THE BASS FEDERATION
includes a brand-new Ranger boat as well as a cash prize of $ 125,000 for the top angler and $ 35,000 for the winning co-angler .
To go along with those prizes , the top seven anglers and top seven coanglers will all receive an automatic bid to fish in the MLF BIG5 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American . The winning angler and co-angler also get an automatic bid to fish in the MLF BIG5 Toyota Series Championship .
“ This really is the grassroots feeder system in the industry ,” Cartlidge says . “ This championship is really a steppingstone to make it to the pros for those that want it . If they don ’ t have desires to turn pro , this is still an event that very few people get to go to , and it ’ s difficult to get this far . The anglers realize that and enjoy every moment of it .”
READY FOR THE RED RIVER
Heading into the Championship , the competition waters – Pools 3 , 4 and 5 of the Red River out of Shreveport – are on a significant rebound following a down cycle due to flooding , according to Cartlidge . Consecutive years of inordinately high water in the early 2010s had caused the fishing on the Red River to dip in quality . But following recent years of rebound on the fishery , Cartlidge is assured that the fishing will be excellent when TBF anglers show up to northwest Louisiana for the 2021 Championship .
“ The size and the numbers of fish are for sure rebounding over the last few years ,” Cartlidge explains . “ We expect it to take about 15 pounds a day to win the tournament , based on some events we saw there last year . I ’ m sure there will be plenty of limits caught , and those limits will probably have to be full of 3-pounders to win .” Spring arrives a little earlier in Louisiana than it does elsewhere in the country , so Cartlidge expects there to be warmer temperatures and some pre-spawn largemouth when anglers arrive for practice in early March .
“ Fish might not be in full pre-spawn mode when we get there , but they ’ ll be around their nests for sure ,” Cartlidge predicts . “ Your typical sight fisherman is going to be able to perform well , depending on how clear or muddy the water is at that time . In some of those oxbows and back river channels , I wouldn ’ t be surprised if those fish are already on the beds when we show up .”
Practice for the 2021 TBF National Championship runs March 8-10 , with competition kicking off March 11 and continuing through the crowning of a new champion on March 13 .
You can follow the 2021 TBF National Championship at BassFederation . com throughout the tournament for the latest standings and coverage .
2020 TBF National Championship winning co-angler Derick Pendleton .
76 MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2021