This weekend, more than 200 anglers from 14 states will descend on Garrison in hopes of landing the big one - a $10,000 prize.

The 33rd annual North Dakota Governor's Cup walleye fishing tournament kicks off Friday morning on Lake Sakakawea as anglers from as far away as Washington and North Carolina compete for the prize. Two hundred and thirteen teams had signed up as of Wednesday, which leaves organizers in the unusual position of having spaces open. The maximum number of registrants is 252.

Dick Messerly, Fort Stevenson State Park manager, said previous tournaments had filled on the day registration has opened, and speculated that rising gas prices are keeping some fishermen off the lake.

But it won't be enough to keep Bill Marshall home this year. He was already on the lake Wednesday afternoon, getting some practice in. He has participated in the tournament for each of its 32 years.

"I suppose I get the persistency award," he said from his boat. The tournament is one of the highlights of the summer, and a chance to team up with his brother for a weekend on the water, he said.

And, after 33 years, he's gotten to know a lot of the returning anglers, and that familiarity adds to the fun, he said.

"It's kind of like a big family reunion," he said.

So far, he said, the fishing had been a little slow, but he hopes it will pick up by the weekend.

Still, with more than 200 teams cruising the surface, something is bound to bite.

"You put that money, boats on the water, somebody's bound to catch something," he said.

And whoever catches the most something - walleye, in this case - will walk away with $10,000. There will be additional prizes for the biggest fish each day.

The fishing forecast for the weekend varies depending on who you ask, but Marshall said the weather has been a major factor.

"A week ago, (the fishing was) pretty darn good," he said. "But after the big cold front came through last week, it's been much tougher."

Joyce Pfliger, a chair member of the organizing committee, said some fishermen have been saying the fishing has been good; others haven't been having as much luck. But it might have more to do with who is asking.

"The last couple days, I've heard it was slow again; about a week ago, I heard that they were catching … I think it varies," she said. And, of course, some people don't tell the truth for fear of other people finding their hot spots, she added with a chuckle.

But Messerly sees a successful weekend ahead either way.

"We've had excellent fishing this spring … they seem to be into better health than last year," he said.

Regardless of the fishing or the weather, the forecast for the weekend is a lot of happy anglers, as they get out for a weekend in the boats.

"They're doing what the love, and they've got a chance to make money," Pfliger said.