GREENSBORO, N.C., August 6, 1998 - The 46 top pros in America, by virtue of their year-long performances on the bass fishing Tournament Trail, invade High Rock Lake today in search of fishing fame and fortune as the 28th annual BASS Masters Classic world championship gets underway near Greensboro, N.C.
With them are more than 120 top outdoor writers from throughout the United States and from such international publications as DER SPIEGEL of Germany, FEDERPESCA of Spain, THE FIELD of London, OUTDOOR and TOP LURE and BASSER of Japan. Crews from the CBS Morning Show are on-hand for a Friday morning live shot.
At stake is a total of $300,000 in prize money and a $150,000 top prize. In addition to the money, also at stake is the most important title in competitive fishing.
If early indications from Tuesday's official practice round are correct, the fishing on High Rock's 15,500 watery acres could prove difficult for the country's brightest fishing minds as the three-day contest begins Thursday. August is not generally considered the most productive month on High Rock, a reservoir that receives a great deal of fishing pressure throughout the year.
"It's going to be tough for anybody to catch a (five-bass) limit all three days," said Missouri's Dion Hibdon, the defending Classic champion. The water temperature is hot and they haven't gotten much rain the last few weeks. But I like it when the fishing is tough. That works to my advantage."
Reigning B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year Mark Davis, who won the Classic when it was last held on High Rock Lake in 1995, agreed with Hibdon's assessment. "It's going to be tough to consistently catch fish," the Arkansas pro said. "You're going to have to have a little luck to be in the right place at the right time when the fish decide to feed."
Considering the caliber of fishermen involved in Classic XXVIII, as well as their varied experiences on bass waters throughout the United States, it's a good bet that some will solve the summertime riddle that is High Rock bass fishing.
Former two-time Classic world champion and star of his own national fishing show, Hank Parker will emcee along with MegaBucks winner Fish Fishburne and radio personality Don Day. Saturday Tracy Byrd will join the emcee team.
The laser-light show extravaganza that has garnered four national Gala awards will feature singing star Mark Chesnutt.