For many people, fishing can be just a lazy afternoon throwing a line in the water.
But it can also be big business.
The Toyota Texas Bass Classic offers $500,000 in cash and prizes with competition among 60 of the best anglers in the nation.
This fish-friendly tournament will bring money to the state for conservation, help kid fishing programs and provide entertainment for all.
Now in its third year, Texas Parks and Wildlife helped create the Texas Bass Classic along with the Professional Anglers Association as a way to promote fishing in Texas.
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Bass Fishing
News 8's Paul Brown has more on the benefits, outside the bass boat.
 
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"It gives us an opportunity to showcase our products in front of millions of people, in front of really a national audience because it's aired on national TV," Dave Terre with Texas Parks & Wildlife said. "So far half a million dollars has gone to support our neighborhood fishing program, our state fish art contest and many other programs in Texas Parks and Wildlife."
Programs like the Toyota Share Lunker program where anglers who catch largemouth bass weighing 13-pounds or more can donate their fish for genetic research and reproduction. Many of these fish are stocked back into lakes like Lake Fork and this year's Bass Classic destination, Lake Conroe.
"Lake Conroe has produced some awesome fish throughout the history of bass fishing in Texas," Terre explained. "Matter of fact, this lake has produced 16 Share Lunker bass and ranks fourth in the state for producing fish of that size."
That ought to give the pros something to fish for and their fans a reason to come. Only one lunker 21 inches or longer may be brought in before the audience each day for the big bass competition. The rest are weighed, measured and released right from the boat; making this a totally new fish-friendly way to handle fish in a bass tournament.
The Toyota Texas Bass Classic takes place October 16-18 on Lake Conroe north of Houston.
There will be recreational and educational activities for kids and families as well as a fireworks display and concert Friday night.
For more information or to purchase $10 tickets, check the Toyota Texas Bass Classic website.
