The 4th Annual World Championship Bass on The Fly Fishing Tournament will be held May 11, 2013 at Lake Fork Marina from 6:00 am - 2:00 pm. This unique tournament is exclusively for fly fishing anglers and only rods, reels, line & lures made for fly fishing can be used. There is no rod length or line weight limit for equipment. It is one of only two such events in the entire country.

You might be asking yourself: Why would anyone want to fly fish for bass?

"It's just like bow hunting for deer," Ted Warren, tournament organizer, said. "It's more challenging and requires more skill and patience which brings a greater sense of accomplishment."

Another unique feature is that it is a "Catch-Photo Release" tournament. Each participant will receive an ID card at registration which must be included in a picture of the fish on a metal measuring board, before the fish is returned to the water. The Federation of Fly Fishers, which endorses the tournament, emphasizes conservation of fishery resources. This is a bonus on Lake Fork, because all the fish caught can be counted, including those in the 16"-24" slot. Winners will be determined by the total length of their five longest bass. Cameras and chips must be checked at registration before the tournament.

The tournament also has two divisions. One for those with fishing boats, (Boater division) and one for those who want to use kayaks, pontoons, float tubes, or fish from the bank (Non-Boater division). Previously, those in the non-boater division have done as well as those with boats. Safety and sportsmanship rules must be followed by all participants.

The entry fee is $55/ person, which includes $5 for the big bass pot, and an additional $5 for an optional big blue gill pot. The cash payout for each division is determined by the number of participants in each division. There is also a club trophy awarded to the club or organization with the three longest fish. Entries received by May 1st are eligible for a drawing for a new Sage Largemouth fly rod and case. Approximately 45 participants are expected this year and entries have already been received from Kansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Colorado as well as Texas.

Additional activities include free hourly casting clinics, kayak demos, casting contests, vendor booths, and door prizes for participants. Prizes include the Sage rod, Rio line & leaders, TFO rods and hats, Skeeter tee shirts, People's waterproof phone protectors, Gypsy Jack bass lures, Buff sun gloves, Brothers flies, Ranger shirts, Scientifi c Angler line, discount certificates from Simms & Redington, and fly fishing merchandise from Cabela's and Bass Pro.

The tournament provides education, practices conservation and promotes fun fly fishing. More details and the registration form can be found at .