Violette Denise Sesco has fished tournaments for almost 30 years, but this week's Women's Bassmaster event at Thurmond Lake will be different.

It will be her last.

"I'll be 83 in February, but they still call me 'The Sesco Kid,' " the Citrus Springs, Fla., angler said. "I've always liked to fish, even when I was a little kid."

Sesco, who joined female pros and co-anglers at Wednesday's registration at Academy Sports in Evans, still plans to enjoy herself during the three-day event headquartered at Wildwood Park.

"I'm doing really good to be here," she said, noting a recent knee surgery. But after this event, she plans to hang up her rods and reels, at least as far as tournament travel is concerned.

In all, about 75 professionals and a like number of co-anglers are in town for the inaugural Women's Bassmaster Tour event, said tour director Bruce Mathis.

That number is down slightly from other tournaments, but the effect of recent storms and escalating gas prices has kept some away. Regardless, anglers came in from as far away as the West Coast.

Lesli Lively was more than happy to leave her east Texas home.

"We had a 16-hour drive, and we even beat Hurricane Ike," she said.

During practice rounds, she was delighted to land -- and release -- a whopping 5-pounder, which she hopes is a harbinger of success.

"I gave him a kiss and said, 'Come back and see me Thursday,' " she said.

Bonnie Ward made the trip from her home near Seattle, but fortunately she didn't have to tow a boat across the country.

"We flew to Orlando and drove up from there," she said.

Despite low water and closed boat ramps, tournament organizers are hopeful for some heavy bags during the event.

Top prizes include a $50,000 Triton/Mercury boat, plus $1,000 cash, for the winner; and a $25,000 boat outfit and $500 for the winning co-angler, Mathis said.