Big Bass Bonanza lures anglers from across the state

LITTLE ROCK, AR - This year’s three-day Big Bass Bonanza is underway along the Arkansas River, bringing fisherman from all over the state in hopes of winning a big prize.

"The overall winner who has the big fish in this tournament is going to get $50,000,” Weigh Master Tommy Hibdon explains. “The other four big fish in the other four sections get $10,000."

Fishermen braved the heat on the water, but some did not do as well as they hoped

David Davis says, "Conditions have been very hot and very tough out here today. I caught a bunch of small fish but nothing of any size"

But according to Ron Snider, the heat itself is probably not the reason for the lack of fish.

"I don't think it was the heat as much of the lack current,” Snider says. “The river is not flowing now and the bass usually feed better when you got a flow going on."

But Joey Cuslidge is happy with his catch

"We got one,” he says. “3.7 [pounds]. Awesome. Got us in the third place. Better than nothing."

Joey was fishing with his dad in hopes of winning the Willowleaf Award, 1000 extra dollars for a father-son team if they bring in the biggest fish in their section.

The record heat is not going to keep the fishermen away from the big bass bonanza. Over 1200 people are expected to take part through Sunday.