The Central Pro-Am Tournament Association has been acquired by longtime competitive bass fisherman and local businessman Jim Thompson.
“Some of the best fishermen you see on TV got their start with the Central Pro-Am.” Thompson said. “We are a step below the big tournaments like B.A.S.S. and FLW; they are great circuits, as well.”
Central Pro-Am tournaments pair up professional bass fishermen with amateurs for a one-day tournament. They compete separately, making for a learning experience for the amateur.
“The amateur gets an opportunity to spend a whole day on a pro’s boat and gets to compete in his own division,” Thompson said. “It’s a great way to get a day’s education on bass fishing.”
On the second day, anglers compete in a team tournament.
Thompson said there will be three guaranteed $10,000 team tournaments sponsored by Skeeter Boats and Yamaha Motors. The $10,000 guaranteed first-place prize will be awarded regardless of the number of boats entered.
Central Pro-Am will hold a total of six tournaments this season in Missouri and Arkansas, with stops on Beaver, Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock, Bull Shoals, Truman and Stockton lakes.
“As the fishermen compete during the year, they are awarded points based on the place they finished out of 150 entries, if we have a full field,” Thompson said. “The top 40 pros with the highest number of points will compete in the Pro-Am championship along with the top 40 amateurs.”
Like other big-name bass tournaments, Thompson said Central Pro-Am will draw a big crowd to Branson.
“It’s a big deal for the fishing industry, for Branson and the Table Rock Lake area. A lot of people will show up for the tournament and bring their families and spend a lot of money,” he said.
Anyone interested in joining the Central Pro-Am Tournament Association may call (417) 335-5075 or visit centralpro-am.com.
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