Perfect weather conditions were on the agenda when the Mississippi TBF Bass Federation State Championship kicked off early this morning at the Columbus Boat Ramp.
The two-day event includes 59 boats and 118 competitors. After this morning”s daylight start, today”s session ends with a 3 p.m. weigh-in. Saturday”s session will end with a 2 p.m. weigh-in.
“We are very excited about being back in Columbus,” Mississippi Bass Federation President David Flippo said. “We have been here three or four times in the last five years. They have top-notch facilities. Columbus always welcomes us back with open arms.”
The top six boaters and non-boaters will advance to regional competition next year. Regional qualifiers will advance to the national championship, where a top prize of $1 million will be at stake.
Joseph Websters, of Fulton, is the defending individual champion, while the Monroe County Bass Masters are the defending club champions.
“The competition should be very good,” Flippo said. “The weather appears to be in our favor. We are looking forward to some good fellowship and some good competition. Last year, we had a fight to the finish.”
Each day”s activity will begin at the Columbia Boat Ramp. From there, participants can fish Columbus Lake, Aliceville Lake, or Aberdeen Lake.
“We are really blessed to have this type of set-up,” Flippo said. “The facilities are really what separate Columbus. There are three outstanding places to fish.”
The city of Columbus is pleased to serve as host for the event. During its recent stops, the event has been a boon to local economy. The inaugural Mississippi High School Fishing Championship will follow the Bass Masters event Sunday.
“We are thrilled to be hosting both fishing tournaments this weekend,” said Kim Cass, marketing and special events director for the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The weather looks to cooperate and we wish all the anglers good luck. We hope they enjoy all the shops, restaurants, and hotels Columbus has to offer, and hope to see them return next year.”
Flippo appreciates the extra efforts put forth this year by everyone in Columbus. The original date for this year”s event was late April. However, the tornadoes that hit the area and decimated Smithville and Tuscaloosa, Ala. caused the four-month postponement.
“This has been a unique championship,” Flippo said. “Special credit goes to everybody involved in organizing this event. Essentially, all of the hard work and effort had to take place twice. Thus, we are appreciative for everyone going above and beyond to continue to make this a great event.”
This year”s championship will be dedicated to Starkville”s Mickey Aldridge. An avid fisherman, Aldridge was killed in a hunting accident last year.
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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