Anglers Association with technical assistance and support from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Inland Fisheries Division. Title sponsor for the event is Toyota. For additional information, visit toyotatexasbassclassic.com or call 1-866-907-0143.
COMBS IN THE HUNT
After winning the 2011 TTBC in sudden-death overtime, Texas’ Keith Combs wasn’t shy about expressing his desire to become the first angler to successfully defend his TTBC title this year on Lake Conroe. While his 15 pound, 12 ounce effort on Friday was a far cry from the shocking 28 pound, 8 ounce limit that he amassed during the first round of TTBC competition in 2011, it was enough to finish the day in 4thplace, well within striking distance of the tournament leaders. “I wasn’t sandbagging when I said that my practice was tough,” explained Combs. “The thing was that I didn’t go to a lot of my best stuff in practice. When I went to those spots today, I found that nothing much had changed and the fish are still there just like they were last year.”
ombs, who lost one quality fish that would have boosted his limit on Friday, said that bite was anything but aggressive. “They just weren’t eating the bait. The bait would pop out of the bass’ mouth almost every time that I swung one in the boat. Tomorrow could be a day when we absolutely smash’em,” continued Combs. “We haven’t had any weather in this part of the country in a long time, so it could be just what the big ones have been waiting for.”
Leaderboard
T1 Jim Moynagh 17 lbs.
T1 Todd Faircloth 17 lbs.
3. Bryan Thrift 16 lbs 12oz.
4. Keith Combs 15 lbs 12 oz.
5. Clifford Pirch 14lbs 8 oz.
5. Chris Baumgardner 14 8oz.
(Complete Leaderboard Attached)
ATX Big Bass Award
1. Brandon Card 7.51 lbs.
2. Bryan Thrift 6.22 lbs.
3. David Dudley 5.34 lbs.
Kelly Jordon Banking Offshore
Toyota Texas Bass Classic co-founder Kelly Jordon feels the TTBC will be won in the lower lake - and offshore. "There will always be guys who go up the river and try to get away from everybody," said Jordon speaking of the undeveloped upper third of Lake Conroe which lies within the Sam Houston National Forest. "There's a lot of stuff up there to hold fish, but it's a little bit treacherous. You have to idle into some areas in order to avoid hitting timber in the water."
Conditions Look Promising for TTBC "Pro Bowl"
The Toyota Texas Bass Classic world championship starts tomorrow morning. David Dudley, three- time Walmart FLW Angler of the Year and a back-to-back FLW AOY called this the "Pro Bowl" because it's the only event where the top pros from all three major circuits go toe-to-toe. "It's pretty neat when you can bring the fifteen very best from each tour into one championship. It's exciting to have everybody here from the FLW Tour, the Bassmaster Elite and the PAA," said Dudley. Former Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Gerald Swindle, one of the most popular anglers in the world added, "When you take the best 15 guys from BASS, the best 15 guys from FLW, the best 15 guys from the PAA and you put the best of the best on Lake Conroe, it's just an exciting event for the pros."
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