Columbus to host major pro tournament in March
More than 100 professional bass anglers will compete on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway during the first Bass Anglers Sportsman Society Bassmaster Elite Series event to be held in Columbus.
Set for March 26-29, the tournament runs out of Columbus Marina, located at 259 Marina Drive in Columbus. It starts at 7 a.m. each competition day with the weigh-ins scheduled for 3 p.m. at the marina.
“The Elite Series fished Ross Barnett Reservoir in Mississippi before, but this will be our first Elite tournament on the waterway,” said Mandy Pascal, the hosting B.A.S.S. Bassmaster communications manager. “The anglers will compete for the $100,000 first-place prize as well as points. Anglers who earn enough points for the season, qualify to fish the next Bassmaster Classic.”
We’re thrilled to host the Bassmaster Elite Series and represent Mississippi on the national stage to show the incredible fishing opportunities on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. This will absolutely be a major economic impact to our area.
More commonly called the Tenn-Tom, the 234-mile waterway creates a water link from the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico. Ten lock and dam structures divide the waterway into lakes with a total surface area of 44,000 acres.
“We’re thrilled to host the Bassmaster Elite Series and represent Mississippi on the national stage to show the incredible fishing opportunities on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway,” said Frances Glenn, tourism director for Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This will absolutely be a major economic impact to our area.”
Traditionally, an Elite Series event brings in more than $1 million in economic impact to hosting communities. Anglers, and some families, stay all week in the communities. They need lodging, food, fuel and other supplies. Visitors come there to watch or participate in the festivities.
“Besides fishing, we will have live music, vendors and other events,” Glenn said. “Everything is free and open to the public. That Saturday and Sunday, we will have some children’s events at the marina.”
Unlike many professional sporting events, fans can mingle with the pros after they weigh their catch for the day. Fans can talk to their favorite anglers, get autographs, pose for photos, and possibly get some fishing tips. Some vendors will offer demo boat rides and merchandise.
