Ohio Bass Tournament Report

Cast For A Cause 

by Brian B. Caudill

 

 

           

When we think of tournament bass fishing, we think of intense competition. Outwitting the fish and our fellow fishermen. Capitalizing on both physical technique and mental decision-making to be the best on a given body of water on a given day, and then basking in the glory of victory while reaping the rewards. We think of fast boats, big bass, and last second heroics. We think of winning.   

 

Any of us involved with tournament bass angling would quickly agree that casting for cash is without a doubt an energizing and thrilling proposition. In fact, the very thought of it keeps many of us awake at night, and play a very important role in the enjoyment we get from our lives. This season I encourage you to add even more meaning meaning to your angling endeavors by participating in events that help others. I encourage you not only to cast for cash, but to also cast for a cause.

 

The Cast for a Cure tournament circuit is one example of how Ohio anglers can enjoy the sport the love and at the same time help make a difference. Beginning in 1994, Cast for a Cure has offered organized bass tournaments to benefit physical and mental health organizations throughout the Mercer county area, including the American Cancer Society. They essentially offer anglers the opportunity to compete in bass tournaments, while at the same time benefitting their fellow man and woman. The prize money is still excellent, and some of the area’s best routinely turn out for these events. A definite win-win situation for everyone involved. 

 

Six tournaments a year comprise the Cast for a Cure schedule – Indian Lake top guns Gary Ganger and Dave Burt won the first event on April 2nd at Indian (a testament to the caliber of the competition) and the second event will have taken place by the time you read this. There is still plenty of time to get involved though, so consider checking out one of the remaining events for 2006:

 

            June 4                         Indian Lake

            July 2                           Grand Lake St. Marys

            August 13                    Indian Lake

            September 10              Grand Lake St. Marys

 

Visit www.castforacure.org for more information, or call 419 586 6126 for details.

 

Other opportunities also exist for the angler looking to be a part of something bigger. On July 16th, the Southern Ohio Bassmasters are hosting a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Details are as follows: 

 

July 16
American Cancer Society Funraiser Open
Hosted by Southern Ohio Bassmasters
Dillon - 146 Ramp
Contact Tom Sprankel, 740-454-7349

 

And don’t forget to mark your calendars for one of the state’s most popular charitable events, the Hospice benefit tournament at Indian Lake. This year’s event takes place on Sunday, August 27th, and will benefit the Shriners and Hospice. This is a great event that draws rave reviews from anglers all over the state. Don’t miss it! Contact Tammy Gebhart, 937-623-1277 for more information, or visit www.turkeyfootcrew.org.

 

In between doing your good deeds on the water, consider these equally exciting (though less charitable!) events coming up in the next few months:

June 3
Midwest Sportsman O'Shaughnessy Open
O'Shaughnessy - Home Road Ramp
Email midwestsportsman@sbcglobal.net  

June 11
14th Annual Byers Chevrolet Open
O'Shaughnessy - Home Road ramp
Contact Chuck Walraven, 740-927-0102

June 17
NBAA St. Clair Super Bass Open
Lake St. Clair - Harley Ensign Ramp
$5,000 1st place
Visit www.nbaa-bass.com or call 269-945-9484

July 1
17th Annual Adopt-A-Bass
Grand Prize - 2006 Ranger Boat!
Ohio Rivers - Tanners Creek
Visit www.DixieMarine.com, or call 513 874-0825

Stay tuned next issue for a full rundown of results from recent events, including the Salmoides Classic held on Kentucky Lake and the Wal-Mart BFL on Grand Lake St. Marys, just to name a few.   

If you have information on an upcoming event, results, photos or anything else bass fishing or tournament related, and would like to see it in this column, or if you have comments or other requests, please email me at bcaudill@ohiobassangler.com. Thanks for checking out the Country Anglin’ Outdoor Guide’s Ohio Bass Tournament Report, and best of luck in your angling pursuits!