Greenville, S.C. � Atlanta has never hosted a Bassmaster Classic, and there's no guarantee it ever will.

But it could happen, says an official with the high-dollar bass tournament, the recognized world championship of professional bass fishing, which will award its winner today a check for $500,000.

A lot would have to happen before the ESPN-owned organization would select Atlanta, but the door is open, especially with Gov. Sonny Perdue's Go Fish Georgia initiative on the table.

The program was approved by the State Legislature in 2007 and sets aside $19 million of state funds to promote fishing in Georgia, including the construction of mega boat ramps that could attract big tournaments.

"The answer is a profound yes," said Michael Mulone, Bassmaster's director of site selection, when asked about the possibility of the Classic coming to North Georgia. read more