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