“We averaged 120 teams at the qualifiers and first place at the qualifiers averaged close to $10,000,” said tournament director Brett Collins. “After four South Carolina qualifiers we have paid back more than $100,000 to the South Carolina guys alone.”

Chris Brunson and Nelson Walker finished 14^th in the fourth S.C. Division qualifier May 12 on Lake Wateree to sew up the points title and win $1,000. Jason Barrett and Ken Ellis finished 17^th to claim second in the points and win $500. Don and Danna Poteat were third in points and won $250 after finishing 4^th at Wateree.

“Water temperatures are in the low 80s at Wateree and a lot of fish are still shallow in the grass and around the docks,” said Collins. “Some good fish are being caught in the 10- to 12-foot range on Carolina rigs and deep crankbaits. The Sweet Beaver and a jig are producing in the grass.”

Collins said the water level has stayed up and is not stained at all until up the lake past Wateree Creek.

“The key for the offshore bite will be if Duke Power moves some water during the day. If not it will be tough and spotty fishing,” Collins said.

“First place at the Divisional Final will take home a Skeeter TX190 equipped with a 150 Yamaha HPDI,” he said.

Collins said all the teams from the SC Divisional and all the teams who enter the NC Divisional Final will be eligible to enter the Carolina Bass Challenge Championship on Kerr Lake (Buggs Island) October 27. The first place team at the championship will receive a Skeeter ZX200 equipped with a 200 Yamaha SHO.

The Carolinas Bass Challenge is a two-division series promoted by Skeeter Boat dealers Marshall’s Marine in Lake City, S.C., Foothills Marine in Morganton, N.C., and Palmetto Marine in Greenville, S.C.

 

Carolinas Bass Challenge – South Carolina Division

Sat, Jun 23, 2012

Lake Wateree

Clearwater Cove Marina

Call Brett Collins 803-413-7521

www.carolinasbasschallenge.com