Berkley Powerbait Cast for Cash rewards N.C. angler
Category: press release
Feb 25th, 2015 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Feb 25th, 2015 at 12:00 AM
Eric Nichols never thought he would be chosen to have a shot at winning $100,000, but that is exactly what happened at the 2015 Bassmaster Classic. The Berkley PowerBait Cast for Cash is an annual event that randomly selects one angler from the crowd of thousands to pitch a lure into a fish’s mouth. This year the Classic was held on South Carolina’s Lake Hartley near Greenville.
The Bessemer City, N.C. retired school teacher was randomly selected from a packed Bon Secours Wellness Arena crowd to test his casting skills in the Berkley PowerBait Cast for Cash contest at the final weigh in of the Bassmaster Classic.
Although the avid angler fell just a bit short on his attempt and was very close on his second attempt for $25,000, but Nichols didn’t go home empty handed. For his effort Berkley awarded him with a $5,000 check.
“Each year the team at Berkley looks forward to putting on the Berkley PowerBait Cast for Cash. It surprises me how close these anglers get to winning the whole thing,” said Chris Hockley, Berkley Marketing Manager. “Eric really had us excited during his practice session with Hank Parker. He had a great practice and we all thought he had a really good shot, but fell just a bit short in the arena.”
Nichols chose a new Berkley E-Motion rod and an Abu Garcia Revo SX baitcast reel spooled with Trilene XL for his cast. Hank Parker, legendary Bass angler, was on hand to provide one-on-one assistance and casting tips, ensuring Nichols had the best chance to win the cash prize.
“I was pretty nervous, but my time with Hank Parker backstage helped ease that,” said Nichols. “I really appreciate Berkley PowerBait giving me the opportunity. My mind was racing about what I might do with the money if I won it, but I was really shocked when Berkley gave me $5,000 after missing both casts.”