DECATUR — Wheeler Lake has been chosen as the site for the sixth tournament location of the prestigious Bassmaster Elite Series, Decatur-Morgan County Tourism announced.
Anglers will compete on the 67,070-acre lake June 13-16 for a mixed bag of largemouth and smallmouth bass. This is the 14th major B.A.S.S. event hosted at Wheeler Lake.
“We are thrilled that Decatur, Ingalls Harbor and Wheeler Lake will be included in the 2024 Elite schedule,” said Don Dukemineer, director of sports development for Decatur-Morgan County Tourism. “Decatur has not hosted an Elite since 2016, and we are ready to work with B.A.S.S. to return the energy, passion and excitement of the event to our community and fishing fans throughout north Alabama.”
The Bassmaster Elite Series, known as the pinnacle of professional bass fishing tournaments, comprises nine events plus a Classic Bracket event throughout the year at various locations nationwide. This exclusive competition leads to the Angler of the Year Championship.
Competitors qualify through the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens or the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation, and Elite Series anglers must requalify annually by earning enough points throughout the season. Participants vie for points towards the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year award and a spot in the Bassmaster Classic.
The public is invited to watch the top Elite anglers compete for a total prize purse exceeding $766,000, with the top 50 anglers guaranteed at least $10,000 each. The tournament will be televised on FS1, FS2, and, for the first time, Fox. The Bassmaster website will be streaming daily coverage on Bassmaster LIVE and will provide real-time leaderboards, streaming footage from weigh-ins, photo galleries, and analysis.
“Ingalls Harbor has been described as the ‘perfect location’ by tournament organizers, and we tend to agree,” Dukemineer said. “The opportunity to host will strengthen our continued partnership with B.A.S.S. in helping to spotlight the amazing capabilities the facility offers. Hosting the top anglers from across the country will be a big benefit to Decatur-Morgan County, and we can’t wait to welcome them in 2024.”
June 10-12 are designated official practice days. Daily take-off is at 6 a.m. with weigh-ins at 2 p.m.
Decatur-Morgan County Tourism will host a free festival and expo June 15-16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ingalls Harbor. Food trucks will provide concessions. Attendees can meet their favorite Bassmaster Elite pros.
Bassmaster LIVE will be streaming on Bassmaster.com all four days, and coverage will also be available on FS1 on Saturday at 7 a.m. to noon and on FS2 on Sunday from 5-11 a.m.
The Elite Series debut on Fox is June 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We are excited to host this prestigious event at Ingalls Harbor,” said Decatur-Morgan County Tourism President and CEO Danielle Gibson. “Our city’s investment in this world-class facility attracts high-caliber tournaments.”
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