“I’ve won a lot of tournaments and been really blessed to have a successful career, but the Forrest Wood Cup is a title that is still on my bucket list,” said Walmart pro Mark Rose of West Memphis, Arkansas, who will be among the 50 anglers competing. “To win this tournament would really mean a lot to me and my family.”

“Last year I had nothing on my mind other than first place,” said the reigning 2015 Forrest Wood Cup champion Brad Knight of Lancing, Tennessee. “I’m approaching this tournament the same way – if you ain’t first, you’re last. The most exciting thing about this tournament for me is the opportunity to make history and become the first angler to win it twice.”

Wheeler Lake is setting up to be a bit of a wildcard for the tournament anglers, as competitors believe a variety of patterns will be in play.