The Bassmaster American fishing tournament will start this morning on High Rock Lake with anglers going for a top prize of $250,000.
High Rock Lake is a great fishery for the first Bassmaster Major of 2007, said Michael Mulone, BASS director of site selection. As a former Classic location, it is rich in history and it is still highly regarded as one of the best bass lakes in the country.
Anglers will fish High Rock Lake the first two days of competition before moving to Lake Townsend in Brown Summit for the final two days.
Southmont Landing at Abbotts Creek will serve as the launching spot, beginning at 6:15 this morning. The official weigh-in will take place at Greensboro Coliseum each day at 4 p.m.
High Rock Lake has developed a reputation as one of the best bass fishing spots in the nation. It hosts numerous tournaments each year and will serve as an excellent venue for some of the worlds best anglers to compete, said Marshall Olson of Alcoa.
Weve worked hard to protect the habitat and create a healthy environment for fish and other wildlife. Attracting quality tournaments like this is a sign of our success.
High Rock Lake has hosted three previous Bassmaster Classics, including the 1994 Classic won by Bryan Kerchal. The Bassmaster American trophy bears the name of Kerchal, who died at age 23 in a plane crash just months after his win.
The tournament field includes the top 51 anglers in BASS, including Boyd Duckett, 2007 Bassmaster Classic champion; Mike Iaconelli, 2006 Bassmaster Angler of the Year; and Dave Wolak, the defending champion of the Bassmaster American.
ESPN2 will provide coverage of the Bassmaster American on Saturday, May 26 at 9 a.m.