54th Annual Big Bass Rodeo

 

If you like to fish, and at the same time possibly win cash, trophies or prizes, then you might be interested in the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club’s 54th Annual Big Bass Rodeo.  The big bass tournament will be held on April 26-27, at Pine Creek Lake.  According to the Wildlife Department, the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club is the oldest, continuous running sportsman club in the state and the Big Bass Rodeo is the oldest, continuous running big bass tournament in the state and quite possibly the nation.  The headquarters for the tournament this year will be located at the pavilion in Little River South Park. 

The entry fee for the tournament is only $25.00 but, for insurance purposes, you must be a member of the club.  Memberships are $20.00 per year or a temporary membership, good for the weekend only, is $5.00.  Anglers that are under age 16 do not need a membership and must fish with a parent or guardian that is a member and pay the entry fee. Membership into the club is open until the end of the Big Bass Rodeo.  After then, anyone wishing to join the club must attend a meeting and be voted on by members present. There will be five cash prizes based on a percentage of the entry fees.  The smallest bass over 16 inches in length will receive $100.00 courtesy of H2O Depot.  Also, the top five finishers will receive large trophies compliments of FirstBank.  The first 120 contestants will receive a free cap courtesy of AmeriState Bank and Pruett’s Food.  Tadpoles Marine of Hugo, OK will also pay $100.00 to the angler that catches a bass weighing closest to 4.00 pounds without going over.   Tadpoles Marine has also donated $200.00 to be given to the youth, age 12 or under, that catches the biggest bass in that age division.  They will also give $200.00 to the youth, age 13-15, that catches the largest bass in that age division. Kiamichi Kreations will provide plaques for each of the youth division winners.

After the top five cash prizes have been awarded, anglers will receive prizes donated by area merchants until the supply of prizes is exhausted.  There are usually forty to fifty prizes, or more, ranging in value of $25.00 to over $100.00.  Prizes generally include reels, rods, tackle boxes, lures and many other items related to fishing, hunting, camping or other outdoor activities.  Our area sponsors have been very generous this year and their support is greatly appreciated.  After all prizes have been awarded, a drawing will be held for a Lew’s KVD Tournament bait cast reel, courtesy of Janoe’s Garage, Bassin Buddies lures & MinnKota Service Center.  All entered contestants will be eligible but must be present to win.

You may enter on Friday evening from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. or before the tournament begins on Saturday morning.  Fishing times will be from 7:00 a.m-5:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on Sunday.  Complete rules can be viewed on our Facebook page. Pics of the BBR flyer and the entry forms have been posted on our page.  The lake is above normal and the forecast is calling for heavy rainfall this week.  There is a slight chance that if heavy rainfall does occur, the lake could rise to the point to where the US Army Corps of Engineers could close the boat ramps and some camping areas.  If this happens, the tournament may have to be postponed.  Check our Facebook page for the latest updates.

The US Army Corps of Engineers wanted us to remind boaters that a ramp pass is needed to unload your boat.  QR codes are posted at the gates and by the ramps that can be scanned and this will send you to the site where you can purchase a daily ramp pass.  Also, there is another tournament that will be unloading at the Lost Rapids boat ramp for those who usually unload there, so it will be crowded.