The National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) has announced changes to the tournament schedule and times for stop next month's event at Pickwick Lake in Counce, Tenn. It will now be a Wednesday-through-Friday event (July 10-12) with launches during mid-day hours.
Takeoff is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. local time, with the first flight checking in at 5:45 p.m.
"Water flow on any (Tennessee Valley Authority) system undeniably impacts fishing quality," said Brad Fuller, president of the NPFL. "Our goal is to maximize daily weights and overall catch numbers. After extensive discussions, we concluded that the 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. window offers optimal conditions for our competitors."
Local angler Brandon Perkins, who won the last two events on Pickwick in July 2021 and March 2023, commended the league for recognizing this opportunity.
"I appreciate the flexibility the league has shown with this event," said Perkins. "By avoiding a large event scheduled for Saturday and adjusting launch times, the league has opened up another feeding window for all competitors."
Perkins anticipates a challenging competition given the widespread understanding of ledge fishing among participants.
"Despite the postspawn conditions and scattered fish, the later launch and check-in times should benefit the entire field," Perkins explained. "This change will not only improve overall fish care but also enhance the competitive dynamics of the event."
Jesse Wise, another competitor, echoed Perkins' sentiments, noting the potential impact of weather and TVA flow regulations on fishing conditions.
"The afternoon window will undoubtedly help us catch more fish," said Wise. "While we may miss the morning bite window, the extended fishing hours should level the playing field and contribute to a more exciting tournament."
