Citgo BASS Pro Federation Championship begins this week

The Super Bowl of fishing has landed in Green Country. The Citgo Bass Pro Federation Championship begins Thursday at Keystone Lake. <br><br>It's the tournament's first trip to the Sooner state,

Monday, April 19th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The Super Bowl of fishing has landed in Green Country. The Citgo Bass Pro Federation Championship begins Thursday at Keystone Lake.

It's the tournament's first trip to the Sooner state, and organizers are expecting the event to "reel" in huge crowds. News on 6 reporter Patrina Adger says organizers are setting the stage for what's said to be the granddaddy of fishing tournaments.

55 anglers from across the country are in Oklahoma to compete in the 17th Annual B.A.S.S. Federation Championship, it's the tournament's first trip to the Sooner state. "We're excited it's at Keystone Lake and the weigh-in sight is right her at the Oklahoma Aquarium."

The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks is where the fisherman will weigh their catches. Susan Bramsch says the tournament ties in perfectly with the aquarium's fishing philosophy. â€œWeâ€™re trying to educate conservation through education."

Organizers hope the tournaments first trip to Oklahoma will be a success. They predict 10,000 people will attend on Saturday alone and the Oklahoma Aquarium hopes that turnout will impact them as well. Bramsch says the aquarium has already planned more than 50 activities for the kids to enjoy during the three day tournament.

She says event sponsors will set up booths, showcasing the latest in fishing tackle and equipment. Organizers expect the event will reel in visitors and fishing enthusiasts from across the country and generate millions of dollars for the community.

For more information on the tournament, you can go to the Oklahoma Aquarium's website.