CPAA's Jim Thompson, right and Larry "Doc" Segerwho is currently in 10th place in the PAA overall tournament standings..
“It’s another exciting testimony as to the great bass fishing available in the Branson area,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center in referring to the fact that that Table Rock Lake will be hosting the second tournament in the “2011 PAA (Professional Anglers Association) Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series” presented by Carrot Stix on June 23 through June 25. He stated that Table Rock Lake had also hosted the last event of the series in 2010 won by Shane Long, of Sarcoxie, MO.
Jim Thompson, the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association said that the relatively high water of Table Rock Lake due to the rains earlier this Spring should not have a major impact on the fishing. “These guys are the consummate pros and catch fish on just about any body of water whether it’s low or high. I expect it will be a great tournament with some big bags weighed in.”
Thompson also pointed out that there are a number of local anglers participating in the tournament including local Table Rock Lake Guide, Larry “Doc” Seger, who placed tenth in the first tournament of the series, held on Lake Lanier in northeast Georgia earlier this Spring. Other local anglers are Stacey King, Reeds Spring; Brian Snowden, Reeds Spring; Kelly Power, Cape Fair; Shane Long, Sarcoxie; James Watson, Waynesville and Lance Williams, Billings
The tournament will launch from the Chateau on the Lake Marina on June 23, 24 and 25 at 6:00 a.m.. The tournament weigh-ins June 23 and 24 will take place at the Chateau on the Lake Marina at 3:00 p.m. During those two days the starting field of 61 anglers will be narrowed down to the top 20 anglers who will compete in the Finals on Saturday, June 25. The championship weigh-in will take place at the Fountains at Branson Landing at 4:00 p.m. with the tournament winner being the angler with the highest weight total for the entire three day tournament.
In talking about his PAA experience this year, local Table Rock Lake guide Larry “Doc” Seger, from Kimberling City, who is currently in 10th place overall in the PAA tournament standings, said that his journey with PAA has been a wonderful experience and started with his winning the Central Pro-Am Association’s “Angler of the Year” in 2010. One of the prizes for winning that title was an all expense ‘ride’ to fish the entire 2011 PAA Tournament Series, including paid entry fees, food, fuel and lodging allowances worth, with entry fees etc. over $18,000. He credits his experience in fishing with the Central Pro-Am Association over the years for helping put him in his current position.