Fish Your Bass Off returns to MIS
Published 6:50 pm Thursday, August 11, 2011
BROOKLYN — What better way to kick off a race weekend in the Irish Hills then by fishing your bass off.
Michigan International Speedway’s non-profit arm, MIS Cares, will host the second annual “Fish Your Bass Off” tournament at Jerry’s Pub & Restaurant on scenic Wampler’s Lake just minutes from the Irish Hills speedway.
The tournament is 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18.
At 5 p.m., 13 teams of four, with two anglers per boat, will take to the waters of Wamplers Lake for three hours of bass fishing. The anglers have been selected from fishing and bass clubs across the state. One spot per four person team will be designated for a NASCAR driver or personality, including NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Ryan Newman and Jamie McMurray.
Upon returning to the docks of Jerry’s Pub, the anglers will join approximately 200 locals and fans for a night of entertainment.
Dinner tickets with cash bar are available to the public for $35 per person and can be either purchased in advance by visiting https://foundation.nascar.com/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx?pid=1279&frcrld=1 or at the door the day of the event. A limited number of dinner tickets remain so advanced purchases are recommended.
Festivities include weigh-in of bass emceed once again by Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show host, Mark Zona and 5-time bass angler of the year Kevin VanDam, and dinner and drinks from a cash bar. Live and silent auctions will also be held, with all funds benefiting MIS Cares.
“We’re extremely excited to bring back our ‘Fish Your Bass Off’ Tournament to benefit MIS Cares,” MIS Director of Government and Community Affairs Alisha Cottrell said. “We’ve had a lot of positive response from our fans and partners to make this fishing tournament a fun way to kick off the Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 race weekend at MIS.”
In 2010, Elliott Sadler, Joey Logano, Bobby Allison and a number of crew members all made appearances. The inaugural Fish Your Bass Off raised over $27,000 for MIS Cares.
Also, until Sunday, fans have the option to participate in an auction for a spot on a four-person team of anglers, with all proceeds benefiting MIS Cares. The highest bidder will have the opportunity to join a team that will consist of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and avid outdoorsman, Ryan Newman and six-time Bass Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam.
The auction package also includes admission for one additional guest to the weigh-in/awards dinner.
Fishing equipment and bass boat will be provided. The winner will need to be at Jerry’s Pub and Restaurant Aug. 18, at 4:30 p.m. ready to fish. Fishing begins at 5 p.m. with approximately three hours on the lake. Weigh in begins at 8 p.m. with the live auction and other festivities following the event.
To bid on this auction item, please visit http://bit.;y/mZYca5.