Kevin Van Dam

Bassmaster Southern Open Circuit Stops at Lake Guntersville for Season Fina

October 16, 2008 – espnoutdoors.com

A lot is on the line next week for Bassmaster Southern Open competitors when they hit Lake Guntersville for the circuit’s season-ending tournament out of Guntersville, Ala.

About 200 Southern Open pros will compete Oct. 16-18 for the event’s title and $45,000 first-place prize. An equal number of co-anglers will be out to win their division’s first-place prize, a boat package valued at $32,000.

Most importantly, pros also will be competing for points to earn invitations to the 2009 Bassmaster Elite Series, the highest level of competitive bass fishing, and the 2009 Bassmaster Classic.

Those who wrap up their Southern Open season in the top 10 in the standings will be eligible to join the Elite Series. The top three will qualify to compete on the Red River in the Feb. 20-22 Classic out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La.

“I’d love to be able to fish the Bassmaster Classic. I’d really like to do that. I’ve come close several times, but haven’t made it,” said Southern Open pro Greg Pugh of Cullman, Ala., who is fourth in the standings going into the Guntersville event.

The full Southern Open field will compete Thursday and Friday, with only the top 30 in each division qualifying for the final day of competition Saturday.