After a robust success that included some homegrown success, the Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship will return in September to Lake Mille Lacs.
The decision to return to Minnesota "was easy," according to Bassmaster in a news release Monday. Over three days of fishing last fall, the top 50 anglers caught 729 bass, which produced 139 limits and amounted to a total three-day weight of 2,878 pounds, 5 ounces.
Seth Feider, the only Minnesotan fishing among the world's best bass anglers and a late qualifier for the championship, dominated from start to finish and won the tournament last September with a three-day total of 76 pounds, five ounces.
"I didn't even think I had a chance of making it here. It's really special this week. I had a great time out there," said Feider, of Bloomington. "I love showing off this fishery. … This is the best lake in the world, and we really have got to protect it, people."
A second competition also went on, for the circuit's Angler of the Year award, and it was won by Gerald Swindle of Guntersville, Ala., on season points.
"Last year's Bassmaster tournament showed the world what an incredible jewel Mille Lacs Lake is to the fishing community," said Tracy Sam, general manager for Grand Casino Mille Lacs, in a news release. "This championship has never been held at the same location two years in a row, so building upon last year's success, we look forward to making the 2017 Bassmaster Angler of the Year tournament the best one yet."
The championship is scheduled Sept. 14-17.
