44th Annual Big Bass Rodeo

      Members of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club held their 44th Annual Big Bass Rodeo on April 18-19.   The big bass tournament was held on Pine Creek Lake. Fifty-two boats with approximately one hundred anglers were entered in the event.  Cash prizes and trophies were awarded to the top five finishers.

Jonnie Ivey took home the first place trophy and cash prize for his bass that weighed 5.30 pounds.  Joe Williams finished in second place with a bass that weighed 5.23 pounds.  The third place bass was caught by Randy Janoe.  It weighed 5.06 pounds.  Blake Guest came in fourth with his bass weighing 4.91 pounds.  The fifth place finisher was Michael Wheeler.  His bass weighed 4.83 pounds.  Every angler that caught a bass that weighed at least 3.25 pounds or larger received a prize.  Altogether, fifty-four anglers received a prize or cash award.  From sixth place on down, anglers received prizes that ranged from rods and reels to battery chargers to assorted fishing tackle and boating supplies and store gift certificates.  Area merchants had either donated prizes or cash for these prizes.  Many of these merchants have supported the Big Bass Rodeo for its entire forty-four years and their support is what keeps making this tournament a success.

  Big Bass Rodeo Winners:  Left to right, 1st thru 5th Place;
Jonnie Ivey, Joe Williams, Randy Janoe, Blake Guest, Michael Wheeler

The club’s next bass tournament will be on May 2.  It will be held on Sardis Lake at Sardis Cove boat landing.  Fishing times will be from “safe light” until 3:00 p.m.

 Top Ten results after BBR:

Turkey Contest Changes

At the March 9, 2015 meeting, members voted to change the rules for our club’s turkey hunting contest.  Previously, the heaviest bird checked in won first place and the turkey with the longest beard won second place.  To keep members from having to travel after they harvest a bird and get it weighed on club scales, members voted to base places on beard length only.  This way, a member can simply remove the beard during the cleaning process and freeze it or salt down the skin portion and bring it to the May meeting to be measured.  The longest beard will win first place and the second longest beard will win second place.  Members are reminded that the entry fee of $7.00 must be paid before season begins, which is April 20, this year.  Turkeys must be taken by fair chase and killed in Pushmataha county or an adjoining county.  First place receives 50% of the entry fees and second place receives 40% of the entry fees.  Both receive a plaque at the annual awards banquet.

44th Annual Big Bass Rodeo, April 18-19

If you enjoy bass fishing, winning cash, prizes and trophies, then you might want to consider entering in this year’s Big Bass Rodeo.  The Pushmataha County Sportsman Club will host the 44th Annual Big Bass Rodeo on April 18-19, at Pine Creek Lake.  This is the oldest, continuous running big bass tournament in the state and quite possibly the nation.  This is the club’s only fund raising event. Proceeds from the tournament will be used for prizes and food at the club’s free youth tournament & cookout, scheduled for May 9 at McGee Creek, awards and prizes for kids during the annual awards banquet and other club activities.

Headquarters for the Big Bass Rodeo will be at the pavilion on Rock Creek Point in Little River South Park.  The entry fee is $25.00 per angler.  The first 120 contestants will receive a Big Bass Rodeo cap provided by Pruett’s Foods and AmeriState Bank of Antlers. You must be member of the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club to compete.  Memberships are $15.00 per year or a temporary membership, good for one tournament, is available for $5.00.  There is a guaranteed first place prize of at least $500.00.  Winners are determined by the weight of their heaviest bass weighed in.  Cash prizes will be awarded to the top five finishers based on a percentage of the total entry fee money.  Each of the top five contestants will also receive a trophy provided by FirstBank in Antlers. This tournament would not be a success without the support of our local merchants.  Sixth place on down will win prizes donated by these merchants until the supply of prizes is exhausted.  Altogether, almost four thousand dollars in cash, prizes, caps and trophies will be awarded to contestants placing in the event.

Contestants may enter on Friday, April 17, from 5:30 until 9:30 p.m. at the tournament headquarters or on Saturday morning before the start of the tournament.  Fishing times will be from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Members are reminded that turkey season opens on Monday, April 20, in the southeast counties of Oklahoma.  Those wishing to enter the club’s turkey season contest must have their entries paid before season begins.  Entry fee for the contest is $7.00 per person.  Winners this year will be determined by the length of the turkey’s beard.  The member that harvest the turkey with the longest beard will be awarded first place and the next longest will be second.  Each will receive a share of the entry fees and a plaque.  Entry fees may be paid at Silvey’s Tax or to any club officer.

Billy Latham, president