Huntsville will host the 2016 Forrest L. Wood (FLW) Cup for the world championship of bass fishing on Aug. 4-7. The tournament will attract an estimated 6,000 fishing enthusiasts and expected economic impact of $2 million. (CONTRIBUTED)

HUNTSVILLE – For the first time, Huntsville will host the Forrest L. Wood (FLW) Cup for the world championship of bass fishing.

Called the “Super Bowl of professional fishing,” the 2016 competition will attract an estimated 6,000 fishing enthusiasts and expected economic impact of $2 million, according to Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB).

Tournament dates are Aug. 4-7, 2016 with anglers launching from Ditto Landing to fish on Wheeler Lake. Walmart presents the cup championship.

Anglers of all skill levels will compete for millions in prize money nationwide in 2016 during 240 tournaments across five tournament circuits. Four of those circuits lead to the Forrest Wood Cup, the sport’s richest payday and most coveted championship trophy.

“Wheeler Lake has been the site of many successful FLW events,” FLW President of Operations Kathy Fennel said. “We’re thrilled to be working with our partners at Huntsville/Madison County CVB to bring the Super Bowl of professional fishing to Alabama in 2016.”

The championship event will attract approximately 30,000 to 40,000 attendees during four days. Weigh-in and a free expo will be held at the Von Braun Center.

“We invite attendees to come experience our hospitality and get a taste of why Huntsville is ranked as one of the top places to live, work and play,” CVB President Judy Ryals said.

Don Dukemineer, CVB Convention Sales Manager, wants everyone “to leave with a great Rocket City experience. It’s an honor to be selected by FLW Outdoors as host of the 2016 Forrest Wood Cup. I encourage fans to attend the 2016 Cup and experience why Huntsville/Madison County and North Alabama are a fishing enthusiast’s paradise.”

Founded in 1970, the CVB is a non-profit 501(c)6 organization that creates economic growth for Huntsville and Madison County by marketing the community as a top-of-mind convention and visitor destination.

CVB’s address is 500 Church St. NW, Suite One in Huntsville. For more information, visit huntsville.org.