54th Big Bass Rodeo Results

 

On April 26-27, the Pushmataha County Sportsman Club hosted the 54th Annual Big Bass Rodeo on Pine Creek Lake.  Seventy-four boats with one hundred fifty anglers competed in the big bass tournament.  The first 120 contestants received a free cap with the Big Bass Rodeo logo on it, courtesy of Pruett’s Food and AmeriState Bank.  The lake was about 2.5 feet above normal and falling. The lake water temperature was running in the low to mid-seventies. The weather was nice with the exception of a severe thunderstorm that moved across the lake at about 3:30 on the first day of the event. Of the 150 anglers, 129 were able to catch a bass over the tournament’s minimum sixteen inch length limit.

Clay Rogers won the tournament with a bass that weighed 5.64 pounds.  For his first place finish, he received 25% of the entry fees.. Earl Jones finished in second place with a bass weighing 5.00 pounds. He received a check for 20 percent of the entry fees.  Third place honors went to Clay Mack with a bass weighing 4.10 pounds. Fourth place was won by Brittany Sharp with a bass weighing 4.06 pounds.  Steven Pond finished fifth with a bass weighing 3.98 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 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 Londyn Allen with a bass weighing 3.21 pounds.   Levi Lawrence won the 13-15 age division with a bass that weighed 3.63 pounds. Both anglers received $200.00 from Tadpole’s Marine and 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.  Steven Pond won this prize with a bass that weighed 3.98 pounds.  H2O Depot in Antlers awarded $100.00 the angler that had the lightest bass over 16” in length.  Joe Janoe won this prize with a bass that weighed 1.64 pounds.  After prizes had been awarded, a drawing was held for a FX casting rod, donated by Janoe’s Garage, Bassin Buddies baits & MinnKota Service Center.

Anglers that placed sixth or lower were awarded cash, prizes or gift certificates provided by area merchants.  Our local merchants were so generous that seventy-four 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-four years.

The club’s next event will be the annual free youth fishing tournament.  It will be held on Saturday, May 10, at McGee Creek Lake. Entries will be taken at the Buster Hights boat ramp parking area.  Fishing times will be from 8:00-12:00.  After fish have been weighed, the young anglers and their parents will be treated to a hot dog cookout at the pavilion in Buster Hights Park.  Every child will receive a prize.  The tournament is open to anglers age 16 or under.  For more information, check out our flyer on our Facebook page.