Fishing Frenzy
By Andie Gibson


         Did you know 44 million Americans ages 7 and older fish? That more Americans fish than play golf and tennis combined? That one out of every six U.S. residents 16 and older fish?
         It’s no wonder “Basstober” is causing such a wave of excitement at Smith Mountain Lake.
         Two major bass tournaments as well as a kids event and a family festival will all take place at the Lake in October. The events are expected to exceed $3 million in direct spending in the SML area.
         “It’s going to be a very active time,” said Vicki Gardner, executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce, which is teaming up with Franklin and Bedford counties to help organize the events. “We’re hoping it’s something the community will really get behind and become involved in.”
         The Wal-Mart BFL Regional Championship will kick off the festivities Oct. 19-21. The world-class competition features anglers from across the country. The final day’s weigh-in will take place at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Bedford.
         The CITGO BASSMASTER Northern Tour is slated for Oct. 26-28. The event, which drew standing-room-only crowds at Bridgewater Plaza when it was held here in 2004, will feature 175 professional and 175 amateur competitors competing for a shot to advance to a million-dollar, season-ending final. Weigh-ins will take place at Bridgewater Plaza.
         Basstober isn’t just about serious competition, though. A kids casting event will take place Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at Bridgewater Plaza. Sponsored by the Bass Federation Nation of Virginia, the free, family event is geared toward children ages 5-14 and will feature enjoyable and educational activities.
         “It’s designed to introduce them to all the fun and spectacular aspects of the sport,” Gardner said. “Every kid will walk away with something.”
         In the afternoon, a free outdoor festival – “SML Basstoberfest” – will take place at Downtown Moneta. Open to the public, the event will feature food and beverage vendors, music and fun activities for the kids, Gardner said.

         For more information on any of these events, contact the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce at 540.721.1203, 800.676.8203 or visitsmithmountainlake.com.