The Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) and Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the country's second largest selling Bourbon brand, have announced a two-year partnership that positions Evan Williams as the official bourbon of the Toyota Texas Bass Classic. As part of this partnership, Evan Williams' branded concessions area will be one of the highlights of the expo area. The TTBC will be held October 16 - 18 at Lake Conroe in Montgomery, Texas.

It seems every Bass Champs East Region event has been thrown a curve ball by Mother Nature to add to the challenges contenders face on tournament day. March 28 was no different as 225 teams met at the Umphrey Family Pavilion for the third of five regular season events. Overcoming the conditions to win over $25,000 was the team of Bill Rogers & Brian Branum.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission today approved a number of proposed changes to freshwater fishing regulations, including the state’s first measure aimed at protecting alligator gar. The prehistoric-looking predators can live as long as 75 years and are the largest freshwater fishes in Texas.

68 collegiate anglers from 12 universities throughout the state of Texas converged on Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir just outside of Killeen, Texas this past weekend to determine which Texas school has the best collegiate bass fishing program in the Lonestar state. Motivated by school pride and a strong desire to fish competitively, these anglers fished for bragging rights and prizes provided by several tournament sponsors.

Jeromy Francis of Magnolia, Texas, won the Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League Cowboy Division tournament on the Sam Rayburn Reservoir Saturday with a five-bass catch weighing 15 pounds, 10 ounces.

As the weekend progressed, the temperatures on Lake Amistad warmed up and so did Jason Williamson. The third-year BASS pro from Aiken, South Carolina, shoved aside consistency and posted a backbreaking total of more than 68 pounds through the final two days, which was enough to advance from 38th position to third heading into Day 3, then secure his first BASS victory and the accompanying $100,000 top prize Sunday at the 2009 Bassmaster Elite Series season opener, the OPTIMA Batteries Battle on the Border.

The following are excerpts from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.

Collegiate anglers will have the opportunity to win up to $1,000 in Cabela's gift cards at bass tournaments held nationwide during 2009. The BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship and regional events sanctioned by the Association of Collegiate Anglers (ACA) will qualify.