The 1998-99 BASS Masters Tournament Trail kicks off Dec. 3-5, on Lake Okeechobee, followed by January competitions set for Lake Toho (Jan. 13-16) and the St. Johns River (Jan. 21-23).

Those who'd like to pit their skills against such pros as Roland Martin, Shaw Grigsby and Denny Bauer can get the details by calling BASS headquarters at (334) 272-9530.

If you're not up to these BASS events, you might circle some dates starting in February when the "biggest-purse amateur bass fishing tournaments in history" are on tap with the Outdoor Adventure Series (OAS).

A recent news release (see release for links to partners and photos of a typical OAS tournament) indicated these are being staged by Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Wildlife Foundation of Florida, the Fox TV Network and the Stark Group of Orange, Texas, an organization that successfully put on similar packages in the Lone Star State this year. A portion of the proceeds will be going to the Wildlife Foundation of Florida, Inc. to support FWC projects.

According to the Commission's Ross Morrell, the Florida series will include three preliminary fishing tournaments in different areas of the state with the top-10 winners of each competing in a championship finale in either late May or early April.

Dates and sites for next spring's amateur extravaganzas are: February 19-21, on Lake Okeechobee; March 19-21, on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes; and April 30-May 2, on the St. Johns River, out from Palatka. The finale will be staged in late May or early-June at a site yet to be determined.

"We expect to attract amateur anglers from all over the country, especially those from places where it's cold during that time of year," Morrell continued.

Although some details remain to be worked out, it's understood that the Fox Network will produce four, one-hour-long television specials focusing on Florida's fish and wildlife.

Plans call for carrying this amateur series for three years and, if successful, continuing annually well into the millennium. During five Texas events staged by the Stark Group this year, cash and prizes totaling $1,710,000 were up for grabs.

The format called for cash and prizes down to 7th place to be awarded every hour (8 hours per day) for all three days. At Toledo Bend, Lake Fork, Lake Conroe and Sam Rayburn Reservoir, four Suzuki 4 X 4s were awarded each day on odd hours, $4,000 on even hours.

In the championship round, slated for Sept. 26-27, at Lake Conroe, Texas, the top-10 winners from each previous tournament will compete for a $100,000 first-place prize.

Those wanting advance information on the Florida series can contact Ross Morrell in Tallahassee, (850) 488-4676.

On March 19-21, Cypress Gardens will host the Great Outdoors Adventure Show, geared for family fun.

In addition to the enjoyment of experiencing a world-class theme park, with water ski shows, an ice show, several variety shows and a potpourri of botanical wonders, there'll be seminars on hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, biking and other outdoor activities for mom, pop and the rugrats.

The Commission will host a seminar called "Bait Your Own Hook," for women wanting to learn more about fishing. World famous skeet and trap shooter Sheri LeGate will teach moms the basics of her craft.

Kids can participate and compete in daily casting contests as well as learning how to fly fish. Boating safety courses, fishing tournaments on the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes, and a huge 4-acre section devoted to hunting, fishing and camping displays will be featured.

For more information on the Great Outdoors Adventure Show, call Cypress Gardens, (941) 324-2111.