Elite pro Casey Ashley of Donalds, S.C., has fished Lake Murray many times, and he said next week's event will bring some big fish.

"It's going to be a topwater slugfest," Ashley said. "The herring will be running. It'll be a lot like Clarks Hill, it'll be postspawn and the fish will be up in the flats. A lot of topwater action ... that's all you can do. Maybe throw in a jig now and then."

Last week, Ashley finished fifth in the Pride of Georgia presented by Evan Williams Bourbon. Since he thinks Murray will fish similarly to Clarks Hill, the South Carolinian hopes the upcoming event in his home state will deliver a second straight top-five finish, and maybe victory.

"I sure hope so," Ashley said. Read More