It’s time to start thinking about signing up for the 2017 YETI FLW College Fishing Open on Kentucky Lake. An annual event, the Open is free to fish and offers up a Ranger Z175 as the top prize, and at least the top 20 teams will qualify for the 2018 FLW College Fishing National Championship. One additional qualifying spot will be tacked on beyond 10th place for every 10 teams over 200 that compete. This year, the two-day showdown takes place April 7-8 out of Moors Resort and Marina on the north end of Kentucky Lake.

Early April on Kentucky Lake and adjoining Lake Barkley usually offers excellent fishing, and the lakes are as productive as ever this year. It took more than 25 pounds to win the first LBL Division T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League event of the year, and an ABA event held on March 18 featured a 33-pound winning bag.

Back in March 2015 at the inaugural Open, Zachary Pickle and Drew Porto of the University of Arkansas cranked up 43 pounds, 12 ounces over two days for the win. In 2016, Zach Hartnagel and Dalton Wesley of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville picked up the win with 35-15 caught on crankbaits and shaky heads.

More than 190 teams have participated each year in the Open, and this year might be the biggest ever. With more spots in the National Championship on the line than ever before, it’s a must-fish tournament.

Teams can sign up online at shop.flwfishing.com, or by calling FLW at 270.252.1000.

Details

Marina: Moors Resort & Marina, 570 Moors Rd., Gilbertsville, KY 42044

Takeoff: 6:30 a.m. CT

Weigh-in: 2:30 p.m. CT

Registration: Moors Resort and Marina, April 6, 3 p.m. CT

Competition: April 7-8