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Lake Hartwell selected to host 2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance

Posted on February 18, 2026 by Madison Reece - Uncategorized

Lake Hartwell selected to host 2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. announced today that Lake Hartwell in Anderson, S.C., will serve as the host site for the 2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance which will be held November 18-21, bringing one of the organization’s most prestigious grass-roots events back to a proven championship venue.

Competition will launch from Green Pond Landing, one of the Southeast’s premier tournament facilities, as top anglers from across the country compete for a national title and the opportunity to advance to bass fishing’s highest levels.

The stakes at the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship are significant. The overall champion will secure an invitation to compete on the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, joining the sport’s most accomplished anglers on bass fishing’s biggest professional stage. In addition, the Top 3 finishers will qualify for the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, fulfilling lifelong dreams for grass-roots competitors chasing a berth in the sport’s most iconic event.

“Lake Hartwell has repeatedly proven itself as a world-class championship fishery, and Green Pond Landing provides an outstanding experience for our anglers and fans,” said Phillip Johnson, B.A.S.S. Chief Operating Officer. “The B.A.S.S. Nation Championship represents the heart and soul of our organization — the dedicated club anglers who compete at the grass-roots level with dreams of reaching the Elite Series and the Bassmaster Classic. We are excited to return to Anderson and once again showcase these talented competitors on a national stage.”

Straddling the border of South Carolina and Georgia, Lake Hartwell is a 56,000-acre U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Savannah River. Known for its healthy populations of both largemouth and spotted bass, Hartwell offers a diverse playing field of deep timber, rocky points, docks and expansive creek arms. The fishery has hosted numerous major Bassmaster events, including Bassmaster Classics and Elite Series tournaments, and is widely regarded for producing competitive weights and dramatic finishes.

For Anderson County and the city of Anderson, the championship represents both a celebration of grass-roots competition and a significant economic impact for the region.

“We’re very excited to be able to announce the return of the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship to Anderson County, Green Pond Landing and Lake Hartwell,” said Neil Paul, executive director of Visit Anderson. “The leadership of Anderson County continues the development of Green Pond Landing and provides us the resources to bring Championship events to our community. This marks the fourth time that the B.A.S.S. Nation has been decided in our community. The B.A.S.S. Nation represents the grass-roots competitors chasing the dream of fishing the Classic or qualifying for the Elites. We’ve enjoyed tremendous success in our community when hosting the B.A.S.S. Nation competitors, their families, sponsors, media and staff and we look forward to extending our best efforts and hospitality to the B.A.S.S. Nation and Anderson County later this year.”

The Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance features qualifiers from B.A.S.S. Nation events across the United States and internationally, showcasing the strength and depth of competition at the club level. For many anglers, the championship represents the culmination of years of dedication and the opportunity to turn lifelong dreams into reality.

Additional event details, including competition dates, daily takeoff and weigh-in times, will be announced at a later date on Bassmaster.com.

With a berth in the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series and three coveted spots in the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour on the line, the 2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship promises high drama and unforgettable moments on the waters of Lake Hartwell.

Visit Anderson will host this event.

2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury

2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance

2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Platinum Sponsor: Progressive, Toyota
2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mountain Dew, Nitro Boats, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2026 B.A.S.S. Nation Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Lew’s, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, VMC, Yokohama

About B.A.S.S.

B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

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Media Contact: Mandy Pascal, Communications Manager, 334-414-8677, mpascal@bassmaster.com

Major League Fishing Set to Visit Lake Hartwell

Posted on October 23, 2025 by Casey Brewington - Events, Tourism, Uncategorized

ANDERSON, S.C. (Oct. 22, 2025) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI and Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse circuits are set to visit Anderson, South Carolina, this weekend, Oct. 24-25, for the final regular-season events of the 2025 season – the Abu Garcia College Fishing at Lake Hartwell Open Presented by Columbia PFG on Friday, and the Abu Garcia High School Fishing at Lake Hartwell Open Presented by Columbia PFG on Saturday.

The two one-day bass tournaments, hosted by Visit Anderson, will showcase top student anglers from across the region competing to qualify for their respective National Championship events. The top finishing college teams will also take home payouts, including $2,000 to the winner.

Anglers will begin each day at 7:30 a.m. ET, launching from Green Pond Landing, located at 470 Green Pond Road in Anderson. Weigh-ins will take place at the boat ramp, starting at 3:30 p.m. each day. Fans are invited to attend in person and can also stay connected by following the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily updates on MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The 2025 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI season features college teams from across the country competing in six regular-season open tournaments. The top 15 percent of teams from each regular-season tournament advance to the 2026 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship.

MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse tournaments are free, two-person (team) events for students in grades 7-12 and are open to any MLF and TBF Student Angler Federation-affiliated high school club. The top 10% of teams at each Open event, along with the TBF High School Fishing state championships, advance to the High School Fishing National Championship.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI and the Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, Columbia PFG, Deep Dive App, E3 Sports Apparel, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Humminbird, Lew’s, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Onyx, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Precision Sonar, Strike King, Suzuki Marine, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota , WIX Filters and YETI.

For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular MLF College Fishing and High School Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Major League Fishing

Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.

Honea Path and Anderson County Announce a $2.6 Million Grant for the Restoration and Redevelopment of the Historic Chiquola Mill Site

Posted on May 22, 2024 by Casey Brewington - Economic Development, Events, News Releases, Tourism, Uncategorized

Anderson County, S.C. (May 21, 2024) – The Town of Honea Path has been awarded a $2,650,770 grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency for environmental remediation and cleanup efforts at the Historic Chiquola Mill site. The funding was awarded under the auspices of the Federal government’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) of 2021. Honea Path is one of only 35 cleanup grant recipients in the southeast, and the grant amount awarded to the project is the fourth highest in the region.

Cleanup efforts will be supplemented by a $1 million redevelopment site grant from the State of South Carolina sponsored by State Senator Michael W. Gambrell and State Representative Jay West. Anderson County is serving as a project partner and is providing technical support and other resources toward the redevelopment effort.

“This is a monumental day for our Town and our community,” said Honea Path Mayor Christopher Burton. “Almost all of our residents have ties to the Chiquola Mill, and we are committed to helping the site become something that will help Honea Path usher in a new era of prosperity.”

“Small towns like Honea Path are the backbone of South Carolina, and promoting revitalization efforts in these areas makes for a more prosperous community for us all,” said Rep. Jay West. “I am proud to have been part of this effort and can’t wait to see what the future brings!”

“Renewal of the Chiquola site has been a top priority here since the day the mill closed its doors for good, and now the time has come when we can finally celebrate what the future holds in store,” said Sen. Michael W. Gambrell.

“Honea Path is a very unique, very resilient community with some of the best people you’ll find anywhere,” said Anderson County Councilmember Cindy Wilson. “I am so proud of them today—they truly deserve to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

According to Stantec, the site’s environmental consulting firm, cleanup activities will include removing approximately 10,750 tons of asbestos-containing materials found in debris piles and the remnants of onsite structures. It will also include removing approximately 6,500 cubic yards of contaminated soil. In the area of soil removal, a demarcation barrier will be installed, and the area will be backfilled to grade with 1-1.5 feet of clay and 0.5-1 foot of topsoil.

Chiquola Manufacturing (later Springs Industries) developed a textile mill on the property in the early 1900s. Its operations included spinning, carding, and weaving. it remained the town’s largest employer until its closure in 2003, and it provided work for thousands in this region over several generations. As such, the site has always been an integral part of Honea Path’s geography and character. Local, state, and community leaders have pledged to work together to ensure that redevelopment efforts will serve the greater good in much the same way as the Chiquola Mill did in its lifetime.

Collegiate Bass Championship to be held at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, SC

Posted on April 12, 2024 by Casey Brewington - Uncategorized

SAN ANTONIO, TX (April 9, 2024) – This upcoming weekend, the Association of Collegiate Anglers will contest its first event of 2024 on the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series. The Hartwell Slam will be held at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, SC on April 13-14. With a total prize payout of more than $20,000 in prizes and contingencies, the ACA double points tournament is a no-entry-fee event, with close to 250 teams registered to compete, which also includes media coverage on a variety of streaming platforms, live coverage, social media promotions and is nationally televised on several networks.

The Hartwell Slam will mark the second time in which the ACA has contested a major college event at Lake Hartwell. Last summer, 400 of the nation’s top collegiate anglers competed at Lake Hartwell for the Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops. That event was contested during the early summer, in late May. This year, the ACA is visiting during the middle of spring as bass are preparing to move shallow to spawn.

Lake Hartwell is a 56,000 acre fishery featuring a healthy population of both largemouth and spotted bass. The lake has a variety of fish holding habitat, including rocks, flooded timber, and boat docks. The forage in this fishery also makes it very unique. Along with the common baitfish and prey, Lake Hartwell is also home to a thriving blueback herring population. The combination of all of these variables makes Lake Hartwell a world-class fishery that has been the stage for many major national-level events throughout the years.

April at Lake Hartwell is considered to be the peak of the spawn for Lake Hartwell bass. Water temperatures are rising steadily with strong warming trends, which has the bass on the move. At the start of this event, a majority of the bass in Lake Hartwell will either be shallow or moving through transition areas on their way into popular spawning locations.

Lake Hartwell boasts fairly clear water conditions across the lake. This will set up well for anglers looking to sight fish. In these scenarios, both Texas rig and weightless soft plastics will be the primary baits anglers use to target these fish.

If bass are not on the bank spawning, they are likely in the prespawn phase. These bass will be moving through ditches and drains in major creeks, as well as setting up on points and other key transition areas. Baitfish, including shad and blueback herring, will be what the prespawn bass are keying on. In these scenarios, anglers will be throwing a variety of baits to get bites. Swimbaits and glide baits will warrant the bigger bites. Weather conditions will also impact which other patterns may be at play.

The weather forecast this week in the Anderson, SC area looks pretty typical for the spring. Early in the week, there is a chance for rain. High temperatures are projected to be in the low to mid 70’s, with nightly lows dipping down to around 50 degrees. Currently, for both tournament days, it is looking like there will be minimal clouds and breezy winds. High temperatures for Saturday and Sunday will be between 75 and 80 degrees.

If the forecast holds true, presenting anglers with sunny, warm conditions, boat docks could also be key areas for anglers to target. During the spring, bass will set up around docks as a transition spot, or even move up to the shallow walkways near the shore to spawn. A combination of jigs and soft plastics will be what most anglers tie on to target bass around boat docks.

https://www.collegiatebasschampionship.com/full-field-set-to-compete-at-lake-hartwell-for-the-hartwell-slam/

Carolina Structural Systems establishes first South Carolina operation in Anderson County

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Casey Brewington - Economic Development, News Releases, Uncategorized

NEWS RELEASE FROM SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

$4.7 million investment will create 60 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Carolina Structural Systems, a manufacturer of structural wood component systems, is establishing its first South Carolina operation in Anderson County. The $4.7 million investment will create 60 new jobs.

Carolina Structural Systems is a family-owned business that supplies fabricated wood components and engineered wood products for single and multi-family homes, and light commercial projects. The company opened its first facility in Star, North Carolina in 2016. To better serve the Upstate South Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia markets, the company purchased and is expanding a 30,000-square-foot building located at 909 Amity Road in Anderson.

Operations will be online by the end of this year.

QUOTES

“We are proud of our growth and expansion and particularly proud to have decided to make this expansion in the Upstate. The stable construction industry and healthy workforce have us very excited to be part of this beautiful area. Everyone in South Carolina and, specifically, Anderson has made this decision easy for us.”

-Carolina Structural Systems General Manager David Green

“With its strong manufacturing reputation, South Carolina is the ideal place for Carolina Structural Systems to establish its new operations. We congratulate them on opening this new facility and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.”

-Gov. Henry McMaster

“South Carolina offers a pro-business climate that fosters success. We are pleased that Carolina Structural Systems is expanding into our state as it builds a framework for serving the Southeast.”

-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“I am so excited to see new investment, new jobs and better opportunities coming to this part of Anderson County. I have no doubt that Carolina Structural Systems will find that our workforce goes above and beyond the call of duty and will be proud partners in making this investment a tremendous success.”

-Anderson County Council District Two Councilman Glenn Davis

FIVE FAST FACTS

Carolina Structural Systems is establishing its first South Carolina operation in Anderson County.
The company’s $4.7 million investment will create 60 new jobs.
Carolina Structural Systems is a manufacturer and distributor of structural wood assembly systems.
The company will be located at 909 Amity Road in Anderson, S.C.
Operations will be online by the end of this year.

1st Annual Redfin Classic Fishing Tournament Set to Make a Splash in Anderson County, SC

Posted on September 22, 2023 by AndersonCountyECD - Uncategorized

Anderson, SC – September, 2023 – Get ready for an exhilarating day of competitive fishing and lakeside entertainment as we proudly announce the inaugural 1st Annual Redfin Classic Fishing Tournament. This exciting event will take place at the picturesque Green Pond Landing on Lake Hartwell, South Carolina, on Saturday Sept 30th.

In collaboration with Visit Anderson SC and Presented By Palmetto Boat Center, the 1st Annual Redfin Classic promises to be a highlight of the fishing calendar, offering anglers and outdoor enthusiasts an opportunity to showcase their skills and win big.

Key Event Highlights:

Location: Green Pond Landing in Anderson, SC
Date: September 30th, 2023
Prizes: Redfin Polarized is generously offering a staggering $20,000.00 cash prize for the 1st place winner. But the excitement doesn’t end there – if the victorious angler is sporting Redfin Sunglasses during the competition, they will receive a bonus prize of $5,000.00! With such incredible rewards, the stakes have never been higher.
Top 20 Payout: Even if you don’t clinch the top spot, don’t worry – there are fantastic prizes for the top 20 participants.
Boat Dealer Contingencies: Be on the lookout for additional rewards and surprises, courtesy of boat dealers.
Tournament Director: Leading the charge for this spectacular event is Tournament Director Carl Smith.
Host: Redfin Polarized
CEO: Hunter Johnson of Redfin Polarized is thrilled to be part of this grand initiative.

As a special treat for attendees, the night before the tournament, on September 29th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, there will be a FREE Concert, a selection of delectable food trucks, and more. It’s an opportunity to get the party started early and connect with fellow participants and fishing enthusiasts.

Carl Smith, the Tournament Director, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The 1st Annual Redfin Classic is not just a fishing tournament; it’s a celebration of our passion for the outdoors and the camaraderie that comes with it. We are thrilled to partner with Visit Anderson SC, Palmetto Boat Center, and Redfin Polarized to bring this event to life.”

CEO Hunter Johnson of Redfin Polarized added, “At Redfin Polarized, we are dedicated to supporting outdoor enthusiasts and enhancing their experiences. We are proud to be part of this remarkable tournament, and we can’t wait to see who will take home the grand prize.”

With its breathtaking location, substantial prizes, and thrilling activities, the 1st Annual Redfin Classic Fishing Tournament promises to be an event that anglers and spectators alike will cherish. Mark your calendars for Saturday September 30th, and don’t miss the pre-tournament festivities on September 29th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This is an event that promises to make waves!

For more information, registration details, and updates about the 1st Annual Redfin Classic, please visit the link.

Media Contact:

Hunter Johnson CEO hunter@redfinpolarzied.com

About Redfin Polarized

At Redfin, our unwavering commitment to outdoor enthusiasts is at the heart of everything we do. We take pride in crafting sunglasses that not only epitomize style and functionality but also elevate your outdoor experiences. Our partnership with Zeiss Polarized Lenses is a testament to our dedication to delivering unmatched clarity, protection, and comfort to those who cherish the great outdoors. With Redfin, you’re not just wearing sunglasses; you’re embracing a lifestyle that celebrates nature’s beauty while ensuring your eyes stay shielded and your adventures remain vivid. Trust Redfin to be your trusted companion in every sunlit adventure, where every moment is a testament to our polarized dedication.

About Visit Anderson SC

Visit Anderson SC plays a vital role in promoting tourism and outdoor activities in the picturesque region of Anderson, South Carolina. With its stunning natural landscapes, including pristine lakes and lush forests, the organization serves as a gateway to the area’s abundant recreational opportunities. Visit Anderson SC not only showcases the region’s diverse attractions, from boating and fishing on Lake Hartwell to hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but also fosters community engagement and supports local businesses, ensuring that visitors have a memorable and immersive experience. Through their efforts, Visit Anderson SC contributes to the growth of tourism and economic development in this charming corner of the Palmetto State.

About Palmetto Boat Center

Palmetto Boat Center is a prominent and trusted name in the boating and fishing industry. As a dedicated boat dealership and service center, they have a profound involvement in ensuring that enthusiasts and adventurers have access to top-quality watercraft and equipment. Offering a wide range of boat models, accessories, and expert maintenance services, Palmetto Boat Center not only helps customers find the perfect vessel but also supports the thriving boating and fishing community in the region. Their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction makes them a valued partner for anyone passionate about aquatic pursuits, making Palmetto Boat Center a cornerstone of the industry.

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ANDERSON COUNTY MEDIA CONTACT:

Matthew S. Schell – Manager Anderson County Parks Department

(O) 864.231.PARK(7275)

(M) 864.760.5948

mschell@andersoncountysc.org

For this and many other events and opportunities be sure to follow all Anderson County happenings on our social media. Anderson County is a vibrant town bustling with events, socials, community groups, and opportunities to get involved.