Its not just fun and games, fishing can actually change lives...

and for proof of that, look no further than Tommy Skarlis! Last year's FLW Champion won roughly $150,000 in prize money after four days of fishing near Bismarck...

and this year, he's looking for an encore.



The angler from Iowa is back in Bismarck, for the 2009 FLW Championship, with hopes off adding another trophey to his collection and some more money to his wallet.

His plan of attack will be some rigging and jigging.



"(Tommy Skarlis:) It was pretty awesome winning the FLW 2008 Walleye Tour Championship, especially since it was in Bismarck, North Dakota. I have been here for seven other championships besides that one and scratched the top ten once and always wanted to win here and love the people in both Bismarck and Mandan and all of the surrounding communities like Wilton and got a lot of great friends, so it was really special for me. "




Besides Skarlis, there's over 100 other anglers from 16 States and Canada that will compete in the co-and pro divisions.

Day 1 is tomorrow, with the tournament going until Saturday. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list