Hundreds expected to compete in bass fishing tourney Saturday

Mistletoe State Park in Appling will play host to the takeoff and weigh-in for the Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League Savannah River Division Tournament on Saturday.

The takeoff and weigh-in will be at 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. but might be spread out some.

"All boats can't go off at the same time because it would be unsafe," said Bill Tinley, of Mistletoe State Park. "They will be staggered coming back."

According to a news release from Forrest L. Wood Outdoors, as many as 200 boaters and 200 co-anglers are expected to compete in the tournament. Cash prizes of as much as $45,000 will be awarded and points will be given that count towards postseason competition. The Boater Division winner could win as much as $6,000.

"The goal is to acquire enough points to fish the FLW Outdoors," Tinley said. There will be two categories: boater and co-angler. The boater is the owner and can make the most money of the two categories. The co-angler does what the boater says to do and also is eligible for a pay out, Tinley said.

Saturday's event at Clark's Hill Lake will be the first of five regular-season events in the $8.8 million Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League series.

Spectators will want to do more observing than asking, Tinley said.

"These people don't give away their secrets," he said. "Watch what they're putting on their lines; it's a real spectacle - something to see."

The event is free, but there is a $3 fee to park. For more information, call Mistletoe State Park at 541-0321.