ALEXANDRIA, VA, August 26, 2008 --From its modest beginning three years ago with 24 colleges participating, the 2008 BoatUS National Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship is expected to kick off on Sept. 18 on Lake Lewisville, TX with a record 100 teams from nearly 60 colleges across the US. Those collegiate anglers that make it to Saturday’s final round are expected to fish for almost 24 hours over the three days, with the coverage to air on the Fox College Sports and Fox Sports Net this fall. Over $35,000 in scholarship money is at stake for top-finishing schools.

“Since we began this event college fishing has grown on a daily basis,” said BoatUS Angler Director Mike Pellerin, “and this Championship has become the largest competitive collegiate bass fishing event on television.” The 22-week series starts in late September (check local listings).

Entry to the BoatUS Championship is open to full-time students at any school in the US with recognized fishing club, and there is no entry fee for qualifying student athletes. Some schools have entered co-ed teams to compete and the students have complete control of the boat. “It’s their strategies and skills on the line,” says Pellerin, “And above all, this tournament is about emerging talent and the drive to compete.”

While the third and final day of competitive fishing is done aboard fully rigged Ranger bass boats, the first and second days are fished from student’s own vessels. “Some of the boats are borrowed from Grandpa, and some kids have struggled to save for their own. But unlike professional anglers with blue-chip sponsors, simply getting their rig to Lake Lewisville can be a challenge for some students,” said Pellerin, whose BoatUS Angler membership program offers roadside help and on-the-water assistance for trailer boats.

Capt. Jay Nunnally of TowBoatUS Lake Lewisville will again provide on-the-water assistance to the collegiate anglers. “With a field this size, we’re likely to give a few boats a tow back to the ramp for some on-the-spot repairs,” said Nunnally.

TV fishing personality Wade Middleton is the tournament director and professional anglers Luke Clausen, Jeff Kriet and Kelly Jordon will be on air talent during the event, which is being produced by Careco Multimedia in conjunction with Fox College Sports. Go to www.CollegiateBassChampionship.com for more information.

BoatUS Angler, a membership program from the nation’s largest association of recreational boaters, offers services and helps protect the interests of boat-owning freshwater anglers. Visit www.BoatUSAngler.com for more.