BASS Communications
Published January 29, 2009

The winner of the first Bassmaster Classic is scheduled to be on hand for the historic moment when the first woman qualifies for a Classic.

The 1971 Classic champ, Bobby Murray, will present the trophy Oct. 25 to the 2008 Toyota Tundra Women's Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year. The AOY will qualify for the 2009 Bassmaster Classic, Feb. 20-22 on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La., becoming the first female Classic contender.

Murray, who retired from pro fishing in 1981 and now works for PRADCO Outdoor Brands, plans to bring his original Classic trophy won at the Lake Mead, Nev., inaugural event to Arkansas to display at the WBT event in Hot Springs, where he lives.

"I'm honored to pass out the first trophy," Murray said of his duties at the WBT event. "When you're the first at anything, it tends to stay with you. Once they pass this milestone, sooner or later a woman will win the Classic. This is not a competition of physical strength, this is about who can compete with the fish."

Kim Bain of Alabaster, Ala., is the points leader going into the WBT Championship presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors. Just 14 points behind her is Cindy Hill of Smyrna, Tenn. Juanita Robinson of Highlands, Texas, is on their heels, 35 points out of first.




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