Bay City, Michigan is gearing up for a summer full of fishing frenzy as it plays host to the Bay City Bass Tournament Series, with more than 600 contestants expected to participate, WJRT reports. The lineup includes the Bassmaster College Series, Bassmaster High School Tournament, and the Hobie Bass Open Series. These events aren’t simply a splash in the water; they also promise a hefty economic boon to the area.
According to Tim Shelton, director of Sports Tourism, "A lot of folks don't realize the anglers do come into town a few days early so they can scout the waters," He explained to WJRT that these ahead-of-time arrivals often lead to extended stays of between five and 10 nights, depending on the tournament.
It’s a recurring catch for local businesses, as these visits are said to significantly boost the local economy. In the past year, nearly $814,000 was spent in Bay County due to the fishing events, a number that could potentially increase six-fold with the uptick in participants, ourmidland reported. The events serve as a draw not only for the avid angler crowd but also highlight the appeal of the Saginaw River and Bay City as prime fishing spots. “It’s truly a blessing to have the Saginaw River right in our community,” said Dana Muscott, city manager of Bay City, to ourmidland. Muscott expressed enthusiasm for the series' potential to become an annual event that continues to spotlight the local fishing scene. Meanwhile, City Commissioner Ed Clements predicts a sizable increase in participants directly from the events themselves, citing that “Auburn University will have eight, maybe 10 teams here. A lot of these southern colleges have several teams under their college umbrella.”
The tournament series not only casts a line to college and high school teams, but also to the community, engaging local businesses as sponsors. Clements pointed out that local businesses, like ATS Printing, are on board, although additional sponsors are still being sought, as mentioned during a press conference on May 9 at Bay City Hall. These community ties are what make such events more than just a series of tournaments; they are a substantial lure for economic and communal growth, as told ourmidland.
As Bay City prepares to host these events, young anglers and seasoned fishers alike will take to the waters with their rods and reels. The college series is slated for June 6-7, followed by the high school tournament on June 9. The summer will wrap up with the Hobie Bass Open Series on August 9 and 10, and for a third consecutive year, the National Professional Fishing League will compete in late August, signaling Bay City's commitment to reeling in the big fish of fishing tournaments, as corroborated by Mid-Michigan NOW.
