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LAKE CONROE, TEXAS – The Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC), held October 16 – 18 on Lake Conroe, successfully wrapped up Sunday evening with the crowning of the inaugural Professional Anglers Association (PAA) Tournament Series World Champion. Dave Lefebre won the Toyota Texas Bass Classic in dramatic fashion, catching only four ounces more than second place Andy Montgomery. 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 Texas Parks & Wildlife Department from the Toyota Texas Bass Classic.

Lefebre (46 lbs. 12 oz. caught) was the mark of consistency, holding the lead for all three days. However, he was met with stiff competition on the final day and saw his 5 lb. 8 oz. lead quickly evaporate.  Second place Montgomery (46 lbs. 8 oz.), third place Todd Auten (46 lbs. 4 oz.) and fourth place Aaron Martens (45 lbs. 12 oz.) all finished within one pound of Lefebre. Lefebre caught his last bass of the day with only 15 minutes left on the lake. It was all he needed to separate himself from the rest of the pack.

“I’m trying to think of a new word to explain how I feel,” said Lefebre. “One notch on the Boca-Grip scales is what separated me. I’d trade all that (missing out on FLW Angler of the Year and FLW Cup) for this.”

The TTBC featured an elite field of 60 anglers from around the world. For the first year, the TTBC was positioned as the world championship of the PAA Tournament Series, a three-event professional series that took place throughout 2009. All anglers were qualified members of the PAA. The tournament was a no-entry fee event with a purse of $500,000.

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. 

The Toyota Texas Bass Classic is sanctioned 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. Dick’s Sporting Goods is the official sporting goods provider. The Saturday Concert is presented by Evan Williams, the official bourbon of the TTBC. MillerCoors is the official beer. 100.3 KILT and SportsRadio 610 are the official radio partners. Phoenix Boats is the official boat of the TTBC. Waste Management is the official trash and recycling partner. The tournament will be held on Buffalo Springs, a planned development in the City of Montgomery. Corporate partnership opportunities are available for 2009. For additional information, visit www.toyotatexasbassclassic.com or call 1-866-907-0143.