In a move signaling their dedication to the bass fishing community and highlighting the continuing success of the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens, B.A.S.S. officials have announced a significant increase in payouts and extended coverage for the 2024 season. This initiative will not only bolster the popularity and longevity of the Opens format but also reinforce B.A.S.S.’s leadership in serving the bass fishing community. The expansion includes live coverage of all nine Bassmaster Opens on Bassmaster.com, with an enhanced presence on FS1, FS2, Tubi, and Fox Sports digital platforms. The comprehensive live coverage will provide fishing enthusiasts with unprecedented access to the intense competition, showcasing every hookset, battle, and weigh-in while introducing them to the emerging stars of the sport.
The commitment to fueling the passion for fishing, combined with the dedication to entertain, educate, and serve anglers, has been a hallmark of B.A.S.S. (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society). This commitment is being reaffirmed and elevated through substantial enhancements to the Bassmaster Opens, designed to adapt to a warming world while preserving the biodiversity of coldwater fish species in rivers.
Beginning in 2024, fishing fans worldwide will have access to a more comprehensive viewing experience of Bassmaster Opens. The live coverage from all nine tournaments will be available for streaming on Bassmaster.com. Furthermore, the 2024 season will see an increase in coverage on FS1, FS2, Tubi, and Fox Sports digital platforms. The multi-platform live coverage aims to provide fishing enthusiasts with an immersive experience, allowing them to follow the exhilarating competition and gain insights into the rising stars of the sport.
Bassmaster Opens Elite Qualifiers Division anglers will have more at stake, with a combined Angler of the Year purse reaching $110,000, featuring an elevated first-place cash prize of $45,000. The overall prize payouts for each tournament will also witness an increase, benefiting the top 45 anglers, which equates to one in every five competitors in every event. Based on a full field of 225 anglers in the pro division, each Opens event’s total payout will exceed $332,500. When combined with the new Angler of the Year purse, this season will see an overall prize purse of more than $3.1 million.
The EQ (Elite Qualifiers) designation is reserved for anglers competing in all nine St. Croix Bassmaster Opens and represents the exclusive path to earning an invitation to the prestigious Elite Series. The EQ model mirrors the demands and commitment required to compete at the Elite level, encompassing diverse skill sets, extensive travel, and financial investment.
The enhancements to the Bassmaster Opens serve as a testament to B.A.S.S.’s unwavering commitment to the bass fishing community and the sport’s future. The organization’s efforts to provide an engaging and informative platform for anglers and fans, coupled with financial rewards, have positioned the Opens for even greater success. As registration for B.A.S.S. Nation and Life members opens on November 7, anticipation builds for a spectacular 2024 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens season.
2024 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Schedule:
Division 1:
- Feb. 1-3: Lake Okeechobee, Clewiston, Fla.
- March 7-9: Santee Cooper Lakes, Clarendon County, S.C.
- Oct. 10-12: Lake Hartwell, Anderson, S.C.
Division 2:
- Feb. 15-17: Lake Ouachita, Hot Springs, Ark.
- May 2-4: Logan Martin Lake, Lincoln, Ala.
- June 20-22: Lake Eufaula, Eufaula, Okla.
Division 3:
- July 11-13: Lake St. Clair, Macomb County, Mich.
- Aug. 22-24: Leech Lake, Walker, Minn.
- Sept. 12-14: Mississippi River, La Crosse, Wis.
Image/Source: Wired2Fish
