Major League Fishing Filming in Michigan

ALPENA, MICHIGAN (Aug. 27, 2012) – Jack Link’s Major League Fishing is filming its fourth event this week in and around the Northern Michigan city of Alpena, where 24 world-class anglers are tackling high-quality fisheries in the region.

The event, known as the General Tire Summit Cup, marks the first time that Major League Fishing has utilized multiple bodies of water at a single event. Filming began on Monday, August 26. Production will conclude on Saturday, August 31.

The event also is the first time Major League Fishing anglers have entered a competition day without knowing their venue for that day.

“Alpena is an outstanding place for Major League Fishing. To be perfectly honest, unless you live in this part of the country, you might not be familiar with how great the Alpena area is for fishing. I think people are going to get a look at how good this area is when they see our production,” said Major League Fishing Commissioner Don Rucks.

“We also have added a twist to this event by scheduling our competition on different lakes. Each lake in the area has its own personality; it’ll be fun watching our anglers figure things out. It makes it even more fun to know that they are getting into vehicles in the morning not knowing their destination,” said Rucks.

While anglers compete on regional lakes, the Major League Fishing studio is based in Alpena, a city of 10,000 on the shores of Lake Huron.

Jack Link’s Major League Fishing is a partnership between Outdoor Channel, America’s Leader in Outdoor TV, and 24 of the world’s best anglers. The league features made-for-television bass fishing events designed to bring high-level challenges to participants and entertainment, as well as insight to audiences. Major League Fishing has previously filmed on Lake Amistad (Del Rio, Texas), Chautauqua Lake (Jamestown, New York) and Lake Istokpoga (Lake Placid, Florida).

Major League Fishing is scheduled to film two events this year. The Summit Cup will be televised beginning in January 2014 on Outdoor Channel. A second event, the Challenge Cup, will be filmed in the fall and will air during the second quarter of 2014.

Under the league’s innovative format, anglers are allowed to weigh all the score-able bass they catch. The bass are immediately weighed after they are caught, then released back into the water. In the Major League Fishing competition, anglers know where they rank in the standings at all times via real-time leader boards in their boats. Anglers are not allowed to practice before events.

“We are thrilled to host this outstanding event and welcome the Major League Fishing anglers and crew to our community. Fishing is at the heart of our heritage as a region, and being able to share this with professional anglers is something special,” said Mary Beth Stutzman, President of the Alpena Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The northeast Michigan community of Alpena, known as the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes, offers a host of recreational opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated between lush green forests and the endless clear blue waters of Lake Huron, the historic port city is known as a place where cultural heritage collides with relaxed outdoor adventure. The many inland lakes and rivers are coveted locations for sport fishing.

About Jack Link’s Major League Fishing

Major League Fishing is a partnership of 24 of the world’s most talented, influential professional bass anglers and Outdoor Channel. Jack Link’s is the organization’s title sponsor. For more information about the new game, with new rules and no limits, visit www.majorleaguefishing.com. Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook.

About Outdoor Channel

Taking viewers across America and around the world on unparalleled adventures since 1993, Outdoor Channel is America’s Leader In Outdoor TV. Dedicated to the outdoor lifestyle and conservation, the independent cable network is a division of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, LLC and provides a complete spectrum of riveting hunting, fishing, shooting and adventure entertainment. Outdoor Channel is received by 39.1 million U.S. households – the largest outdoor TV footprint in the country – and is available in more than 50 countries internationally. Outdoor Channel can be viewed in HD and is accessible by broadband and mobile platforms. For program times and other information, visit www.outdoorchannel.com. Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook, and download our iPhone and iPad app.