The following is a Press Release from the NPAA and the WBSA:

2010 WBSA Gator Classic Pro Am Announced

The Western Basin Sportfishing Association (WBSA) today announced plans for the 2nd annual Gator Classic Pro Am, sponsored by Crown Battery and Starcraft Marine, to be held May 1 - 2 in Sandusky OH.

“We debated on whether or not to hold this event in 2010 but the feed back we received from all of the participants was just too great to not do it again” said WBSA President Marc Hudson. “We took what we learned from the 2009 event and made a few small changes to make it even better”

Payback in the Pro division will be 100% with a $500 entry fee and the Amateur division will be a $100 entry fee. First place on the pro side will pay $10,000 in a 40 boat field. Payouts will be adjusted up or down based on the number of participants. Participants signing up with a counter part for the other division will get priority entry status. Complete updated rules will be on the WBSA website prior to the start of the sign up period. www.wbsa.us/gator

“We decided to move the event to the spring to allow the anglers the opportunity to experience the great fishery that the island area holds this time of the year” added LEWT Tournament Director Matt Davis. “Moving the launch site to the City of Sandusky was a great fit with the earlier date.”

Entries will be accepted beginning January 4th for both divisions and boat numbers will be assigned to Pros in the order of entry received and upon pairing with an Amateur angler. Pros will be able to lock in their spot with a credit card and a $150 non refundable deposit with the balance due on May 8th. Pro entry fee will increase to $550 from April 1st through April 15th. From April 16th until the event the entry fee will be $650.

The WBSA is 350 members and growing Association that hosts and assists other groups with walleye tournaments, has monthly information and instruction meetings and get togethers, several times a year. WBSA also hosts several children’s events including the Ohio Champion of Champions disadvantaged kids tourney run by Outreach Walleye.

For more information about the Gator Classic you can visit www.wbsa.us Listed below are the 2009 sponsors: Starcraft Marine, Crown Battery, Medina Plating, Tom Sharpnack Chevrolet, Buick and Pontiac in Willard, South Shore Marine, Reef Runner Lures, Cranberry Creek Marina, Vics Sports Center, Sharpnack Ford, Denny Braun, Erie Outfitters, Ole Pete's Tackle, Yant Beef Jerky, Navionics, OhioGamefishing.com, Cyclops Lures, Bad Boys Tackle, Catch Em Trolling Sinkers, Michigan Stinger Spoons, Jim’s Taxidermy, Cisco Fishing Systems, LPG Fishing Systems and Huron Drive Thru and Tackle Shop.