karenslake

Please click on the link above to sign a petition that could have life changing consequences for children who take Growth Hormone. Read below to learn more. This issue is so very important to me. I would very much appreciate your time. It will only take a second. Thanks karen

UPDATE: The bill was pulled from the Senate floor. It has moved to the Judiciary Committee. Senator Jeff Sessions sent me a personal letter today - NOT just a form letter! The letter meant that I had been heard and my concerns were being addressed. Senator Sessions said he will keep my thoughts in mind as S. 877 comes before him for consideration. Senator Sessions is on the Judiciary Committee. I will respond to his letter with a hand written note thanking him. I will also bring to his attention the fight parents endure to get insurance approval for the drug. Maybe, just maybe, I can do a little to help.

My Letter to You…Dear parents, family and friends,

Congress is set to vote on a bill THIS WEEK which reclassifies Growth Hormone to a Schedule III drug. Doing this will place such tight restrictions on prescribing and distribution of the drug that many medically needy (and FDA authorized) children will not be able to obtain it. Additionally, according to the FDA the majority of physicians in this country do not have the necessary licensing to prescribe this level of medicine. This is the direct result of the high profile athletes and celebrity abuse.

I do not want to stop S877/HB4911. I am in favor of preventing the abuse of growth hormone. The problem is that this bill does not consider the children who medically need this drug.

If passed this bill will:

Allow additional state restrictions such as:

1. No faxing of prescriptions- currently all GH prescriptions are faxed
2. No mailing of drugs- most all shipments are currently mailed- this would burden families to make more trips to the doctor
3. Require that families physically “see” the endocrinologist every 30 days for a new prescription-
1. many families have to drive hours to see the closest endocrinologist available to them- this would have to be much more frequent and time lost from school for the children, and work for the parents would increase their burden
2. this increases the co-pay to families for additional physician appointments and co-pays every 30 days instead of every 3-6 months
3. many physicians are not licensed to write prescriptions for Schedule III drugs
4. the additional co-pay for the drugs would be a burden MANY families already stretched to capacity could not afford
4. Delay of shipment
1. Changing the Schedule Class of this drug would require that all supplies of GH would be pulled from the shelves to be sent back to the companies for labeling appropriate to a Schedule III drug. This would cause a “no supply” time for every single child being treated.
2. This is a Life Threatening Issue for children with hypoglycemia need for GH as without the medicine they face comas or worse if they do not have a balance of GH.

* We need the opportunity to help educate our elected officials regarding the impact of their vote on this issue. * We need to ask them to vote NO on S877/HB4911 as it currently stands. We are not asking that the bill be “killed” rather that we are allowed time to make help them build provisions into the bill which would protect the little children who will be directly and immediately affected.

The children need a miracle... each one of the federal senators and representatives must be called Monday.

Here is how you can help:
1. Contact as many senators and representatives as possible. You can find their contact information at http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/ Emails are great, but calls are much better, both are best. This is time sensitive and this must be done Monday! It is our understanding that the most helpful calls will be to Enzi ( Wyoming ) and Schumer (NY).
2. A sample letter you can cut and paste is provided below but remember- emails are lost…calls jam up phone lines and are noticed! Ask to speak with the Health Legislative Assistant as you will never reach a Congressman etc. But the assistants…are VIP’s!

3. When making calls- keep this paper and points handy for reference during your call.
4. FORWARD this email to everyone you know, we must make a loud noise in order to be heard.
Like many of you, I am just one person... but together we parents can help make a difference. I need your help.

Sincerely,

Jamie Harvey
Mom of Courtney and Ashley, 2 growth affected children

HERE IS A SAMPLE LETTER for Emails TO THE SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES-

Copy and paste the letter below to your senators and representatives. But remember- calls are much more helpful!!!!

Subject: Senate Bill 877 / House Bill 4911

I ask that you Vote NO to bills- S.877 / H.B.4911 or at least HOLD proceedings on the vote until provisions can be added to protect the affected children.

I support abolishing illegal prescribing and distribution of growth hormone. However, as the bill currently stands it will be at the detriment of the children!

Problems with this bill include:

1. Methods to protect the little children in need of this drug are not included and need serious consideration prior to implementation. As it currently stands the little children and their families will be dramatically and horribly impacted.
2. Growth hormone is not currently classified as a Scheduled drug – it is a hormone.
3. Scheduling this hormone as a drug requires all sources of the medication to be pulled off of the pharmacy shelves, relabeled, and stocked back only into pharmacies which qualify for such drugs.
4. Delay or denial of coverage from insurance carriers, as new prescriptions would have to be obtained, submitted for approval, processed and reauthorized by health insurance carriers.
5. Detrimental To Children's Health:
* Elimination of flexibility in prescribing for individual cases; for example: patients who need medication dosages adjusted temporarily due to another health issue that requires a temporary adjusted dose, patients who
experience temporary side effects, or pubertal patients.
* Physicians would also be limited or restricted in prescribing only certain brands of growth hormone for certain growth-related diagnoses.
6. Burdensome to Families and Caregivers:
* High cost and travel to obtain written prescriptions...Pediatric Endocrinologists are not available everywhere. Some states only have 1 such qualified specialist.
* Low income families may not have transportation or means to miss work to numerous appointments.
* Increased financial burden on families due to more frequent co pays.

A possible inclusion which would help eliminate my concerns would be as follows: Exceptions to this ruling include medical prescriptions written by endocrinologists who have diagnosed a child for any classification of GHD, including pituitary or hypothalamic disorders or other medical need including ISS; and for adults with GHD/AGHD.

Many Of Those Athletes And Celebrities Who Have Created This Situation Were
Supposed To Be Heroes For Our Children...
Here Is Your Chance To Be Their Hero.

GIVE VOICE TO THE CHILDREN
WHO NEED CONSIDERATION AND PROVISION IN THIS BILL!
PLEASE VOTE NO,
DO NOT PASS S877/ HB 4911 AS WRITTEN

Sincerely,
[INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND INFORMATION HERE]

BASS JOURNAL 2008:

LOVE the life you lead and lead the life you LOVE.

Monday 30th of June. The end of June, already. Jason should return from Iraq soon. We hope to hit Guntersville. He's fishing a tournament with his father. I'm getting fishing reports from Jada. She tries to sneak off and fish every chance she gets.

She and her husband Johnny are preparing for their 4th of July party. It's a cajun 4th with lots of food from the gulf and pork in the pit. The evening ends with firworks prepared by friends. It takes half a day to put the fuses in the cylanders. It's as good as any large fireworks gathering I've been to. The fireworks explode and the lights reflect in the fishing pond. Last year I caught 4 bass in the pond. Gonna break that record this year. I caught them all on the ribbit frog in the heat of the day. People try and tell you you can't fish topwater in the middle of the day, but I think they are wrong. This year, I'm going to give the Strike King Rage Tail a try. If you haven't tried this plastic, you should. Beautiful in the water. Crank it fast and stop. It rolls and sinks like a wounded shad.

I fished a Weekend Series Tournament, my first, on Saturday. I caught 3 short fish and no keeper fish. I fished with a fella named Tony from Guntersville.

"June 24th? Wednesday night. I spent today on the lake again. I was determined to never give up. Today was payday. Caught 9, 6 keepers including the beg one at the top of the page. Then I read the bible verse for the day. God is in control. ....The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." So it was a day of abundency. I live for those days. It's what hooked me on fishing in the first place. Wish I had dressed better, but it was hot.

June 21st: The verse for the day hit home. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

Dicipline is a key factor in fishing. I fished Logan Martin Lake today. I've watched KVD and Timmy Horton pull them in using a crankbait. Crankbaits are new water for me. Cranking all day seems crazy, but I'm learning to like them. Shannon V. talked me into using a Lucky Craft on Neely Henry and I actually enjoyed throwing it. Shannon said "don't sissy throw it with an arch." The cast has to be straight. So I practiced casting most of the day. He also taught me something about lure retreivers. He has his tied to an old abu garcia reel. It works like a charm.

Water patrol busted several anglers arond me. There was a ticket for no fire extingusher and one for a expired fishing license. It just goes to show you that women have it all on the lakes. I didn't get a ticket.

I met a fellow angler on the lake. A guy by the name of Andy Cobb. He was fishing a pretty crank on the ledges and wackin them. We exchanged lures. I gave him a Karen's Jig and he gave me a crankbait. Thank you Jesus I didn't lose it and thank you Andy for the lure.

June 23rd: Well I made a decision to talke care of business and not fish the Ol Hickory Tour Stop. I spoke with my sponsors and they were ok with the decison. I notified them a couple of weeks ago. But God has a way of blessing me anyway. My Reel Grip Pro Staff Shirt is in the printing process. I can't wait to take it to the lake and fish. And, I heard from Randy Bobo that Jeremy Starks was fishing with the #56 Karen's Jig Skirt when he finished in 1st place on Wheeler. He used teh skirt on a football head jig. I'd be lying if I said I din't want to be on Ol Hickory, but the blessings I got these couple of weeks made me feel pretty good. Sometimes we must take time away from fishing to do the necessary things in life. I didn't plan on not fishing. I'll pick up the tour on Clark's Hill just for the expereince. I've got some help lined up in my boat for the event.

Jada did well, finishing 24th. She was in 17th overall before the Ol Hickory event.

May 30th: Well we know which tournament I'm going to drop! I didn't plan on ending on the bottom of the pack. Friends and fishermen tried to tell me about the home lake curse. I didn't want to listen because I was on fish. I believe a number of factors came into play. First, the weather hadn't warmed up the week prior to the tournament. The mornings were very cool, 48=52. A warm front with rain threated to pass Thursday, but the rain nevewr broke through. Second, would be the fluxuation in the water level. The week prior to the tournament, the water was dropping. The week of the tournament the water was rising. Third, was 4 tournaments on the lake the Saturday prior to our tournament. I think my fish were shy and they didn't know where to go. I couldn't get a bite in the grass or in the deeper water.

I'm going to post rules for observers next week. I had an observer that was a nightmare. He kept trying to tell me where to fish. That was a no-no. He insisted that I pick him up on the way to the launch. I told him I would not take him back to his car after the tournament, but he insisted I pick him up in a dark parking lot. It will never happen again. He left trash from breakfast in my car and in my boat. I'm not his momma. Oh, and he thinks he's a rival to Bo's Jigs, but he can't begin to create what Randy Bobo produces. Nor does he have the poise and character of Randy. There was a solution I was unaware of. I could have had him replaced. If I had known that he would have been gone. I had a wonderful observer in Texas. His name is Tom Groves. We had a great day together. So the good observers are out there. The others can be replaced. Live an learn, Karen.

I had terrific support from friends and family. They encouraged me and told me and said kind words. I love them all.

May 16th: Mother's Day was great. Rick and Brandi gave me luggage and a necklace. I took the luggage as a sign that I'm going to pack for Nashville, location of Tour Stop 3. I believe I'll be inside the top 20 after teh Neely Stop. Prefishing is going well. I went out with Jada. I've got lots of help this weekend. Randy Bobo made me some special jigs for Neely. I went to the Tackle Box yesterday for plastics. Part of the fun of fishing is prefishing. I hung into a big fish with Jada in the boat. I asked her to lip the fish. When it came to the top, it was a catfish. She replied, "You are on your own girlfriend." 8lb P-line and a 35= lb. catfish.

May 4th. I'll be back in bama to do some training soon enough. I miss my parents and my kids. I miss the women at work. Nothing really to keep me in Alabama except a love for the lakes. I have my plan for Neely, so I think I'll do some catching on other Alabama Lakes for a week or so. There are so many good lakes to train on in the State of Alabama. There is Martin, Logan Martin, Smith, Guntersville, Weiss, Wedowee, Lay, Mitchell, Wilson, Pickwick, Wheeler and of course Neely Henry.

I like rural Texas. Dallas isn't my kind of town, but Amistad is beautiful and Lake Fork is my kind of fishing. I believe I would like Falcon lake as well. Record bags there, so I've heard. I don't know how I'd handle the Texas summer heat. I've heard you must fish at night in the summer. I don't like fishing in the boat after dark at all, so the summer training in Texas is out of the question. I've heard the fall season is fantastic.

Sunday the 30th of March: Leaving eve. Everything is packed - ready for arrangment in the SUV. I'll take on that task in the morning before I leave.
Tuesday the 25th of March: I opened the revisions to our schedule for Lewisville on Saturday. On the schedule is Photo Shoot session, a pre-tournament host dinner and a meet and greet at Academy Sports and Outdoors. Bet you thought we just fished. I programed the schedule into the phone along with the Marina Headquarters and the take off location.

About the family. Laura Elkins will be fishing as a Pro this year. I drew Laura on the Red River. Sorry about that Laura. I hope to draw Jada on tour this year. Jada fishing as a non-boater. I look forward to the elkins ruling on stage. All three of us. How cool would it be if we all made the Classic on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs. We have family there too, the Gilam's. They were missionaries, and now have children who teach at Pepperdine U.

Sunday the 16th of March.There isn't a day gone by since the Classic that I haven't said, "Five Fish a day!" A special person at the Classic told me, "don't wait for your year. let this year be your year." I can't tell you how many times last I would be trailing the boat to a tournament and ask myself over and over, "What are you doing?" By the time I would arrive at the lake, I'd think, oh yeah I fish. There is nothing easy about tournament fishing but here is nothing more rewarding than fishing. It's a tight-rope and a glass of fragrant wine.

I had that same feeling for art. A fellow artist, Brett, use to tell me bad things happen to artist who don't paint. You can't give up on art. I took his thoughts to heart. I took the nikon on tour to document my Rookie Year. I began my career life as a photographer and ventured into graphic art. Art strenthened my phototography and visa versa. All this and all I want to do is fish the firt stand alone Women's Classic. This weekend I was listening to ESPN2 while I cooked. It was mostly for the noise until this athlete described something I've felt fishing. He said, you know yu are an athlete when yo've had a slow motion moment. I can still feel that feeling when I focus on that moment.

There was a mist in the air, still very early morning. I drove to the long point and shut the motor down. When I dropped the trolling motor I'm already in slow motion. Two cast over the point, in the same place. Nothing. Third cast and the fish broke water. She was over 4lbs and hungry. I let her eat the frog and reeled her in.

Thursday the 27th, I took Jesse son to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital yesterday so I'm running a little behind on the photographs from the Classic. Gail from Dr. Hunley's office coordinated the event. Jesse was able to see Dr. Ben Russell, Endocrinologist and Dr. Hunley, Nephrologist. Gail fishes! Thank you Gail for all your help. I drove in the snow. Southern raised women don't do well under these conditions, but I managed to make the trip without incident. I didn't pack the camera, so the only evidence that I can drive in the snow is on my cell phone camera.

Tuesday the 19th, 10 days ago, I met the Founders of the MAGIC Foundation. I attended the 3rd Annual Convention for Adults with Endocrine Disorders. The theme was "Living with Hormone Therapy; Mind, Body and Spirit. Dinner Saturday evening was a taste of Italy theme. The faculty of speakers included, David L. Keefe, MD Reproductive Endocrinology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, Dorothy I Shulman, MD Professor of Pediatrics All Children's Hospital St. Petersburg, Florida, David L. Kleinberg, MD Professor Director, Neuroendocrine Unit New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York. Tammy J. Lindberg, Lt. Col, USAF, BSC Registerd Dietitian Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX and Susan A. Lassetter, MA, CHT Certified Life Coach from San Jose, CA.

I didn't know what to expect as I drove south toward Tampa. I tried to photograph and absorb as much information as possible for my children. Dr. Keefe gave me his cell number for my daughter. The dietitian gave an excellent presentation. I knew I was on the right track for my son. Diet plays an important role in how Jesse feels. I had dinner with Susan and her husband Friday evening. Before leaving the conference I spoke to Susan, one on one. I'm intersted in a life coach for fishing.

Saturday, Feb. 9th Tampa Florida: I made the trip no problems, well almost no problems. I took a wrong turn from 231 and went to Mobile instead of Tallahassee! I'm learning so very much. Meetings all day long. Dinner tonight and drinks at the bar to plan a strategy for promotion of the MAGIC Foundation after dinner. Having a great time, learning so very much. I'm grateful for the Foundation for the information they have supplied me with. Start the 10 hour drive home tomorrow afternoon when the conference closes.

Tuesday Feb 5th: They don't call it Super Tuesday in Alabama for no reason. The Calhoun Bass Association held their first meeting to kick off the 08 fishing season. 25 teams were there for the call including the Mother/Daughter team of Brandi Vincent and Karen Elkins. The season consist of seven tournaments and a classic. The meeting came to order and first on the adgenda, a vote to join FLW or BASS. Earl Andrews spoke to the club on behalf of the FLW. The club voted instead to affiliate with BASS!

Monthly meetings are held to vote for the launch site and draw for blast-off order. We are boat 14, The date Feb. 23rd, the location, Guntersville State Park. Brandi and her husband Rick Vincent will fish the first tournament while I fulfill obligations at the Bassmaster Classic in Greenville, SC.

There are many strong angles that are familiar with local waters. I've seen some of the men fishing this club on stage many times. Some of the other teams are Snider and Maddox, Bragg and Bragg, Burroughs and Oliver, Campbell and Shealy, Stewart and Jones

I think it will take about 18lbs to win and about 14 to get a check at the big"G" says Gary Snider. Other waters on the trail include Wedowee, Weiss, 2 tournaments on Logan Martin, and 2 tournamnts scheduled on Neely Henry.

Sunday, Febuary 3, 2008 - Alabama has recieved enough rain to bring the lake levels to almost near normal winter levels. I look for larger catches in the next few years. I read an interesting 3 part article posted on bassmaster.com concerning drought effects on our waterways. I travelled to Neely Henry,Logan Martin, and Wheeler for fishing and photography. I fished with Jason Hass, my son in law Rick, cousin Jada and Tony. One thing I'm most proud of is not launching my boat on Neely past the WBT announcement that the Women's Tour would be re-visiting Neely Henry for the 08 tour. Thank you guys! I'm most grateful for those who have helped me build a give and take of information.

Check the new photo's added. I'm most pleased with the snow scene on the creek. The medium looks more like it was produced by pastels than through the lense of the camera. My most recent event had me on the road by 5am - a short distance to the ABA blast-off Feb. 2nd on Logan Martin. The weather was cold. A thick sheet of frost laid on the docks.

Monday the 21st of January

HHMM. I went to Poorhouse on Sunday afternoon for the usual weigh-in @3pm. There wasn't a truck or trailer in sight. I think the cold had the fish running for cover. I tried to find just a bite, and nothing happened.

Good news. I found a fishing partner for a local club. I'll be fishing with Haley Lash of Alexandria. She is very interested in fishing the WBT as well. Haley gave me the Zoom Lizards ( see the posted photo of Christmas). Haley and I work together. The club fishes the last Sat. of every month. The lakes included are Guntersville, Neely Henry, Wedowee, Logan Martin, Lay and Weiss.

We are going to LM on Sunday. So look for updates!

The snow has started. It's 2 am Saturday the 19th. Brandi, my daughter, made the comment that "Rick, my son-in-law and I need to go ahead and plan to fish Sunday, "like we do every other weekend." She knew what she was doing. The low Sunday morning is 18. She called Rick and said, "Momma wants to fish Sunday, give her a call."

Tuesday the 15th of January

Fished Logan Martin three times thus far. Caught one nice fish, forgot the camera but captured the bass on the cell phone camera.

I've spent the last few weeks at Poorhouse Marina, sometimes fishing sometimes just to view a weigh-in and take photo's. Rick, my son-in-law fishes the tournaments. I will usually pre-fish with him or talk to him while he is pre-fishing.

Monday I was invited to photograph some habitat sites on Logan Martin. The photo's have been downloaded and edited. It will take a couple of days to prepare the photo's for upload to karenslake.

I'm meeting with Haley Lash tomorrow. I'm hoping she will fish the Calhoun Bass Association with me. I can't make the first tournament on Guntersville. It is scheduled for the same time as the Classic. The Team Trail includes Wedowee, Logan Martin, Weiss Neely, Logan Martin, and ends on Neely.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WBT SPONSORSHIP GROWS
FEBRUARY 7th 2008
Karen Elkins be attending the MAGIC Foundation Adult Conference in Tampa Florida Feb. 8-10, MAGIC is short for Major Aspects of Growth In Children. Children have a short time to grow and a lifetime to live with the consequences of that growth. MAGIC is the largest world organization of information and support for children and adults who have been diagnosed with a rare endocrine disorders. These disorders are often the result of a brain tumor but can be the result of tramau to the head or sometimes, as in the case of her adult daughter and her teenage son, the cause it thought to be genetic.

MAGIC provides a way for parents to network with one another about their concerns, treatment and the overall well being of a child who is faced with a health challenge. For me," just having someone out there who has been through it is valuable resource." While in Tampa, Karen will speak with Pharmaceutical Reps, top Endocrinologist in the field, and make plans to kick off an Ad Campaign for MAGIC during the 08 fishing season.

Dec. 6th 2007
Legend Boats Signs as Sponsor of Women’s Bassmaster Tour

CELEBRATION, Fla. – In 2008, Legend Boats will become an official boat of the Women’s Bassmaster Tour presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors, signing a multi-year agreement with BASS for sponsorship of the series.

“We’re proud to be a sponsor of BASS’ WBT circuit. We’ve been a supporter of the tour since its inception and have been at every tournament since,” said Legend Boats President Randy Qualls. “As Legend Boats grows, I think the Women’s Bassmaster Tour will grow.”

Legend Boats will be represented daily with logos on the weigh-in stage at each WBT tournament and on weigh-in bags. Opportunities for sampling, display and hospitality for Legend Boats will be available at all WBT events.

The agreement also includes a large presence across BASS’ multi-media assets, including Bassmaster Magazine, www.Bassmaster.com and www.ESPNOutdoors.com.

“We recognize Legend Boats’ reputation in the industry,” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager of BASS. “We are happy to align the Women’s Bassmaster Tour with such a strong brand presence.”

For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit www.Bassmaster.com. Visit www.espnmediazone.com for ESPN's latest releases, schedules and other news, plus photos, video and audio clips and more.

To learn more about Legend boats, visit www.legendmarine.com.

Sponsors of the Women’s Bassmaster Tour include Academy Sports & Outdoors, Mercury Marine, Triton Boats, Toyota, Lowrance Electronics, MotorGuide, Advance Auto Parts, Plano and Legend Boats.

October 10, 2007

2008 Toyota Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year Will Qualify for Bassmaster Classic; BASS Announces 2008 WBT Schedule as Academy Sports + Outdoors Joins as Presenting Sponsor

In its third year, the Women’s Bassmaster Tour presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors will now provide anglers with a direct qualifying route into bass fishing’s premier event, the Bassmaster Classic. In 2008, the Toyota Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year, the top angler in the season-long points standings, will qualify for the 2009 Bassmaster Classic.

To accommodate the WBT Angler of the Year, BASS will extend 51 invitations to the Classic.

Also announced today was the schedule for the 2008 WBT season, which includes stops in Texas, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Arkansas, and a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Academy Sports + Outdoors.

“Next year promises to be a historic year, with the first female angler qualifying for the Bassmaster Classic,” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager of BASS. “The WBT continues to receive some well-deserved attention and we are excited about this opportunity for the circuit to grow.”

With the sponsorship agreement, the final day weigh-ins of WBT events will be held at Academy store locations near the fishery. The Katy, Texas, based company will be the exclusive WBT sporting goods retailer and will receive significant placement in all BASS multi-media properties, including ESPN2 Outdoors programming and Bassmaster Magazine.

“Academy Sports + Outdoors is pleased to sponsor the 2008 Women’s Bassmaster Tour,” said Jerry deBin, Academy’s director of outdoor marketing. “With 100 stores in 11 Southern states and growing, Academy is ideally positioned to support the WBT throughout the South, where bass fishing is a way of life. Academy already supports female athletes in our core business, and sponsoring the WBT is just one more way to show it.

“Academy Sports + Outdoors and BASS make a good team, and we look forward to a great year.”

In 2008, the WBT circuit will include five tournaments. The fifth and final event will feature a limited field and will be billed as a championship, stand-alone event. From the decreased field – only the top 20 pros and co-anglers in the AOY standings will qualify -- the Toyota WBT Angler of the Year will emerge.

Entry fees will be collected for all five events. Enhanced tournament payouts and rules can be found at www.Bassmaster.com.

At each event, the champion pro will receive $1,000 in addition to a fully-rigged boat package valued at $50,000. The winning co-angler will receive $500 plus a boat package valued at $25,000.

WBT anglers will kick off the season April 10-12 at a familiar site: Texas’ Lewisville Lake. Lewisville was the site of the inaugural WBT event in October 2005, won by Pam Martin-Wells, and also hosted a 2006 WBT event won by Dianna Clark, the 2006 Toyota WBT Angler of the Year.

For the second event, the circuit will visit the state where BASS was created. Another repeat stop for the WBT anglers, Lake Neely Henry and Gadsden, Ala., served as site for a 2006 WBT event, won by Tammy Richardson of Amity, Ark. BASS has hosted five events at the Alabama fishery.

WBT anglers will hit the mid-season point when they travel June 19-21 to Old Hickory Lake and Gallatin, Tenn. BASS has visited Old Hickory eight times, but never for a WBT tournament. Dianna Clark hails from Bumpus Mills, Tenn., about two hours from Old Hickory.

For the fourth and final regular-season event, Sept. 18-20, the series moves to Clarks Hill Lake, a perennial BASS favorite, and Evans, Ga. While the WBT has yet to hold an event at the spacious reservoir, the Bassmaster Elite Series has hosted two events in the area.

The championship event, the fifth and final tournament of the season, is scheduled for Lake Hamilton and Hot Springs, Ark. The first stand-alone championship in WBT history will determine the 2008 WBT Angler of the Year, who will qualify as the first female angler in the Bassmaster Classic. In addition, the AOY recipient will take home a Toyota Tundra.

Registration for the four regular-season events can be completed at www.Bassmaster.com. Priority registration is open to the top 35 pros and co-anglers in the 2007 Toyota WBT Angler of the Year standings beginning at noon ET Thursday, Nov. 20.

Registration will open at noon Tuesday, Dec. 4, for all BASS members who wish to sign up for all four regular-season events. Those who wish to sign up for single events can register beginning at noon T