Idaho angler in pursuit of elite fishing title

One angler from Idaho has qualified to compete in the 2011 Bassmaster Elite Series, which includes eight fishing tournaments offering a top prize of $100,000 each.

The Idaho qualifier is Brandon Palaniuk of Rathdrum.

He is among more than a hundred of the most talented anglers in bass fishing representing 27 states and one foreign country. The field includes perhaps the greatest competition angler of all time, Kevin VanDam, a Michigan fisherman with more than $5 million in career earnings.

Each Bassmaster Elite Series tournament offers a $100,000 top prize, a chance to qualify for the legendary Bassmaster Classic and a shot at the 2011 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title.