A FISHING contest offering $4.3m (over £3million) in prize money is being dubbed ‘the grandest tournament in fishing history’.
The ‘US Open National Bass Fishing Amateur Championships’, is the brainchild of Johnny Morris, owner of American tackle giant Bass Pro Shops.
It’s a pairs event, open only to non-professional anglers, encouraging fathers and sons, husbands, wives, and friends to enter. The champion will take home $1m, a pick-up truck and a specialised bass fishing boat.
There are eight qualifying events across the US, some of which have already happened. Entering will cost competitors $900 per pair, but organiser Johnny explained:
“All the entrance fees will go towards conservation on our bass lakes, restoring habitat for generations of fish and anglers to come.
“We want to thank our customers, but also do some great conservation work.”