April 16, 2025
The National Professional Fishing League issued the following statement in regard to a boating accident that occurred today during the event at Lake Norman.
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. – At approximately 7:30 a.m. ET, emergency personnel responded to a boating accident on Lake Norman involving two vessels, including one operated by National Professional Fishing League angler Jessie Ayers of Antlers, Oklahoma. All individuals involved were accounted for and evacuated for medical evaluation. No life-threatening injuries were reported.
The cause and circumstances of the accident will be investigated by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and other appropriate authorities.
“We’re extremely grateful that this incident did not result in any severe injuries,” said NPFL President Brad Fuller. “Our primary concern is always for the health and safety of our anglers and anyone else using the water. We take boating safety extremely seriously.”
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NPFL Rule 10 requires that competitors wear personal floatation devices whenever the outboard motor is running and in gear, and competition boats must be equipped with emergency ignition shut-off devices designed to stop the outboard if the driver is separated from the driver’s seat. In addition, competitors must comply with all state boating and fishing regulations.
More details of this incident will be forthcoming as they become available.
