Ramon Burciaga of Marrero and Luling’s Hunter McDonald will be getting special treatment next week when they show up to the 2011 Bassmaster Classic in New Orleans. Burciaga and McDonald will get to mingle with the best professional bass anglers in the world and receive a slew of other perks from Louisiana Sportsman and B.A.S.S. throughout the week.
Each of the winners is a Louisiana Sportsman subscriber and a registered member of LouisianaSportsman.com, and was drawn at random from among the more than 350 entrants of the Bassmaster Classic VIP Experience prizes.
“We wanted to reward our valued readers and loyal site users with a really special package, so we worked with B.A.S.S. to provide what is really an unprecedented access to the Classic happenings,” LouisianaSportsman.com’s Andy Crawford said.
There remains one Bassmaster Classic VIP Experience prize, so it’s not too late to enter. One lucky winner will be drawn at random from the contest entries to go fishing with Bassmaster Elite Series and nine-time Classic competitor Greg Hackney later this year.
Burciaga (aka “Allegiance”) and McDonald (or “SwampBoy22”) begin their VIP Experience on Thursday (Feb. 17) during the Bassmaster Classic Media Day, when they and one guest each will be allowed into the event.
“This event, held the day before competition begins, is when all the Classic competitors are gathered to talk to the media about how they will approach this Classic,” Crawford explained. “Ramon and Hunter will be special guests and have access to these incredible anglers.
“They can sit and listen to interviews, talk to the pros and collect autographs. It really is an amazing chance to get to mingle with some of anglers like Greg Hackney, Kevin VanDam and Michael Iaconelli.”
Both men also will receive special seating on the floor of the New Orleans Arena for each weigh-in (Feb. 18-20). Burciaga and McDonald and their guests will be escorted to the floor of the arena, where they can watch the weigh-ins from the “Livewell Seats” right next to the stage.
On Saturday, they also will be taken back stage for a special tour.
“These guys will get to experience the Classic like few people can,” Crawford said. “They’ll see the glitz and glamour of this event from up close.”
In addition, each winner and their guests will receive complimentary membership in B.A.S.S, including subscriptions to Bassmaster Magazine, and plenty of freebies.
Crawford stressed that the final VIP Experience giveaway will be just as exciting, and urged that readers and site users enter.
“Greg Hackney has won more than $1.2 million, so he knows how to put bass in the boat. And he happens to be a great guy to share a boat with,” Crawford said. “So this is an opportunity for someone to learn from one of the best bass anglers in the world.
“Even if you don’t fish tournaments, you’ll learn enough about bass fishing to make your fun trips even more productive.”
The drawing for the trip with Hackney will be held Feb. 21.
“But remember that you must be both a Louisiana Sportsman subscriber and a LouisianaSportsman.com registered user to be eligible for the drawing,” Crawford said. “So be sure your subscription is up to date and you have registered for this site, and then enter the contest.”
