Brian Snowden Outlasts Michael Iaconelli to Win 2010 Toyota Texas Bass Classic

Brian Snowden won the 2010 Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) world championship in dramatic fashion by defeating Michael Iaconelli by only 1 lb. 4 oz. Snowden defeated 49 of the best anglers in the world to claim the unifying world championship of professional bass fishing.

The unique professional angling tournament focuses on conservation and features a catch and release program that highlights the efforts of Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD). A generous donation of $250,000 was given to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department on behalf of the Toyota Texas Bass Classic.

Snowden (48 lbs. 4 oz. caught) was the mark of consistency, maintaining his second day lead over challengers Iaconelli (47 lbs.) and Takahiro Omori (46 lbs. 4 oz.).

“It is the biggest one of my life, I am proud to pull it off,” said Snowden of his victory at the Toyota Texas Bass Classic.”

Snowden’s three-day effort earned him $100,000 and a 2011 Legend Boats Alpha 211 powered by Evinrude.

As he headed onto the stage for the final weigh-in, Snowden was prepared for the worst after grinding out an 11 lb. 12 oz. bag on the final day, his smallest of the tournament. “I was getting ready to give my ?Mr. Second’ speech,” said Snowden.

Iaconelli jumped out to an early lead on Sunday while Snowden struggled to get a bite. Snowden went the first two and a half hours without a catch before grabbing the lead for good in the early afternoon.

Iaconelli grabbed big bass honors for the tournament with a 9 lb. 8 oz. bass he bagged on day two. Omori reeled in the biggest fish during the final day, an 8 lb. 11 oz. bass that was the third largest of the event. Shaw Grigsby had the second-biggest fish, weighing in at 9 lbs. 2 oz.

The TTBC featured an elite field of 50 anglers from around the world, including the best from the FLW Tour, Bassmaster Elite Series and PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series. It is the only event in the sport of bass fishing that brings the top anglers together regardless of tour affiliation for a unifying world championship. All anglers are qualified members of the PAA. The tournament is a no-entry fee event with a purse of $420,000.

This event highlights the conservation efforts of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, the other big winner from the weekend tournament and music festival. TPWD was presented with a $250,000 donation prior to the final day’s weigh-in. The donation will go towards youth fishing and outreach programs across Texas.

Tournament functions are operated by the Professional Anglers Association with technical assistance and support from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Inland Fisheries Division. Title sponsor for the event is Toyota. Corporate partners are Evan Williams Bourbon, Allstate Boat Insurance, the City of Conroe, Evinrude, Spaw Maxwell, Waste Management, U.S. Reel, CBS Radio and the San Jacinto River Authority. For additional information on the Toyota Texas Bass Classic, visit the toyotatexasbassclassic websiteor call 1-866-907-0143.