Lake Murray registration breaks record for Bassmaster Kayak Series Tournament
February 21, 2024
The 5th Bassmaster Kayak Series Tournament kicks off on Lake Murray, February 24-25, 2024 | Photo Credit: B.A.S.S
The 2024 Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series scored by TourneyX will kick off its 5th season at Lake Murray, February 24-25, 2024. The highly competitive tournament has already broken a registration record for the most anglers in a regular season tournament, topping over 230 participants. The event hosted by Capital City/Lake Murray Country (CCLMC) is expected to yield impressive results. “We are excited to host over 200 kayak anglers from across the country and know Lake Murray will deliver a challenging event with strong final numbers,” said Miriam Atria, CCLMC President/CEO.
“The bass are going to start coming out of their winter patterns into their spring areas [most likely],” said Bassmaster Kayak Series angler Barry Davis. “The weather is always iffy. There have been tournaments here this same time of year, and we have had some 100-inch bags per day to win. Some days, it is nowhere near that because of the weather,” said Davis.
Tournament days are scheduled for Feb. 24-25 and will be the first opportunity for anglers to earn points toward the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year title. Anglers will be able to launch from any of the published launches that will be released before the tournament. The public is welcome to attend the registration meeting at Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College on Friday, February 23 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Over the past couple of years, anglers across the country have learned that impressive numbers of giant bass live in Lake Murray. Last year the lake was ranked No. 4 overall on Bassmaster Magazine’s 2023 100 Best Bass Lakes list, and No. 1 in the Southeast. That was proven several times just last year across multiple Bassmaster Tournament Trails. Kayak Bass Fishing visited the lake in late February 2023 for a pair of one-day events. On the first day, it took 98.5 inches to win, and on the second day, it was won with 97.5 inches. There is also the potential to catch a 24- or 25-inch bass this time of year.
Lake Murray provides opportunities for anglers to fish to their strengths. There is a large section of a more river-like environment, which has a history of producing big bags. Davis predicts that this area will get the most attention. The bottom end of the lake is deep and wide, with a plethora of bass, stripers, and blueback herring.
Scoring for the tournament is based on length using ¼ inch increments of each contestant’s catch during the tournament day via the catch, photograph, and release method. The five longest verified lengths are then totaled for the angler’s daily limit score. The combined 2-day score totals are then ranked and will be recognized at the awards ceremony on Sunday, February 25. The Top 5 finishers from this event advance to the Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship held in conjunction with the Bassmaster Classic. For more information including angler rankings and awards visit Bassmaster.com.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events, and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 515,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs, and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation, and youth fishing.
About Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board:
CCLMC is the official source for all things Lake Murray Country. To plan your next trip, find information on attractions, dining, hotels, outdoor recreation, fishing, golf, and events. Explore The Top Southern Destinations of Columbia, Richland, Lexington, Newberry, and Saluda. For more information about CCLMC visit LakeMurrayCountry.com or call 803-781-5940 | 1-866-SC-Jewel.
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Tournament Link: https://www.bassmaster.com/
