FLORENCE, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials made a decision to postpone the first day of competition at the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Pickwick Lake as increased current caused by severe weather and high sustained winds are making the fishery unsafe for boaters. The forecast is calling for sustained west-southwest winds of 15-20 mph with gusts to 30 expected by mid-morning.
“The combination of flood-level flow and high wind blowing against that current can create a dangerous condition for boaters,” said Lisa Talmadge, Bassmaster Elite Series Senior Tournament Manager. “The safety of our anglers is always our first priority.”
The full field of 100 anglers will now compete on both Friday and Saturday, with only the Top 50 advancing to Sunday’s semifinal round. The Top 10 will compete for the championship on Monday. Daily takeoffs will be held at McFarland Park at 6:45 a.m. CT and weigh-ins each day at the park at 3 p.m.
The tournament is being hosted by Florence-Lauderdale Tourism.
More news and updates regarding Day 1’s postponement:
Wind, current collide at Pickwick
Pickwick: Day 1’s postponed launch
Chaos continues, anglers are nomads