Head to Head against Bass Fishing Champions

Fish & Chips Poker Challenge

If you ever wanted to go toe to toe with B.A.S.S. Elite champions like Ish Monroe and Byron Velvick or FLW champions Zack Thompson and R.J. Bennett, here’s your chance! Though admittedly, it won’t be a fishing competition; these bass fishing icons will be taking on the enthusiast and fans of both fishing and poker. Also joining in the fray is lure designer Alan Fong, Jeff Huth and Don Paganelli so you can be sure it will be an exciting poker tournament full of opportunities.

According to Bass Angler magazine, the Fish N’Chips Great Outdoor Poker challenge will be making 2 qualifying rounds at the Thunder Valley Casino Resort on September 5 and October 3. This is a good chance for poker fans and bass fishing hobbyists to meet and greet these champions and maybe even get some professional tips and tricks. Of course, they’re not going to be as friendly when you’re facing them on the felt tables as they are also well known card sharks.

Another plus for the tournament is you get to collect bounty when you beat any of the bass fishing champions which you can add to your winnings. And the best part — you don’t even have to be a Future Pro Tour member to join. Anyone who loves the outdoors can qualify. The seats are limited so try to grab one as soon as you can because the prize for winning first place in the competition will get you a small recreational boat, 2 ATV Quads and $2,500 worth of premium hunting and fishing gear.

Don’t be intimidated by all the names. If you take a look at partypoker.com poster boy and currently highest ranking poker player Marvin Rettenmeier, he’s not physically intimidating and even started his career online. Poker and bass fishing may not share the same battlefields but the disciplines to master both competitive sports is patience, hard work and determination. This is why a lot of anglers out there take up the sport of poker because apart from being a good time killer, it’s an awesome background sport to fishing. Playing it doesn’t scare the fish and you don’t need any special equipment, just a deck of cards will do.

So if you miss the first qualifying event, you can still practice your poker skills while waiting for the fish to bite. Coincidentally, if you fail to grab the remaining qualifying seats, you can still be a spectator or participate in the HPT (Heartland Poker Tour) at the Thunder Valley Casino Resort happening on September 20-30 where the final table will be televised. Of course, if the limelight is not your thing, you can also participate in the daily night tournaments at their poker rooms.