Savannah River Division headed to Clarks Hill Lake

Great time of year to be on Clarks Hill Lake

Although the Walmart FLW Series has returned to Clarks Hill for its BP Eastern Division season finale, conditions are much different than last year. Photo by Rob Newell.

March 4, 2011 • MLF • Archives

APPLING, Ga. – The Walmart Bass Fishing League is headed to Clarks Hill Lake March 12 for the second of five stops in the Savannah River Division. As many as 400 boaters and co-anglers will be competing for top awards up to $9,500 and $3,000, respectively.

“The fishing should be really good,” said Chevy pro Anthony Gagliardi of Prosperity, S.C. “The weather has really warmed up pushing the fish into shallow water. There will be some fish that are starting to spawn, but predominantly it they will be a prespawn bite. Jerkbait fishing will be phenomenal.

“The key to this tournament is going to be finding the bigger females that are moving into their staging areas, Gagliaridi added. “Rocky areas and secondary points would be a good place to start looking. The grass could also play a role in this tournament.

“I love to fish Clarks Hill Lake in March. The fish are typically easier to catch, they are more accessible and you can usually catch some good size fish. This should be a fun tournament for the anglers because so many techniques will work. It will probably take 18 to 20 pounds to win.”

Takeoffs and weigh-ins will be at Wildwood Park located at 6212 Holloway Road Appling. Takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. while weigh-in will begin at 3 p.m. Takeoffs and weigh-ins are free and open to the public.

The Clarks Hill Lake BFL tournament is being hosted by Columbia County Community & Leisure Services.

The BFL is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, offering bigger prizes to those who qualify for regional championships and those who make it to one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Walmart BFL All-American presented by Chevy. Top winners in the BFL can move up to the EverStart Series or even the Walmart FLW Tour.