53rd Big Bass Rodeo

On April 20-21, the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club hosted the 53rd Annual Big Bass Rodeo on Pine Creek Lake.  Sixty-six boats with one hundred twenty-two 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.  Angler numbers were down slightly this year, in part to the weather forecast for Saturday of the tournament. The weather forecast called for rain and thunderstorms with cooler temperatures and they were spot on. Only the die-hard anglers showed up to fish in these conditions.

Trent Tollett won the tournament with a bass that weighed 6.14 pounds.  For his first place finish, he received 25% of the entry fees plus an additional $200.00 from H2O Depot in Antlers. Eric Baskin finished in second place with a bass weighing 4.99 pounds. He received a check for 20 percent of the entry fees.  Third place honors went to Kris Reed with a bass weighing 4.86 pounds. Fourth place was won by Kynan Hobbs with a bass weighing 4.11 pounds.  Forrest cave finished fifth with a bass weighing 3.95 pounds. Each angler received a share of the entry fees.  Also, each received a large 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 Cooper Holiman with a bass of 3.03 pounds.  Cooper was awarded $200.00 from Tadpole’s Marine. Racin Hilton won the 13-15 age division with a bass that weighed 3.26 pounds. Racin receive $200.00 from Tadpole’s Marine.  Each received a plaque, courtesy of Kiamichi Kreations.

Tadpole’s Marine also awarded the angler that was closest to 4.00 pounds, without going over, a cash prize of $100.00.  Forrest Cave won this prize with a bass that weighed 3.95 pounds.  Mill’s Quick Lube and Wash in Antlers awarded $100.00 the angler that had the lightest bass over 16” in length.  There was a three-way tie for this award. Tyler Self, Triston Murphy and Peyton Cave each caught a bass that weighed 1.82 pounds. The 100.00 dollar prize was split and each received $35.00.  After prizes had been awarded, a drawing was held for a Lew’s KVD bait casting reel donated by Janoe’s Garage, Bassin Buddies baits & MinnKota Service Center.  Billy Latham 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 every angler that weighed a bass over 16 inches in length was 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-three years.

Club members will hold a bass tournament on May 4, at McGee Creek Lake.  Launch site will be the Buster Hights boat ramp.  Fishing times will be from “safe light” to 3:30 p.m.