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Classic pros return to the big easy
The 31st Classic puts fishing's spotlight
on New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS, La. - Davy Hite has nothing but good memories of New Orleans and the Louisiana Delta. And that is understandable. After all, the last summer that he was here, the big Delta surrendered 55 pounds of bass to him and the Big Easy crowned him the champion of the prestigious BASS Masters Classic.

"That week changed my life," the South Carolina pro said. "Not only was it
the most exciting thing to happen in my career, it provided me with the
financial security I wanted for my family.

"There's nothing like winning the Classic."

That was August of 1999 when the B.A.S.S. pros alerted the world to the
wealth of bass that live in the shadow of New Orleans.

On Aug. 2-4, 45 of America1s brightest fishing minds will return to New
Orleans and the Louisiana Delta for a replay of that phenomenal week two
years ago. Included will be defending Classic champion Woo Daves and
recently crowned B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year Mark Davis.

Missing will be Davy Hite, who failed to qualify for a return trip to New
Orleans. Hite will be in town to work the Classic Outdoor Show for his
fishing industry sponsors, as well as greeting his fishing fans.

"You don't know how much I hate not being able to fish this Classic," Hite
said. "I would love another shot at the Louisiana Delta. It's a great
fishery.

"New Orleans is a great place to hold the Classic. There is so much for
adults and their families to do. It's a great city and the perfect place for
all of the festivities that are part of Classic Week."

The 45 Classic contenders will be fishing for a $100,000 top prize and the
most important title in the sport. Winning the Classic is the high-water
mark in professional fishing and an accomplishment that has rewarded past winners with as much as $1 million in residual earnings.

The Classic is the championship event of the BASSMASTER Tournament Trail.

By sanctioning over 20,000 tournaments worldwide, B.A.S.S. is the world's
largest fishing organization. The BASSMASTER Tournament Trail is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass fishing tournament circuit. It continues to set the standard for credibility, professionalism, and sportsmanship after more than three decades. B.A.S.S. is a wholly owned subsidiary of ESPN.

BASS Masters Classic XXXI is a week-long celebration for those who love the sport of bass fishing. Notable activities during the 2001 Classic Week in
New Orleans include the Kids Klassic which takes place on Wednesday, August 1st at Lafreniere Park. The event is highlighted by a Meet the Pros
autograph session from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the contest taking place from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Morial Convention Center will host the popular Classic Outdoor Show,
which showcases new products in the fishing and outdoor industry. The show will be open to the public from Thursday through Saturday. In addition to the Classic Outdoor Show the Morial Convention Center will also host the first two days1 weigh-ins. There is no admission charge.

The annual BASSMASTER CastingKids national finals, sponsored by Chevy Trucks, will also be held at the Morial Convention Center on Friday.

The final day weigh-in and the award-winning BASS Masters Classic weigh-in show will take place at the Louisiana Superdome on Saturday, August 4th. The show will be complete with a laser light show and will feature the crowning of the new BASS Masters Classic Champion.

The 31st BASS Masters Classic will air on Saturday August 18, 2001 at 9:00PM (Eastern) on ESPN2.

Sponsors of the 2001 BASS Masters Classic include: Chevrolet Trucks, Mercury Marine, Yamaha Engines, Triton Boats, Skeeter Boats, Lowrance Electronics, Pennzoil Marine, Flowmaster Exhaust Systems, Stowaway Batteries, Kuhmo Tires, Long John Silvers, Gore-Tex Outwear, Motorguide Trolling Motors, Bass Pro Shops, Armstrong Industrial Hand Tools, GMAC Vehicle & Boat Insurance, B.A.S.S. Platinum First USA Visa Card.

Associate Sponsors include: Bass Cat Boats, G3 Boats

Regional Sponsors include: State of Louisiana, Jefferson Parish Tourism, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation