County to host B.A.S.S. tourney

By Staff
Kim West
Franklin County Times
BELGREEN – Members of the Belgreen Bass Club will be part of something special in Franklin County this week.
This Saturday the club will help stage the first B.A.S.S. Club State Championship Tournament at Slip Rock on Cedar Creek Lake, which is the largest lake on the Bear Creek chain.
"This is probably going to be the biggest fishing tournament Franklin County has ever seen because we will have people coming from all over the state," said club member Kevin Stone. "To us it's a pretty big deal, and it promotes our local lakes."
The tournament is an Alabama B.A.S.S. Federation Nation event, and it will feature teams made up of six anglers from one ABFN club, instead of the traditional format with mixed partners. The BCSC winner will qualify for the B.A.S.S. Club World Championship to be held next year.
"It will follow the same rules as bass tournaments go, but I guess what's different is the team format. Normally, you go as a boater or a non-boater, and the boaters draw out their partners the night before," said Stone, who will compete in one of five teams for the Belgreen club. "This tournament we already know who we'll be fishing with, and we'll get to fish with our own club members."
Tournament registration ended last Saturday, but volunteers will be needed, especially during weigh-in from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
"Anybody that wants to help out would be appreciated," he said.
To volunteer, contact Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lisa Stockton at 332-1760.