Leesburg is welcoming the Bassmaster Elite Series back to the Lakefront City.
The 2024 Lowrance Bassmaster Elite comes to the Harris Chain of Lakes April 11-14. Daily takeoffs are set for 7 a.m. from Leesburg’s Ski Beach and anglers will return to Ski Beach each day at 3 p.m. for weigh-ins.
The boat ramps and parking areas at both Venetian Gardens and Ski Beach will be impacted by the tournament. The parking area at the Venetian Gardens ramp will be closed April 8-14. The Venetian Gardens ramp will be open for launching boats throughout the tournament, but vehicles and trailers must be parked in the Canal Street ballfield area, located at the intersection of Canal Street and Dixie Avenue, across the street from Venetian Gardens. The Ski Beach ramp will be open through April 10, with parking available in grass areas only. The ramp and parking at Ski Beach will be closed from April 11-14, while the tournament is underway. Boaters should expect these areas to be busier than normal from now through the end of the competition, as anglers prepare for the tournament.
Spectators are welcome to the daily weigh-ins at Ski Beach. The Expo opens at noon on Saturday and Sunday with exhibits, boat demonstrations and food trucks. The tournament will be livestreamed daily on Bassmaster.com and coverage will be available on FS1 on Saturday and Sunday.
“Leesburg, Lake County and the Harris Chain of Lakes have long been recognized as a location ‘where the big bass bite’,” said Recreation Director Travis Rima. “We are excited to welcome the Bassmaster Elite event back to Leesburg. Lake County/Discover Lake and GO Sports are excellent partners in these endeavors. The City of Leesburg is proud to showcase Leesburg and the Harris Chain of Lakes to the national audience.”
The Elite Series last stopped in Leesburg in February, 2022. It is the highest level of professional bass fishing tournaments and brings a huge impact to the local economy. For more information on the tournament please visit www.bassmaster.com.
