Major Canadian Collegiate Bass Tournament in Works for 2010 Bass Season
Sept. 30, 2009
After the success of starting and running the first Canadian college fishing team, Matt Pezzetta will be bringing the first “Collegiate Fishing Event” to Canadian waters. Pezzetta, who is currently attending Conestoga College in the Bachelor of Architecture Project and Facility Management program, states,
“Being a student, it is easy for me to identify the limitations and issues that students may encounter on their way to fish a high profile tournament. By identifying these limitations, I can, hook and tackle them (pun intended), to make competing in a tournament achievable for everyone.”
The event is going to take place in the central Kawarta Lakes region. This is a very diverse fishery for both large and small mouth bass. The tournament will be held early to mid August in the 2010 fishing season. In order to compete, participants must be a full time or part time student registered in a post secondary institution in Canada. The maximum number of students per team is two, with the option to register as an individual. Students in a team of two must both be registered in the same school. There is no set maximum to the number of individuals or teams that can be entered per school.
Why is it called a Fishing Event?
The tournament will be only one day, but other events will be taking place over a two day period. Other events include a college/ university fair intertwined with a fishing trade show, skills competition, launching, and champions ceremonies. There will be something for everyone, including anglers and audience.
Boater Program
The support of local anglers and pro staff is 100% essential to this event. The biggest obstacle with a collegiate angler is the availability of a boat and the cost of running one. Local anglers and pro-staff are encouraged to support this unique event by bringing their boat, be a driver as well as a scrutineer. This will cost the team a gas surplus charge on top of their entry fee but in the end, it will be cheaper than bringing a boat. There will be a lottery draft for pairing the college anglers and their boaters. After the draft, there is a 4 hour on water consulting session with the boater and the collegiate anglers that have been drafted. The volunteer boaters are welcome to participate in the skills competition.
The Payout
The number of payout spots will be determined by the number of entries received. On an outline basis the breakdown will be as follows.
- 1st Place Team- 55% of total+ prizes
- 2nd Place Team- 20% of total+ prizes
- 3rd Place Team- 15% of total+ prizes
- 4th Place Team- 10% of total+ prizes
- 5th Place Team- Prizes
Overall, school champions prize to be determined by the number of booths filled for the college fair + Prizes.
This event is a one of a kind experience, and its success is dependent upon our generous sponsors and volunteers!
All inquiries can be directed to Matt Pezzetta and the Conestoga Fishing Team at conestoga_bass@hotmail.com or keep an eye on the Big Fat Bass Forum in the Collegiate Fishing section.
