MLF tournament continues on Santee Cooper Lakes with Watch Party this weekend

The Major League Fishing Suzuki Stage Two Presented by Fenwick continued on Santee Cooper Lakes in Clarendon County on Wednesday, Feb. 21, with Jacob Wheeler of Harrison, Tennessee, taking the lead through one day of qualifying for Group B.

Wheeler, whose six wins and 28 top-10 finishes in Bass Pro Tour competition are unmatched, boated 13 scorable bass for 53 pounds, 8 ounces, on Wednesday, 4 pounds, 11 ounces clear of Lake Havasu City, Arizona's Dean Rojas, who caught 16 bass weighing 48-14 to end the day in second place.

The 40 anglers in Group B had the day off on Thursday, while the 40 anglers competing in Group A wrapped up their two-day Qualifying Round. Group B will finish their Qualifying Round on Friday, Feb. 23. The six-day tournament, hosted by the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce, showcases 80 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing for a purse of $659,000, including a top payout of $100,000 and valuable Fishing Clash Angler of the Year points in hopes of qualifying for the General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2025, the Bass Pro Tour championship.

On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 24-25, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit the John C. Land III landing for the MLF Watch Party. Fans can watch the pros live on the MLFNOW! big screen, enjoy free food, enter to win hourly giveaways and cheer on their favorite pros. The first 50 kids 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel from Pure Fishing each day. The final 10 Championship Round Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand at the trophy celebration on Championship Sunday to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies.