Ohio Bass Tournament Report
“Cash-In” On Ohio Bassin’ This
Season
by Brian B. Caudill
The onset of a new fishing season is an event that never gets old. The annual realization that Winter doesn’t really last forever and that we will soon be on the water again can bring on a euphoric sense of delight that rivals any of our fondest memories. This past Winter has been especially challenging, offering just enough glimpses of nice weather throughout December and January to make us believe it really might be the earliest spring in history, only to come back with a frigid vengeance and make up for lost time in February. I must admit it’s nearly enough to make a hardcore bass fisherman snap!
However, like the many (and depending on your age, very many) seasons gone-by, we have somehow again managed to survive. Sure, it may have required a few interventions, like purchasing new gear, cleaning every reel we own, organizing and reorganizing our tackle, hanging out at every boat show within a 400 mile radius, and reading all the fishing magazines cover to cover, but we made it. We’ve been talking for hours about all the bass we’re going to catch and all the tournaments we’re going to win in 2006; Now it’s time to get down to business and start actually doing some catching and some winning. So break out your 2006 tournament calendars, and get ready to start filling them up with events of your choice – there are more options than ever!
Maybe winning a new boat is your goal this season? Multiple opportunities to help you add to your collection of vessels are available. The FLW Stren (formerly Everstart) series will be making a stop on Lake Erie in Cleveland on July 19th, and offers a new Ranger boat to the first place boater and coangler. A trip to www.flwoutdoors.com will give you all the information you need and then some. Ohio Ranger dealer Dixie Marine has stepped up and is offering two tournament trails leading to a championship event and a new Ranger this season. They also sponsor the Adopt-A-Bass tournament being held July 1st out of Tanners Creek. A new Ranger boat is given away in that event as well, and you don’t even have to win the tournament to take it home. If winning a new Ranger isn’t on the agenda, Dixie can sell you one at a great price! Visit www.dixiemarine.com for details.
If you’re looking for something a little closer to home, consider one of the Midwest Sportsman’s series. Multiple circuits are available throughout Ohio, and qualifying teams advance to a classic event in October where two, (that’s right, two) new boats are awarded to the winning team. Though not official, word on the street is this year’s Midwest Sportsman classic will be held on Lake Guntersville. If that’s not reason enough to consider it, I don’t know what is! Visit www.midwest-sportsman.com for all the information.
If new boats aren’t you’re thing, maybe new money is. You mean I can get paid to fish – what a concept! Consider upping your net worth by entering high-payout events such as the “Mosquito Madness” Open May 20th and 21st, guaranteeing $10,000 to the winning team (www.dobass.com) and the Billy Backman Ohio River Challenge, September 23rd and 24th , also paying out $10,000 to the champion (www.dixiemarine.com). In addition to those headliners, nearly all of the open tournaments reward angling expertise with significant prize money, and also help support Ohio’s bass clubs or other worthy causes. Here’s a sample of some early season events you may want to look into:
March 25
Coshocton Wrestling Boosters Ice-Breaker Open
Salt Fork - Old Marina ramp
Call Tim Ward, 740 622 1467 (740 502 2459 after 9pm)
April 9
Perry County Anglers Leroy Sheppard Memorial
Buckeye Lake - Leibs Island ramp
Contact Don, 740-743-2364 for info
April 9
Yankee Bassmasters of Harrod Ice Breaker
Indian Lake
- Chippewa State Park
Contact Trevor Berryman, 419 968-2219 (after 4pm)
April 23
Trophy Bassmasters "Spring Open"
Indian Lake
- Moundwood ramp
Email bob@dbscorp.net more info
April 29
Midwest Sportsman Alum Creek Open
Alum Creek
Email midwestsportsman@sbcglobal.net for more info
May 7
Southern Ohio Bassmasters 28th Dillon Open
Dillon - Marina ramp
Contact Tom Sprankel, 740-454-7349
May 13
Buckeye Outdoors Marine Buckeye Open
Buckeye Lake - Liebs Island ramp
Contact Homer Shull, 740-927-8300
May 13
New Straitsville Masonic Lodge #484 Open
Buckeye Lake - North Shore ramp
Contact Wesley Kemper, 740-394-2787 for info
Of course this is just the tip of the tournament iceberg. A number of other opens, circuits, and weeknight events open up a world of choices for the Ohio tournament angler. Check them all out at www.ohiobassangler.com.
Regardless of where you fish, when you fish, or whether you choose to compete or not, the reward of spending a day on the water is beyond a price or a paycheck. Much like that feeling we get when the new season arrives, the excitement of boating that next big bass compensates us with a sense of happiness and satisfaction that also never gets old.
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 with your spring angling endeavors!