Blue Ridge Brawl Fishing Tournament

            The area’s avid anglers as well as other Lakers who enjoy an occasional glimpse of pros on the Bassmaster Elite Series are in for a treat when the Blue Ridge Brawl Tournament makes its third appearance at Smith Mountain Lake April 15-18.

            The event is the third of the eight-event series, which is open to 95 professionals whose prowess with rod and reel has earned them a position in the competitive field.

            “I’m really excited about fishing another important tournament so close to home,” said Salem-based John Crews, who qualified for the event. “It is absolutely awesome to have the vast majority of the crowd screaming for you when you go on stage. There’s no feeling like it.”

            Spectators will be able to watch the launches (7 a.m.) and weigh-ins (3-4 p.m.) Thursday through Sunday from the fan-friendly grounds of Parkway Marina on the Bedford side of the lake. Organizers are also hoping to bring back the Dock Dogs jumping contest that was popular in 2007.

            Franklin County Tourism/Special Events Manager Debra Weir has been working closely with representatives of tournament-organizer BASS and Bedford County officials to plan the event.

            “BASS likes coming to SML in part because there is such great support from both Franklin and Bedford counties,” Weir said.

            Qualifying to fish the Elite Series is a potentially profitable accomplishment for bass-fishing pros. Each of the eight tournaments offers a $640,000 purse, with $100,000 going to the top finisher. At the end of the season, another $750,000 is distributed based on cumulative Angler of the Year results. Entry fee for each event is $5,300.

            Last year, BASS instituted a Marshal Program, an aspect that makes the sport more engaging for tournament followers, Weir said.

            “It allows one lucky spectator to ride along with each pro, observe the action and transmit live updates to tournament headquarters,” she said. “These spots in the boats are highly sought after, and BASS has a long waiting list for the SML event. Our committee was given two marshal positions, which we raffled off to local fans.”

            The event also has a major economic impact on the lake from tournament participants and their families, officials and fans visiting the area.

            “The amount spent on food and lodging is significant,” Weir said, “and there’s gas and gear for the anglers, many of whom get here days early to pre-fish the lake. Some have made scouting trips earlier in the season. And spectators patronize local businesses as well. We anticipate upwards of $1 million of economic benefit by the time it’s over.”

            A few weeks after the event, sports network ESPN broadcasts tournament coverage, adding to the economic impact and overall national exposure for SML.

            “We know BASS will have good things to say about Franklin and Bedford counties as fishing and vacation destinations,” Weir said. “That’s bound to increase tourism in the long run.”

            Crews agreed: “Smith Mountain Lake is beautiful, the people are nice, and it has a bunch of fish in it. It is a great showcase for what Virginia has to offer in outdoor recreation.”