Team Lew’s Ready for Bassmaster Classic

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Feb. 20, 2013) – It will be bass fishing talent galore at the 2013 Bassmaster Classic Expo in Tulsa, Okla., and what makes the gathering even better is knowing that the long list of top professional anglers who will be in attendance for the three day show, Feb. 22-24, are highly approachable and quick to sign autographs and pose for photos. More good news comes from the fact that entry into the expo is free.

“While 53 fishermen are battling it out on Grand Lake for the championship title, dozens of other top names in fishing will be in the comfortable environment of the Tulsa Convention Center,” said Mike Eutsler, Lew’s field promotions manager. “Sure, they’d all rather be fishing this week, but who among us wouldn’t, so the next best thing is to talk about it.”

Eutsler has assembled a list of Lew’s anglers to be at the expo in his company’s booth that reads like a roster for a USA fishing dream team, consisting of many tournament winners and angler-of-the-year title holders. Among the names are David Fritts and Jay Yelas, both of whom are previous Bassmaster Classic champions. Tim Horton, Kevin Short, Mark Rose, Stephen Browning, Peter Thliveros, Mark Menendez, Andrew Upshaw and Glenn Browne are other Team Lew’s members who will be present at the expo. In all, the group represents more than 175 years of tournament expertise along the B.A.S.S. and FLW tournament trails.

Team Lew’s members who are fishing in the Classic include Terry Scroggins, Mark Davis, Marty Robinson, Cliff Prince and Jason Christie, along with B.A.S.S. Federation angler Jared Knuth.

But don’t think the expo is just for tournament angler enthusiasts. All who enjoy fishing are sure to benefit from the one-on-one visiting opportunities with the pros on hand, or from sitting in on any of the many seminars conducted during the show. Seminar presentations typically cover everything from favorite knots, to how to adjust a baitcast reel, to what lures to use and when.

And the expo isn’t just about bass fishing. Lew’s is also hosting an appearance by Mr. Crappie himself, Wally Marshall. Marshall helped pioneer crappie fishing to the popular activity it is today, and he is always willing to share his vast knowledge of how, when and where to catch his favorite fish species.

“I can’t think of another place where you can find this much fishing expertise in one spot and where you have full access to them than at the Bassmaster Classic Expo. Get your photo taken with them, but also take advantage of the opportunity to ask them about the right rod and reel needs for your favorite kind of fishing. These guys are happy to help get you tuned in,” Eutsler added.

One of the newest items to see at the Lew’s booth is the BB1 Speed Spool. It carries many of the same features that made the original BB1 of the 1970s so famous but also sports a modernized look and the latest advancements in materials. The series includes BB1 and BB1Z models, with the “Z” version being distinguished by its Zero Reverse one-way clutch bearing. The one-way clutch is what keeps a reel’s handle from being able to turn backwards at all. On the other hand, the BB1, like the original, has a multi-stop anti-reverse, which is something many anglers prefer and what David Fritts made famous when fishing with deep diving crankbaits.

Also noteworthy is the reel’s innovative SmartPlus 6-pin centrifugal brake system. Four of the brakes incorporate a spring that provides automatic retraction as the spool speed slows. The other two brakes are speed pins that can be turned fully on when maximum control is needed. Any or all brakes can be turned off or on according to angler preferences and casting conditions.

To see the BB1s and all models of Lew’s rods, reels and accessories, visit the company’s booth located in the north ballroom of the Tulsa Convention Center at the Bassmaster Classic expo.

For more information about Lew’s pro anglers and products, visit www.Lews.com.