Within 11 hours after registration opened for Bass Pro Shops U.S. Open Bowfishing Championship, the max number of 275 four-person teams had already signed up for the June 12-14 event. The world’s biggest bowfishing event will feature more water to fish, a whopping $100,000 in cash and prizes, and tons of free activities at the World’s Bowfishing Fair.
By Bass Pro Shops Communications
“One thing I can promise you – if you come to the World’s Bowfishing Fair and U.S. Open Bowfishing Championship at Bass Pro Shops flagship superstore in Springfield, Missouri, no matter how far you travel – the trip will be worth your while,” said John Paul Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops U.S. Open Bowfishing Tournament. “The World’s Bowfishing Fair has something for everyone who loves bowfishing, archery or just spending time on the water.”
Throughout the weekend, customers can take advantage of great deals on the latest name-brand bowfishing gear, including hot, new ArchEnemy packages. Those registered for the U.S. Open Bowfishing Championship can receive special discounts and pricing at the biggest sale of bowfishing gear ever assembled.The World’s Bowfishing Fair will feature custom bowfishing boats from around the country and vendor booths from the leading bowfishing companies.
The event at Bass Pro Shops Springfield store features free seminars and panel discussions led by the experts including winners of the U.S Open and World Championships and bowfishing guides. In addition, attendees will have a chance to meet their favorite TV show hosts and other celebrities as well as enjoy live music and shooting contests.
The tournament portion of the weekend is bigger than ever, too. U.S. Open Bowfishing Championship competitors have accessto over 3,500 miles of shoreline at the following five Ozark area lakes: Table Rock, Bull Shoals, Truman, Pomme de terre, and Stockton. Plus, the tournament’s purse is fatter in 2015 with a $25,000 grand prize, $5,000 big fish prize, hourly drawings, and a $10,000 state record jackpot, meaning there’s $100,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs. The tournament features a Big 20 format and up to four bowfishermen per team.
Event organizers expect the 2015 event to be huge, based on last year’s attendance. Though 2014 was only the U.S. Open Bowfishing Championship’s second year, it was already the biggest bowfishing event in the world. The 2014 tournament was almost twice as big as the inaugural event, hosting nearly a thousand of the nation’s top bowfishermen. Teams from over 30 states took more than 32,000 pounds of rough fish in one night. Removal of these undesirable species not only improved habitat conditions for game fish, all fish removed were processed into organic fertilizer for use on organic farms.
Those who attend the World’s Bowfishing Fair at the Springfield, Missouri, Bass Pro Shops can enjoy other activities such as touring the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum and the Archery Hall of Fame, which features the world-famous Fred Bear collection. Plus visitors can see over 100,000 gallons of aquariums, including those featuring giant alligator gar.
“This event will be three days packed full of fun activities for the entire family, so make your plans now to attend the World’sBowfishing Fair and U.S. Open,” Morris said. “Whether you’re a seasoned tournament fisherman or a casual bowfisherman, you won’t want to miss out on all the action.”
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