52nd Annual Big Bass Rodeo

On April 22-23, the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club hosted the 52nd Annual Big Bass Rodeo on Pine Creek Lake.  Seventy boats with one hundred forty-one anglers competed in the big bass tournament.  Every contestant received a free cap with the Big Bass Rodeo logo on it, courtesy of Pruett’s Food and AmeriState Bank.  The weather conditions were fair with high temps in the low seventies on Saturday but it was cooler on Sunday with light rain in the morning.   The lake level was near normal and fishing was good, with almost every angler weighing in a bass over the 16 inch minimum length for the tournament .

Amber Murphy won the tournament with a bass that weighed 4.56 pounds.  For her first place finish, she received 25% of the entry fees plus an additional $300.00 from Hank’s in Rattan. In a rare occurrence, there was a tie for second place.  Matthew Dial and Josh Hardy both caught a bass that weighed 4.23 pounds.  Second and third place money was added together and split evenly between the two. In addition to their share of the entry fee money, each received 150.00 courtesy of Jim Ray’s Quick Stop in Antlers and Thomas Land Work in Antlers.  Fourth place was won by Racin Hilton with a bass weighing 4.10 pounds.  Keegan Bohanan finished fifth with a bass weighing 3.99 pounds and received a share of the entry fees.  Each received a trophy, courtesy of FirstBank.

Also this year, prizes were awarded to anglers that were age twelve and under and to anglers age 13-15.  Tadpole’s Marine in Hugo and Mead Oklahoma sponsored the youth division and awarded the winner in each division $200.00 for their big bass. The 12 and under division was won by Kallen Hobbs with a bass of 3.61 pounds.  Kallen was awarded $200.00 from Tadpole’s Marine and also a plaque, courtesy of Kiamichi Kreations.  Racin Hilton won the 13-15 age division with a bass that weighed 4.10 pounds. Racin received a plaque and $200.00.

Tadpole’s Marine also awarded the angler that was closest to 4.00 pounds, without going over, a cash prize of $100.00.  Keegan Bohanan won this prize with a bass that weighed 3.99 pounds.  Mill’s Quick Lube and Wash in Antlers awarded $200.00 the angler that had the lightest bass over 16” in length.  This prize went to Kenny Briggs for his bass weighing 1.77 pounds.  After prizes had been awarded, a drawing was held for an ABU Revo SX bait casting reel donated by Janoe’s Garage, Used Cars & MinnKota Service Center.  Steffan Gribnitz was the winner of the reel.

Anglers that placed sixth or lower were awarded prizes or gift certificates provided by area merchants.  Businesses had donated prizes, gift cards or cash for prizes.  Our local merchants were so generous that over two-thirds of the anglers were able to receive a prize.  Those prizes included items such as rods, reels, lures, marine batteries and other items related to outdoor activities. The Pushmataha County Sportsman Club would like to say “Thank you” to all these merchants.  Their support is what has kept this tournament going for fifty-two years.

Club members will hold a bass tournament on May 6, at McGee Creek Lake.  Launch site will be the Potapo boat ramp.  Fishing times will be from “safe light” to 3:30 p.m.