The Carolinas Bass Challenge keeps flying skyward like a rocket to Mars with big entries and even bigger paydays for fishermen – and it’s expected to keep right on sailing Saturday with the North Carolina Division qualifier on Lake Norman.

“Last year we had over 140 teams enter the Lake Norman tournament and it was the biggest payout over the qualifiers,” said Carolinas Bass Challenge owner-director Brett Collins. “Shane Lineberger and Hank Cherry took home $12,500 for the win in that tournament.”

Collins said that with entries coming in at the pace they have been the tournament Saturday could top 200 teams.

“Several teams from Virginia have entered and some South Carolina teams will be in there along with the North Carolina guys,” he said.

The official launch site is Pinnacle Landing on Highway 150, but Collins said teams will be allowed to put in at other sites and come to the launch by water.

“Fishing has been good at times on Lake Norman and in February it is always good,” he said, adding that he expects it will take 16 to 18pounds to win.

“Alabama Rigs are still taking a lot of bass, but the jig and crankbaits will bring in their share,” he said.

Each CBC has an off limit period starting the Sunday night before the event at 12 a.m. and extends the entire week up to Saturday morning. Winners at each tournament are polygraphed.

“We are guaranteeing First Place a minimum of $8,000 at each CBC Qualifier,” Collins said. “In 2012 First Place winners at CBC events averaged taking home $10,000.”

Also new for 2013, he added, the highest placing Skeeter/Yamaha owner will take home a $5,000 bonus, no matter the year of the boat. The Skeeter Real Money Program sanctions all the CBC events.

“This year we added Lakes Hartwell and Clarks Hill to the South Carolina CBC schedule and we added Lakes Jordan and Falls to the North Carolina schedule,” Collins said.

“Two Skeeter TZX190/150 Yamaha HPDI boat rigs will be awarded with one going to the winning team at the South Carolina Championship at Lake Hartwell in September. Another will be awarded at the September North Carolina Championship on Lake Wylie. The winners of the Oct 26-27 Lake Murray CBC Classic will take home a ZX200/200Yamaha SHO rig worth $48,000.”

Carolinas Bass Challenge – North Carolina Division

Sat, Feb 16, 2013

Lake Norman

Call Brett Collins 803-413-7521

www.carolinasbasschallenge.com