BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Officials announced a schedule change today for the 2020 Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open on Lake Hartwell in Anderson, S.C. This three-day event has been moved to Sept. 23-25 to accommodate the Clemson University football schedule, which was released last week.
The Eastern Division points race and the Elite Series berths that go with it will be on the line when anglers launch onto the storied waters of Lake Hartwell in Anderson, S.C. — site of three previous Bassmaster Classics and six major B.A.S.S. events.
“The decision to move dates, while not easy, was made in the best interest of the anglers,” said Neil Paul, Executive Director of Visit Anderson, which is hosting the Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open on Lake Hartwell. “Our commitment is to provide the best experience for the competitors and their families during their time in our community, and this change will allow us to provide that experience.”
While always popular and competitive, the Bassmaster Opens have garnered even deeper interest in 2020 as massive changes in the pro fishing industry have many of sportfishing’s biggest names — like Anderson’s-own Brian Latimer, Scott Martin, Randy Blaukat and Andrew Upshaw — competing in all eight Opens this year to try and earn a coveted spot in the Bassmaster Elite Series.
“It’s the most interesting dynamic we’ve ever had for the Opens — and without a doubt, the toughest field we’ve ever had,” said Chris Bowes, tournament director for the Bassmaster Opens. “Maybe the best thing about it is that there’s a young kid out there right now, ready to fish these events. He’s looking at the list, seeing all these big names and he’s not scared one bit. He’s just ready for the challenge.”
In addition to the event payout of $250,400 (based on a field of 150 anglers), anglers in both the pro and nonboater divisions will be competing for Falcon Rods Bassmaster Angler of the Year points. The AOY award comes with a $10,000 prize for the overall points winner in the pro division. The top co-angler will earn entry fees into the 2021 Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens division of his or her choice — a value of approximately $7,200.