TEXARKANA, TX – The National Professional Fishing League is expected to return to Wright Patman Lake for future events after a successful bass tournament in April.

An NPFL tournament at Wright Patman won’t be an annual event, but future tournaments are under consideration there and could include a championship event, Ross Cowling of the Parks and Recreation Department told City Council after the success of this spring.

“It’s these projects that make you very proud to be an employee of the city. Nothing but positive feedback,” said Cowling.

On the week of April 18, more than 100 NPFL anglers, their families and league staff visited Texarkana to participate in a three-day tournament with a grand prize of $ 50,000. Keith Carson hit a limit of over 20 pounds each of the three days and finished with a total of 67 pounds and 10 ounces up for grabs. The total payout for the tournament was $ 425,000.

During the week, anglers participated in community service events including fishing at Spring Lake Park with clients from Opportunities Inc. and sharing knowledge with fishing crews from Hooks, Texas, High School and Genoa, Arkansas, High School.

And they gave a boost to the local economy. About 27% spent more than $ 5,000 each in Texarkana, and the rest spent $ 2,000 to $ 5,000, according to a Chamber of Commerce survey.

“Overall it’s a great event,” said Cowling. “They want to come back when the time is right for their schedule and Wright Patman could very well provide them with the most weight throughout the season.”

It was the NPFL’s first year and the Wright Patman tournament was its second event of the season. The NPFL has hosted three tournaments since, in Florida, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

“The league’s goal is to make a lucrative business for professionals who also hold full-time jobs. Anglers are encouraged to fish on other tours as well,” according to its website. He promises winnings for one in three anglers at each tournament.

“Payments were controlled by 36 prominent fishermen. At their request, the upper end of the payout range was distributed across the field. This ensures that more fishermen make a profit at each event,” the website says.