The “Bass Boss” Ray Scott
Set for Ocala Boat Show

OCALA, Florida - Ray Scott, the founder of the world's largest fishing organization, the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), will headline a list of outdoor celebrities appearing at the 10th annual Miller's Boating Center Boat Show, February 24-25 in Ocala.

Scott, the man who changed the bass fishing world from a weekend recreation to a big time cast-for-cash sport, will be on hand February 24th (Saturday) to kick-off the weekend boat show and fishing clinic at Miller's Boating Center, located at 1661 Northwest 57th Street, south of Gainesville on S.R. 441.

"Mr. Bass will be here between the hours of 12:00 pm and 4 pm to talk bass fishing, sign autographs and discuss the fishing features on Triton Boats line-up of new, high performance bass boat models," according to Jeff Miller, host for the special two-day open house at Miller's Boating Center.

Scott of Pintlala, Alabama is appearing as national spokesman for TRITON BOATS, Mercury Outboards, MotorGuide trolling motors and SOSPENDERS, the U.S. Coast Guard approved inflatable life vest by Sporting Lives, Inc., of Fruitland, Idaho.

Triton offers a full line of 17-to-22-foot fiberglass bass boats, ranging from $15,000 to $45,000 depending on numerous options available.

"Bass fishermen can see the fully-rigged models and examine the fishing features on these rigs being used by some of the top professional fishermen on the Tournament Trail," points out Jeff Miller.

"Folks, coming to Saturday's kick-off will have the opportunity to meet and discuss their bass boat needs with Earl Bentz, the head of Triton Boats," Miller adds.

Bentz of Ashland City, Tennessee started Triton Boats just four years ago. Recent figures compiled by Statistical Surveys, Inc., of Grand Rapids, Michigan show Triton Boats the leader as the nation's most popular-selling fiberglass bass boat.

Shaw Grigsby, a two-time winner last season on the Bassmaster Top 150 pro tour and a member of the Triton pro staff, will also be giving open house visitors bass fishing and boating tips. Grigsby, the host of "One More Cast" on the TNN cable system, is recognized as one of Florida's best bass anglers with his proven technique for "sight-fishing" for largemouth bass. He will be at Miller's during Sunday's 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (February 25) showing.

"The input from tournament pros, like Shaw, has helped design Triton boats that are comfortable, safe and numerous fishing features. Like large storage areas with big lids to handle gear, tackle box storage system, rod lockers and a driver's console that offers easy access," explains Miller.

"Triton's ride is smooth," adds Ray Scott. "The new Tr-22 is a bigger boat - 22 footer - for a smoother ride, regardless of the water conditions."

Scott, who pioneered the pro bass fishing sport in 1967 with his All-American Invitational Bass Tournament at Beaver Lake, Arkansas, built the B.A.S.S. organization into a worldwide membership of over 650,000 anglers. His BASSMASTER Magazine publication is recognized as the "Bible of Bass Fishing."

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail Scott created is the yardstick by which all pro fishing tournaments are measured. Scott wrote the original rules of bass tournament competition.

In 1998, Scott left the Montgomery-Alabama-based B.A.S.S., Inc., to form Ray Scott Outdoors™, a marketing and consulting group for the marine and fishing industry.

The story of Ray Scott's founding of the Bass Angler Sportsman Society and the growing bass fishing industry he created is told in BASS BOSS, a biographical account written by Robert H. Boyle, a Sports Illustrated writer. Autographed copies of the 336-page book will be made available during Scott's appearance February 24th (Saturday) at the Miller's Boating Center open house.

For more information, contact: Jeff Miller at Miller's Boating Center, telephone (352) 622-7757 or visit their web site at www.millersboating.com