Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
The top anglers from around the world are coming to Anderson this week to compete over the weekend on Hartwell Lake in the 2022 “Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk,” the world’s most prestigious professional bass tournament.
Many are already in town to begin practice rounds, but beginning Friday, the anglers will launch boats from Green Pond Landing and Events Center, with daily weigh-ins at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville.
"We are very excited for the opportunity to host the Bassmaster Classic once again on Lake Hartwell,” said Neil Paul, Executive Director of Visit Anderson. “Hosting our fourth Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell is significant to our community because no other fishery will have hosted more Bassmaster Classic events. We can speak firsthand to the significant economic impact it will have on the Upstate of South Carolina and the impact of residual tourism that will be felt in Anderson County for years to come."
The 2022 Classic will feature 55 qualifiers who will earn their berths through the Elite Series, the Opens, the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation circuit, the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops and the Bassmaster Team Championship plus the defending Bassmaster Classic champion and winner of the final Elite Series event of the 2021 season. They are competing for their share of a whopping $1 million purse, with the champion earning $300,000.