PROSPERITY, S.C. — On Dreher Island this weekend, hundreds gathered to compete in and enjoy the Bassmaster Elite Fishing Tournament.
Greg Wright was one of many people at Lake Murray this weekend watching the Bassmaster Elite Fishing Tournament.
“It's just nice that it's bringing people together; people are just out here enjoying the water, enjoying each other, there’s no violence, it’s just fun,” Wright said.
Tony Gray, the Bassmaster and youth director for high school and college fishing in South Carolina, says the tournament first came to the state 14 years ago and has been growing ever since.
“Fourteen years ago, we had about 2530 teams across South Carolina. We have about 1200 teams fishing across South Carolina," Gray said. "National championships in South Carolina are great. We've got great talent. In 2017, we won our first national championship in Bassmaster High School Fishing 2023.”
Although the tournament this weekend is for pro fishers, kids like Couture Ohara, who is working on going pro, are learning more and getting motivation from the community.
“I think support is a big thing. Because I mean, you have the bad days you come in, and let's say you have 12 pounds. You have to thank the good lord; he got a fish in your boat for you. I think so pouring out here is a big thing. Just the comfort in your heart for it. I mean, I'm an anxious person. So when you have someone anxious on stage, and then they hear that cheer, your heart melts. You're so thankful that the lord gave you people like these to support you," Ohara said.
Even though this Bassmaster Tournament is a competition to see who can catch the heaviest fish, the attendees said it is just an exciting way to celebrate fishing as a sport.
“Even though we're out here chasing fish, we're not home playing video games or watching TV. We're out in the great outdoors, and that's what it's all about," Gray said.
As of Sunday morning, Patrick Walters, at 45 pounds, led the tournament, and Bryan Schmitt, at six pounds, was the Phoenix Boats Big Bass leader.
The tournament start was delayed one day because of rain, so the final weigh-in will be Monday at 3 p.m..