BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Ten teams will compete for their share of a $100,000 purse when the 2022 Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter returns to Port Aransas, Texas, Nov. 4-6.
2021 marked the return of the Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship after a 12-year hiatus. The all-star team of Elite Series pro Chris Zaldain and IFA Redfish Tour angler Ryan Rickard came from third place on the final day to claim the title on Aransas with a six-fish, three-day total of 43 pounds, 4 ounces.
“We’re excited to be returning to Port Aransas, which really lived up to its reputation last year,” said Tournament Director Hank Weldon. “Fans last year enjoyed an exciting event where all 10 teams were in contention all the way to the end of the third day. It was fun to see a mix of inshore and bass tactics being used, and the competitors, sportfishing fans and viewers really embraced this format.”
The 10 teams will only be allowed to weigh two fish in the 20- to 28-inch slot per day rather than the standard five-fish limit for B.A.S.S. events.
Once more the contest will feature a mix of championship-caliber professional redfish teams along with five all-star teams featuring Bassmaster pro anglers paired with redfish pros. In addition to the defending champions Rickard and Zaldain, Elite Series pro Scott Martin along with Elite champions Drew Cook, Wes Logan and Brandon Palaniuk are slated to compete as part of all-star teams. Their partners will be announced at a later date.
These all-star teams will be joined by redfish teams representing the Professional Redfish League, Elite Redfish Series and Power-Pole Pro Redfish Tour.
“The return of the Redfish Cup Championship last year was a big success, and we expect it to grow even more in 2022, ” said Susan Camp, Division Manager, Marketing, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “This tournament is unique because it pairs fresh and saltwater anglers together and, by doing so, expands the reach of the Yamaha and Skeeter brands within competitive fishing. We look forward to a great event this fall.”
Fans can catch Bassmaster Redfish LIVE coverage all three days of the tournament on Bassmaster.com. FS1 will broadcast live Nov. 5-6.
“Port Aransas is known as the fishing capital of Texas, and in particular a great redfish fishery,” said Brett Stawar, president and CEO for the Port Aransas Tourism Bureau & Chamber of Commerce. “Hosting the Redfish Cup Championship last year brought the best of the best to Port Aransas to fish our waters and truly showcased our family-friendly destination filled with beaches, fishing, amazing seafood and island-style shopping. We are very excited to once again demonstrate the greatness of Port Aransas through this championship and look forward to hosting some of the finest fishermen here with us.”
The 2022 Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter is being hosted by the Port Aransas Tourism Bureau & Chamber of Commerce.
