National Fishing Week Is Ending, But Fishing Lasts a Lifetime Says America's Angler of the Year

KENNESAW, Ga., June 4 -- National Fishing Week will soon end, but fishing lasts a lifetime, says Jay Yelas, the reigning BASS Masters Classic Champion, FLW Angler of the Year and just recently named 2003 BASS Angler of The Year.

Yelas, a Yamaha-Skeeter pro angler, should know. All his life, he's enjoyed fishing and it's been one of the important influences in his life. "Fishing has meant so much to me in my life, not only as a career, but because it is such a great family hobby," says the 37-year-old father of two.

Yelas was hooked early on fishing, having caught his first fish, a bluegill, when he was two years old. He admits that he wanted to be a professional angler all his life, but never thought he'd hold professional angling's top three honors all at the same time. His latest honor, being named the BASS Angler of the Year, makes him the only person to hold all three honors at the same time. Part of the recognition of being named Busch Angler of The Year on the BASS circuit, is a $100,000 cash prize. While many would tuck that much money away for a rainy day, not Yelas.

"I've decided to use the prize money to buy and give away 20,000 copies of my autobiography -- 'A Champion's Journey of Faith, Family and Fishing,'" said Yelas. It's his way of adding a new dimension to National Fishing Week.

Yelas' book has exceptional details of how his Christian faith grew over the years and enabled him to handle the stress of the pro fishing tour and to have a positive effect on his life. Many have found it both inspirational and motivational.

You can get a free copy by calling toll free 1-866-JAYLURE. The quantity of free books is limited to 20,000, so Yelas suggests that you call early to ensure getting a free copy, one free copy per person. "A Champion's Journey of Faith" is also available at amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and many bookstores.

Yelas noted how satisfying the past year has been for him with two of his Yamaha teammates. Takahiro Omori won the BASS Horizon Award for most improved performance by a pro angler and Mark Kile won the BASS Rookie of the Year Award.