ROGERS, Ark. -- Despite the high gas prices, one of the biggest fishing tournaments in the world has many making the drive to Beaver Lake, and many of them spend a lot of money in local businesses.

FLW Lures In Big Business

The FLW brings thousands to the area, and in the world of fishing this tournament is a big deal.

More than 400 anglers are in the tournament, and they bring with them families and fans who will be staying, eating, and shopping in the area.

Just looking at the trailer license plates at the Prairie Creek boat ramp on Beaver Lake shows that there are anglers at Beaver Lake from every state and some from other countries.

The FLW Tour includes more than 200 tournaments, and Beaver Bake and its aquatic gold have tournament organizers hooked.

"This is the only lake we come to every single year," said Charlie Evans, president and CEO of FLW Outdoors.

Local business owners are glad to see the anglers.

"We love it when they come here. The dining room does good business. It's full every night," said some Linda Turner from Tony C's Restaurant in Rogers.

It takes a lot of work to put on this tournament. There are vendors and the tournament organizers in town. Many anglers bring their families, and then there are the fans. All of these groups are spending money.

Many of the anglers got here a week ago to pre-fish the lake. This tournament is a big boost to the local economy in a time when it is much needed.

The anglers are worried about their personal economy, with $1.5 million at stake. Even though fishing looks like fun, anyone who talks to an angler can tell -- it's their job.

"They're serious about fishing. They're not going to come in and party and drink and socialize. They're here to fish," Turner said.

As far as fans are concerned, Saturday and Sunday are expected to be the biggest days, with the final weigh-in on Sunday.

This year the Rogers Visitors Bureau and the University of Arkansas have partnered to do an economic impact survey of the tournament on the area.