2021 BBZ JC Champion, Evan Cox with his winning fish of 5.00 pounds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Castaic California, November 1, 2021

Evan Cox qualified for the Bass Cat Boats, Big Bass Zone Junior Championship by catching the largest 5 bass limit in his home state, Colorado, with a 23.85 sack and a 5.34 kicker. Anglers, age 13 through 19, entered the 2021 BBZ JC as an online bass fishing event using the Fishing Chaos app from January 1st through August 15th. The entry fee was only $28 for a single state, or $53 to fish in any state, and a subscription to Bassmaster magazine was included with the entry fee. Catch the largest 5 bass limit in your respective state, and you are eligible for a chance to come to the BBZ JC World Finals.

Bassmaster presented this year’s event, and it was hosted by the beautiful town of Branson Missouri. Every state winner and their families where treated to a first class welcome at the Radisson Hotel, with the state winners rooms and food taken care of by the 2021 state sponsors of the event. The competition took place on beautiful Lake Taneycomo that is nestled between Tablerock Lake and Bull Shoals. Families, Friends, and the sponsors watched Bassmaster’s Facebook Live coverage of the weigh-in.

The BBZ JC is the brainchild of Freshwater Hall of Fame angler Bill Siemantel. Working tirelessly after the inaugural 2019 BBZ JC’s success, Siemantel has again accomplished the seemingly impossible. Recognizing that young anglers are bass fishing’s future, Siemantel designed a tournament that brings a national format to every angler. The rules ensure fairness and a level playing field for all.

During state competition, anglers can fish on their schedule at any legal body of water. It does not matter if you are a shore angler, fish from a kayak, float tube, or a boat. During the championship, anglers are paired with a boat captain. The captain operates the boat when traveling with the outboard engine. During the eight-hour tournament, competitors share equal time fishing from the front deck and selecting locations.

“2020/2021 has been a tough years dealing COVID issues, but we worked tirelessly to make this event happen even bigger than the two previous events . I wanted to give the families a bucket-list trip, an opportunity to relax and enjoy the efforts of their anglers winning their states, and Branson, MO did not disappoint anyone” – Bill Siemantel/BBZ JC Director.

Fifty-four anglers representing forty-nine states and their families came together for the BBZ JC. The two-day event, October 29th, and 30th recognizes the support parents provide to their kids. State sponsors provided families with food, and lodging expenses.

Before a cast is made at the championship, the State Winners receive a swag package with Bass Cat Boats life vest, AFTCO weigh-in bags, St. Croix fishing rods, Rugged Shark shoes, Marucci sunglasses, TackleDirect gift cards, clothing, tackle, gear, and more.

Every angler, regardless of their finish, received prizes. Bethel University Scholarships, Anglers Inn International trips to Lake El Salto, Minn Kota and Motorguide trolling motors, Lowrance and Humminbird electronics, Talon and Power-Pole shallow water anchors, AquaVu camera systems, AFTCO gear, Lew’s rod and reels combos, YOLOtek power sticks, Minn Kota battery chargers, ACCU-CULL scales, Mercury Marine props-oil and Vessel Views, Lithium Pro battery, Power-Pole Charge. The incredible BBZ JC prizes total of over $300,000.

Tony McCalmant, 2021 BBZ JC Emcee congratulating Evan Cox.

Evan’s Cox winning efforts earned him the grand prize of a $35,000 Bass Cat Bobcat, rigged with a Motor Guide 109 Tour trolling motor, a Power-Pole shallow water anchor, Lowrance electronics, in addition to a $30,000.00 scholarship to Bethel University, Line Cutterz Champion Ring, $100.00 TackleDirect gift card, and a chance to fish with Joe Thomas down at Billy Chapman’s Anglers Inn at Lake El Salto. Rick Pierce, the President of Bass Cat Boats, was on hand to present Evan Cox with the Bobcat.