Anglers to Tangle cont.

Tournament winner Gordon Vanderpool of Franklin, N.C. took home $500 and a free weekend stay at Firefly Cove, a luxury lakefront development in Lake Lure. Vanderpool, who only entered the competitive fly-fishing circuit in 2008, said it was “an honor to win against those guys.”

Chris Smith of Fort Mill, S.C., and Team Stonefly co-founder, placed fourth in the 2009 Olympiad. Smith is supportive of the growing competitive nature of fly-fishing.

“It’s safe to say that competitive fly fishing in the United States is on the rise, and this is especially true in the talent-rich southeast,” comments Smith. "One of our team’s goals is to support individuals as they express interest in the competitive aspects of the sport, and quality events like the Olympiad Fly Masters are a key ingredient to success.”

The 2010 tournament winner will take home a cash prize, plus a 3-day/2-night stay at Firefly Cove and original artwork from angler Paul Thompson. Registration is $50/adults and $25/youth and is open through 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 24.

Funds raised from the fly-fishing tournament will benefit athletic programs of the new Lake Lure Classical Academy slated to open this August. Additional sponsors include Team Stonefly Competitive Fly Fishing, Alyssa's Restaurant & Bar, Larkin’s on the Lake Restaurant, The Geneva Riverside Motel, Mountain 1st Bank, Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills, The McConnell Group Public Relations, and Lake Lure Adventure Company.

For more information on the 2010 Olympiad Fly Masters, visit www.granddaddyflyfishing.com or call 828-288-1221. For more information on the 2010 Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad Sports Festival on Aug. 26-29, please visit www.hickorynutolympiad.com.