Many of the nation’s top anglers are set to cast their lines in Lewis Smith Lake as Major League Fishing launches a week-long tournament that will be followed by millions of people daily through a live stream.

Many of the nation’s top anglers are set to cast their lines in Lewis Smith Lake as Major League Fishing launches a week-long tournament that will be followed by millions of people daily through a live stream.

Marty Stone, J.T. Kenney and Chad McKee will produce the live stream today through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A post game show will be hosted daily on the stage by Depot Park.

“Smith Lake has turned into one of the best tournament setting. It’s full of fish, which was the case many years ago,” said Stone, a former professional angler. “I’m excited to show the world the new Smith Lake.”

Years ago, Stone said Smith Lake was difficult to fish and had size limits for anglers. But the fish population, he said, has grown tremendously and it is now one of the most desirable settings for fishing.

Forty MLF pros compete the first day, followed by another 40 the second day. Day 3 begins the elimination round.

The final day, Sunday, is when the remaining anglers will compete for the championship of the Bass Pro Tour Phoenix Boats Stage Five.

Fans can come to the stage each day at 4 p.m., which includes another live stream at majorleaguefishing.com, to learn about results and see the stars of fishing.

“Our sport is one where the fans can come out and have access to the anglers,” Stone said.

Weighings take place in the boat and all fish are released immediately. Anglers can be penalized if a fish bumps the boat or their bodies.

Cullman officials also expected a significant economic impact from the tournament, as well as valuable exposure for the area. Everyone involved in the tournament is booked into local hotels.

1st Place  —   $100,000

2nd Place  —   $42,000

3rd Place   —  $30,000

4th Place —    $24,000

5th Place  —   $18,000

6th Place  —   $16,800

7th Place  —   $15,600

8th Place  —   $14,400

9th Place   —  $13,200

10th Place  —   $12,000

11th-40th Place  —   $6,000

Big Bass Daily  —    $1,000

Big Bass Overall  —   $1,000