The 39th Annual Bassmaster’s Classic and the world’s largest boat and tackle show is coming to Louisiana Feb. 19-21.

Fishermen and ladies from all over the U.S. and many other countries will be in Shreveport for the event. All major boat manufactures will be represented, as well as a host of tackle companies.

The Outdoor Expo will be held on the same dates at the Shreveport Convention Center.

In addition to seeing the latest and greatest in boats, motors, electronics and tackle at the lowest prices of the year, you will get to watch the world’s best fishermen and lady cast for cash for three days on the Red River.

The weigh-in and awards ceremony will be at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City and televised by ESPN2.

Fifty-one of the world’s most accomplished bass anglers will compete on the Red River for the 2009 Classic title. The winning angler will take home $500,000 cash with more than a million dollars in additional sponsor endorsements.

This year’s Classic will make history. Kim Bain-Moore of Alabaster, Ala., is the first female angler ever to compete in the Classic, and all eyes will be on her — talk about pressure to do well. Hopefully she will make a good show.

Kim qualified for the Classic by winning the Woman’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year title.

Get ready for three days of drama as the competitors battle for the coveted title right here in our home state.

It will be 2011 before the Classic and Outdoor Expo returns to Louisiana, when it will be held in New Orleans.

Boat companies at the show will be Legend, Skeeter, Ranger, BassCat, Triton, Champion Boats, Stratos, and Tracker.

There will also be pan-fish boats, pontoons and just about every style of watercraft there is on display and for sale at the show.

Hundreds of tackle companies will be selling their product at the lowest prices of the year, plus there will be many drawings for products, including a fully-rigged bass boat.

Eddie Roberts writes a weekly fishing column for The Democrat. He can be reached at fishingwitheddie@cox.net.