Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board (CCLMC) hosted nations around the world at the XVI Black Bass World Championship. Teams from Australia, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estwatini, Germany, Italy, Japan, Laos, Mexico, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe competed. The week included a Youth Angling Day in downtown Columbia, SC, a Friday night concert with Cody Webb and an epic tournament held at Dreher Island State park.
The youth day was a celebration of fishing at Columbia Canal and River Front Park on Sunday, October 16. Young anglers were instructed by members of USAngling, the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA), Certified Angling Instructors from the Scouts of America, and from international competitive anglers. A special visit from USA Bass coach Charlie Evans and PAW Patrol’s Skye and Marshall were the highlight of the event. Hundreds of young anglers enjoyed the beautiful South Carolina fall weather. Multiple organizations came together to make the day a success from The City of Columbia Parks Department providing the perfect venue, to South Carolina Department of Natural Resources stocking the canal, and CCLMC along with DoubleTree by Hilton, Seahunt Boats, and Alodia’s Cucina Italiana who provided hot dogs and hats to all the hungry anglers. This inspirational event helped to kick off the biggest international bass fishing event in grand fashion.
“Youth angling education is an integral part of our mission.” Said USAngling Youth Committee Chairman, Michael Brand. “We strive to not only introduce fishing to youth but to instruct them on ways to catch fish. It was great to have the support of IGFA, Scouts of America and all the international anglers. It was a proud moment for USAngling. A special thanks to Capital City Lake Murray Country and the City of Columbia Parks Department. They made this special moment happen for hundreds of local youth.”
Friday night October 21st was a special treat for the 25 nations competing in the Bass World Championships. Country music star Cody Webb put on a concert for the anglers. He rocked the Dreher Island State Park with his band and unique brand of country music. He was also given an honorary membership to the USA Bass Team by the anglers of USA Bass.
The week ended with the final weigh-in for the 2022 Bass World Championship. The USA Bass team, led by Fred Roumbanis and James Watson, took home the Gold Medal. South Africa followed with Silver and Italy took the Bronze. The championship culminated with a Gold Medal gala hosted by CCLMC and tournament organizer John Knight. The Bass World Championship will return to the USA in 2026 on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
USA Bass is excited to announce that they are offering special edition of USA Bass hats! The hats are the official version that was worn by the USA Bass team. You can even find the ultimate keepsake – a fully signed USA Bass Team hat from our Gold medal team. The proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly toward supporting the USA Bass fishing teams as they compete in World Championship and Pan American fishing events. Hats can be purchased by following this link: USAngling - SHOP!
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