Press Releases

Missouri Angler Wins BASS Anglers’ Legacy Sweepstakes
BASS Awards Disney World Fishing Trip for Second Consecutive Year

ALEXANDRIA, VA (January 6, 2009) – Ted Spencer of Sparta, Mo. was chosen from thousands of entries as the grand prize winner of the BASS Anglers’ Legacy Sweepstakes. Spencer was awarded a trip to Disney World, which includes a two-night stay and guided fishing excursion with Bassmaster Magazine Editor James Hall. Spencer entered the sweepstakes online after seeing a Web banner about the promotion. Spencer, an avid angler, said he was very excited when he got the news.BASS Anglers' Legacy Sweepstakes Winner Ted Spencer

“It’s the first time I’ve ever won something,” he said. “I was planning on going to Disney World this year and now we will extend our stay to celebrate our 32nd wedding anniversary. My wife jumped up and down when she heard the news.”

“It’s a real thrill for any angler to experience a guided BASS fishing excursion at the Walt Disney World Resort,” said Hall. “I’m happy for Ted and his family and anticipate a fantastic day of fishing.”

BASS launched the sweepstakes in May 2008 for the second consecutive year to help drive enrollment in the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s (RBFF) Anglers’ Legacy program and to introduce newcomers to boating and fishing. Through Web banners and advertisements in Bassmaster magazine, BASS encouraged anglers to “Take the Pledge” at AnglersLegacy.org.

“I knew I’d be taking kids fishing this year and that’s why I took the Pledge,” Spencer added. “We have great fishing lakes around here that can get them hooked. I grew up fishing with my dad ever since I could hold a fishing pole. I’ve always taken our two kids fishing and our grandchild, who is on the way, will be an angler when he or she arrives!”

Anglers’ Legacy, a program aimed at increasing first-time boating and fishing experiences, has signed on more than 85,000 Ambassadors nationwide since its inception in May 2006. Based on a recent RBFF survey, Ambassadors purchase approximately $140 in fishing tackle and equipment, $153 in boating supplies and accessories, and more than three fishing licenses which support critical fish and wildlife management efforts through the Sport Fish Restoration Program.

“We are thrilled to award this trip to an Anglers’ Legacy Ambassador who will pass on the legacy of the sport,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “We hope Ted and his wife have a wonderful trip and enjoy their time on the water.”

About BASS
For 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in Bassmaster.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.

The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually. BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.

About Walt Disney World Resort
Guests with little or no fishing experience can enjoy the thrill of guided BASS fishing excursions on five waterway systems at Walt Disney World Resort – World Showcase Lagoon, Barefoot Bay, Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. Two-hour “catch-and-release” tours led by an experienced fishing guide are offered daily on an advance-reservation basis.  Pontoon boats or Nitro bass boats arrive at the dock fully stocked for excursions with rods, reels and other fishing gear, and cold drinks.  A party of up to five people can participate in the tour and no fishing license is required.  Prices range from $230-$260 for the whole party and typical tour hours can be arranged for early morning, mid-morning or early afternoon. Guests can make reservations up to two weeks in advance at 407-WDW-BASS. 

During construction of the Magic Kingdom theme park in the late 1960s, more than 70,000 bass fingerlings were released into Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. Organized fishing tours didn’t start at Walt Disney World Resort until 1977, leaving the bass to grow and breed undisturbed for years.  The heaviest largemouth bass caught and recorded at the Vacation Kingdom was 14 pounds, 6 ounces. Guests routinely catch bass weighing from 2 to 8 pounds -- and guides relate tales of catches in the 12-pound range. Most trips catch five to 10 fish, depending upon time of day, number of people on board ... and luck.

About RBFF
RBFF is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase participation in recreational angling and boating. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing™ campaign and Anglers’ Legacy™.

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Heather Sieber

703-778-5160