FLORENCE, Ala. — After current, high winds and flooding conditions forced the postponement of the first two days of competition in the Bassmaster Elite at Pickwick Lake, B.A.S.S. officials announced today that the tournament would resume Saturday morning and run through Tuesday afternoon.
Tournament staff is working with the Tennessee Valley Authority, National Weather Service and other agencies that have determined that falling water levels will allow for a safe resumption of competition on Saturday and no boating advisories are currently issued. Additionally, receding waters will allow daily takeoffs and weigh-ins to be held as planned at McFarland Park, some areas of which were evacuated mid-morning on Thursday due to flooding concerns.
The full field of 100 anglers will now compete on both Saturday and Sunday, with only the Top 50 advancing to Monday’s semifinal round. The Top 10 will compete for the championship on Tuesday. Daily takeoffs will be held at McFarland Park at 6:45 a.m. CT and weigh-ins each day at the park at 3 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday will also feature the Bassmaster Outdoors Expo, with fun activities and displays from a variety of sponsors. Saturday is Military Appreciation Day, where military or first responders can show their ID for a free Bassmaster hat, while Sunday will be B.A.S.S. Member Appreciation Day. Expo festivities kick-off both days at noon at McFarland Park.
Live coverage for all four days of the event will be broadcast live on FS1 beginning at 7 a.m. CT on Saturday and Sunday.