The 10th annual Amateur Berkley Big Bass Challenge hosted by BassChamps is set to take place on Lake Fork, Texas and in honor of this milestone, Berkley is increasing the payouts to over $4,000 in cash and prizes to be awarded each hour.
The two-day event is set to start October 17th, 2015 with onsite registration at noon and fishing begins Saturday morning. The big-money event takes place out of Lake Fork Marina and continues to grow in popularity over the years as over 900 anglers last year vied for the title and other prizes. The first 1000 anglers receive a set of the new Berkley hard baits, which were launched at the 2015 ICAST show.
While everyone is competing for the biggest bass over and under the slot limits to win the Skeeter bass boats, most checks are for fish in the 2-4 pound range, however, many checks have been handed out over the years for fish as small as .92 pounds.
The rules do not allow professional anglers to fish the tournament. This opens the field for the weekend tournament warriors and recreational angler to win some money, have fun and also a shot at winning cash and potentially a boat.
Each hour an angler can bring one fish to the scales to try and stay in the running for a chance to receive one of the hourly cash awards. The unique aspect of this tournament is that only Berkley, Sebile and Johnson baits can be used during the challenge.
“It is exciting to have the 10th annual Berkley Challenge. It is amazing how this event has grown each year since starting in 2005. This is a testament to the anglers and also the BassChamps staff,” said Andrew Marks, Field Marketing Director for Berkley. “It is challenging to not only adjust to some of the new baits that are being used, but also the added strategy of when to weigh in your fish that lends a unique twist making it fun for everyone.”
The new Berkley hard baits designed by pro’s David Fritt’s, Gary Klein, Justin Lucas and others adds another tool for anglers in the competition. Josh Silva, Berkley Brand Marketing Manager added, “To provide anglers with the opportunity to fish our new hard baits before they’re readily available in stores is a great way to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Berkley Challenge.”
The Berkley Experience trailer, a 60-foot event center, will be on site for the entire event beginning Friday afternoon, October 17th. The trailer features educational seminars on line selection, reel maintenance, rod selection and selecting the right bait, a knot tying station and competition, bait demonstration tanks and many other fun elements designed to help the angers Catch More Fish. Lake Fork Marina will be partnering with the Experience trailer and will have a good selection of baits for sale, if anglers have not already stocked up for the tournament.
