This is one of the most important weekends on the professional fishing calendar, with 56 anglers taking part in the 2015 GEICO Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell in Grenville, S.C. The winner takes $300,000 (U.S.) and the unofficial title of best angler alive. Here's a look at the event, which bills itself as ‘the Super Bowl of fishing’, through the lens of Globe and Mail photographer Fred Lum.
Angler Randy Howell holds the Bassmaster Classic champion's ring he won in 2014 in Lake Guntersville, Ala.
Professional angler Dean Rojas autographs a fishing rod for a fan.
Spinning reels on display at the Abu Garcia booth at the 2015 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo in Greenville, S.C.
Professional fisherman Michael Iaconelli is interviewed by Japanese media at the GEICO Bassmaster Classic fishing tournament.
Fishing fans line the boat launch on Lake Hartwell.
The GECIO mascot waves as competitors take off during the GEICO Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell.
Competitors wait on their bass boats for the takeoff of the GEICO Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell.
Jacob Powroznik hooks a bass during the first day of the GEICO Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell.
Shinichi Fukae holds up two bass at the weigh-in after the first day of the GEICO Bassmaster Classic.
Dean Rojas took the lead with five fish weighing 21 lbs two ounces after the first day of the GEICO Bassmaster Classic.
Fishing fans gathered at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena for the weigh-ins after the first day of the GEICO Bassmaster Classic.