Scott Martin to Lead U.S. National Team
Eight U.S. anglers to take on 15 other nations on Vaal River
At a press conference held last week in the FLW booth at ICAST in Orlando, Fla., U.S. Angling announced the members of the 2017 USA Bass team, which will be competing in the 2017 Bass World Championship on the Vaal River in South Africa Oct. 2-8.
Members of the team include team captain Scott Martin, David Dudley, Mark Rose, David Fritts, James Watson, Scott Canterbury, Fred Roumbanis and Lionel Botha. They’ll compete against 15 other national teams from countries such as Russia, Spain, Italy and Mexico.
The Bass World Championship is an Olympic-style event where countries compete for medals. According to U.S. Angling, it’s part of a growing effort spearheaded by the Confederation Internationale de Peche Sportive (CIPS) to make bass fishing an Olympic sport. An application for recognition has already been submitted to the International Olympic Committee.
“We are thrilled that these accomplished anglers have agreed to represent our country in these championships,” says U.S. Angling President Joel McDearmon. “The angling world will be watching as this team expands bass fishing’s popularity worldwide. We are determined to showcase America’s mastery of the sport and bring home the gold.”
“I am thrilled to be part of the group that will help make bass fishing an Olympic sport,” adds USA Bass Board of Director member and Team Manager John Knight. “It is going to take a huge effort from American anglers and the fishing industry to make this happen. This great sport is ready to span the globe and join the Olympics.”
U.S. Angling is a 501c3 charitable organization that supports a number of fishing teams that compete in world championship events around the globe. According to a press release distributed by U.S. Angling prior to ICAST, the organization is also planning a Pan American event to include Mexico, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Canada, Cuba and others to help garner support for bass fishing as a future Olympic sport.
For more information, visit usangling.org.