Florence, AL- It truly is “All About Being There” and The BASS ZONE was there as news and announcements came flowing from the PAA Corporate Cup banquet on Wednesday night. 

Here are some of the announcements that were made at the banquet. More details in the near future: 

PAA Magazine
The PAA announced the creation of “Fish PAA” magazine starting in 2009. The 88 page glossy publication will feature PAA members and all industry sponsors in an entertainment and educational format. More details to come. 

PAA Open Tour
The PAA announced that beginning in 2009, there will be a 3 event Open Tour culminating with a championship event. The events will be scheduled so as not to conflict with other professional tournament trails. 

PAA PayDay Program
The PAA announced a weekend angler bonus program for PAA general members beginning in 2009. The program will reward general members who qualify for the Bassmaster Classic through the BASS Federation Nation and Bassmaster Weekend Series or members who qualify for the FLW Championship through the TBF or All American. 

Qualifying anglers will receive a $1,000 bonus just for qualifying for either tournament and a $100,000 bonus if they win. 

In addition, the PAA PayDay bonus program will reward general members who win sanctioned tournaments on recognized tournament trails (The PAA is currently working on compiling a complete qualifying tournament list). 

Qualifying PAA general members will receive a $250 bonus for winning a sanctioned tournament and a $500 bonus for winning a championship event. 

More details will be released in the coming weeks on the PAA web-site at www.fishpaa.com.