Just ask Nicholas Warden of Beebe who took home $50,000 for his 6.62-pound catch near Dumas in 2010. The overall winner receives an assured $50,000 in prize money. A guaranteed $10,000 is awarded to the angler with the largest fish caught in the remaining four pools. Additional prizes include place money per pool and hourly money.
Sponsored by the Arkansas Hospitality Association (AHA), the Arkansas Big Bass Bonanza is the largest amateur bass fishing tournament in the country. It covers 300 miles of eligible fishing from Fort Smith (western border) to Dumas (eastern border), the entire length of the river within the state. Participants can choose to fish one, two, or all three days of the tournament. Guaranteed total prize is $100,000. Entry fee to fish is $80 per day.
Montine McNulty, executive director of AHA, says, “We are expecting well over 2,000 fishermen in the 2011 Big Bass Bonanza. Because of the high water we have had recently, the fishermen have not been able to fish. I think anglers will really be ready to get out on the river this month. Big Bass is the big amateur Super Bowl of fishing in Arkansas and there is plenty of prize money."
Weigh-in site locations are Clear Creek Park in Fort Smith, Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville, Verizon Ramp in North Little Rock, Pine Bluff’s Regional Park, and the Pendleton Bridge east of Dumas.
For more information about top events in Arkansas take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Arkansas.
For more information on Arkansas Big Bass Bonanza visit www.arkansasbigbass.com