In an exciting start to the season, Lake Murray is set to host the 2024 Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops on January 26-27, 2024. Last year, the lake earned recognition as No. 4 overall on Bassmaster Magazine’s 2023 100 Best Bass Lakes list and claimed the top spot in the Southeast.
Organized by Capital City/Lake Murray Country (CCLMC), this highly competitive tournament is anticipating over 500 collegiate anglers from across the country. The event promises challenging competition and impressive final weights, according to Miriam Atria, CCLMC President/CEO.
With two trails, the Legends Trail and the Lunkers Trail, and a record-breaking registration of 500 teams from 72 schools nationwide, Lake Murray is the first stop on the Legends Trail. Teams will compete for points in the Team of the Year race and a chance to secure a spot in the 2024 College Series Championship.
The action will kick off each day from Dreher Island State Park at 7:10 a.m. ET, with weigh-ins scheduled at 3:10 p.m. “It will be a great tournament,” says Newberry native Dalton Dowdy, predicting a competitive event where a daily catch of 20 pounds and mid-20s for the win wouldn’t be surprising.
Lake Murray has earned its reputation as a powerhouse lake with abundant 3- to 5-pound largemouth bass in recent years. The lake’s potential was showcased during the 2023 Elite Series stop, where multiple patterns unfolded, and Florida pro-Drew Benton clinched victory with an impressive 87-pound catch, mostly consisting of spawning bass.
For those eager to catch the excitement, daily weigh-ins will be streamed live on Bassmaster.com. Stay tuned to witness the thrilling competition and the crowning of the champions at Lake Murray!
