Staff report
The North Carolina Division of the $8.8 million Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League will be at High Rock Lake on June 16 for the fourth of five regular-season events.
As many as 200 boaters and 200 co-anglers are expected to compete in the tournament, which will award up to $45,000 in cash, including a top award of $6,000 in the Boater Division. The winning co-angler could earn as much as $3,000 cash.
Snickers Big Bass awards of up to $1,000 will also be awarded.Anglers may register for the tournament online at www.FLWOutdoors.com or by calling 270-252-1000. On-site registration will be held June 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Salisbury Wal-Mart, 323 S. Arlington St. Entry fees are $200 for boaters and $100 for co-anglers.
Smiley’s Tamarac Marina in Salisbury will host the takeoff at 6 a.m. and the weigh-in at 2 p.m.
The top 40 boaters and 40 co-anglers in each of the BFL’s 28 divisions at the end of the season advance to a regional championship. Seven regional championships will each send six boaters and six co-anglers to the 2008 Wal-Mart BFL All-American, which features a $1 million purse and a top award of $140,000.
In BFL competition, boaters supply the boat and compete from the front deck against other boaters. Co-anglers compete from the back deck against other co-anglers.
The BFL is widely credited with opening competitive bass fishing to the masses. It also serves as a stepping stone for anglers who wish to advance to the Stren Series and ultimately the FLW Tour ó bass fishing’s most lucrative tournament circuit.