When the North Carolina Division of the Carolina Bass Challenge came to Lake Hickory last year the winners weighed in more than 19 pounds for a five-fish limit and tournament director Brett Collins said it probably will take that much or more in the CBC tournament on Hickory Saturday.

“Lately, it’s been taking 25 pounds to win night tournaments on Lake Hickory,” Collins said. “If the water is stained, it will help the fishing Saturday. Hickory can be clear and difficult at times, but add some color and the fishing will pick up.”

Collins said some bass may still be bedding, but the majority should be in post-spawn.

“Look for topwater baits to be working, along with flipping the many docks on the lake,” he said.

The popularity of the challenge series on lakes across the Carolinas continues to grow, Collins said, with anglers not only coming from within the Carolinas, but from other states as well, including Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Ohio. Several times in the past two years tournaments have drawn 200 or more boats.

“We had 156 teams on Hickory last year and we look to have the same number or more for Saturday’s tournament.”

A major reason the tournaments are so popular is the payout at every tournament, he noted.

“First place usually takes home $10,000, plus $1,000 goes to Big Fish. We pay back $5,000 total in Skeeter Bonus, with $2,500 to the highest finishing Skeeter/Yamaha owner, $1,500 to the second highest and $1,000 to third highest. Plus there is Skeeter Real Money in play and that’s on top of the Skeeter Bonus.”

Collins said the N.C. Division points race is beginning to heat up, with Thomas Hardwick and Tommy Williams leading the points.

“They will be the team to contend with on Hickory,” he said.

 

Carolinas Bass Challenge – North Carolina Division

Sat, May 9, 2015

Lake Hickory

Whittenburg Access

Call Brett Collins 803-413-7521

www.carolinasbasschallenge.com