EDMOND —
I’m not a dedicated fisherman. I’ll go if someone will bait my hook, take me where the fish are practically jumping into the boat, then take the fish off and throw it back. That’s my idea of fishing. Oh, and it better be comfortably warm but not too hot. That’s why the hoopla over the Bassmaster Classic Tournament on Grand Lake, Feb. 22-24, seemed strange to me. But the more I learned about this gold-plated fishing event, the more intrigued I became.
It seems this competition is the equivalent of the Masters for golfers or the Super Bowl for pro football — just without green jackets or halftime extravaganzas. But it is a big deal for fishermen who have qualified through a number of run-up events. No women in this year’s competition. Though women are not excluded, none has ever qualified for the Classic.
B.A.S.S. — the Bass Angler Sportsman Society — was founded in Alabama in 1967. The organization held the first Bassmaster Classic in 1971. That year 24 fishermen were piled on a plane and delivered to a previously undisclosed destination (which turned out to be Lake Mead). This was to ensure that none of the competitors would be able to scope out the fishing spots. The anonymous location tradition lasted until 1977.
There was a great deal of interest in the competition and fans wanted in on the fun, so now the location is announced in advance. And fans do come. Northeast Oklahoma expects between 70,000 and 100,000 people attending various portions of the weekend activities.
The stars of the weekend are the 53 anglers who qualified for this year’s tournament. Competitors come from 21 states ranging from Maine to California, Florida to Idaho — and Zimbabwe. Alabama boasts the most qualifiers with eight. Texas, Tennessee and Florida each have four.
Three Oklahoma anglers are among those vying for prize money. Tommy Biffle of Wagoner will compete in his 18th Classic. Twice, in ’90 and ’94, he came in second.
For Edwin Evers of Talala, this is his 12th Classic. Jason Christie of Park Hill is making his debut in the tournament. Biffle’s runner-up wins were the closest any Oklahoman has come to winning the tournament.
The first-place fisherman will walk away with half a million dollars. The bottom of the pack finishers last year still won $10,000 each. Even wannabes can be winners with Bassmaster’s Fantasy fishing. Details can be found at www.bassmastersfantasy.com.
But back to the real world. What do spectators do at a fishing tournament? Events take place in Grove and in Tulsa. Die-hard fans flock to the morning launch when the anglers leave for the day’s fishing — 7 a.m. at Wolf Creek Park in Grove — Friday through Sunday. There will also be demo boat rides at the launch area during the tournament.
The city of Grove is hustling to complete construction of new floating boat ramps and paving of parking lots. A new dock is being assembled and portable “facilities” are being added. The town will be festooned with banners and shops will extend their hours to accommodate visitors. Citizens are scouring the lakeshore, cleaning up litter, to ready the area for national television coverage.
The BOK Center in Tulsa is the site for the daily weigh-ins. Each competitor will enter the arena in his boat — on a trailer and pulled by a truck, all suitably decorated with sponsor stickers. Entrance is free with doors opening at 3 p.m. each day. An emcee and entertainment keep the crowd occupied between weigh-ins. On Feb. 23-24, pre-weigh-in entertainment will include the Timberworks Lumberjack Show sponsored by Stihl. Watch speed carving, axe throwing and other feats. Just remember, these are professionals. Don’t try this at home! On the 24th, competitors from the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and the University of Arkansas match catches in the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series weigh-in.
A huge Outdoors Expo occupies 150,000 square feet of the Tulsa Convention Center. Visitors can visit with expert anglers, watch the leader board and check out vendors displaying fishing equipment, boats and other out-of-doors accoutrements. Admission is free — and you could win a fishing trip with Mike Iaconelli, legendary angler and past Bassmaster Classic winner. During the event, shuttles will run between hotels, event venues and Tulsa’s entertainment areas.
Although Grand Lake has hosted a number of large tournaments, this is the first time a Bassmaster Classic will be headquartered in Oklahoma. You might fudge a bit by mentioning the 1979 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Texoma — but it’s officially listed as Pottsboro, Texas. Even if you’re not a big fishing fan, get out and check out some of the events. They’re all free. And you might just get hooked on fishing. For more information, go to www.bassmaster.com and www.tulsasports.org/bassmaster.
ELAINE WARNER is an Edmond resident.
Local News
Related Photos
-
PHOTO PROVIDED | B.A.S.S. Matt Lee, a senior at Auburn University, is this year's youngest Bassmaster Classic competitor.
-
PHOTO PROVIDED | B.A.S.S. Dick's Sporting Goods is sponsoring an Outdoors Expo at the Tulsa Convention Center Feb. 22-24. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.
-
JAMES OVERSTREET | B.A.S.S. Tommy Biffle holds his championship trophy from the 2011 Central Open tournament, one of a number of tournaments in which competitors accumulate points to qualify for the Classic. Biffle's second-place finishes at the 1990 and 1994 Bassmaster Classic tournaments are the highest for an Oklahoma angler.
Discussion
Bassmasters to put on first event in state
- Local News
-
-
More than 120 from OC serve on summer missions
In the past year, Oklahoma Christian University emphasized “OC is Home” as a key theme to begin John deSteiguer’s tenure as president.
This summer, more than 120 students, staff and faculty are leaving the comforts of home to serve and spread the Gospel in around 20 countries, showing that “OC is Mission,” too.
“We are motivated and encouraged by the pure hearts for service that so many OC students have,” deSteiguer said. “We commend them, as well as our many faculty and staff who exemplify OC’s Christian mission to spread the good news and serve others.” -
FAI calling all pets for ‘Pets in the Park’
Animals now get their turn to connect with the activities at the Fine Arts Institute of Edmond with a new event, Pets in the Park, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 1 at Mitzi’s Park, 27 E. Edwards. Registration for the pet parade and art contest will begin at 10:30 a.m.
-
City: Tornado damages 12 homes in Edmond
Twelve homes were damaged in the Edmond area by Sunday afternoon’s tornado, a city official said.
At about 3:47 p.m. Sunday, outdoor warning sirens began to blow in east Edmond. Police spokeswoman Jenny Monroe said point of contact for the tornado appeared to be in the 33rd and Bryant area. From there, the path went to the northeast and crossed I-35, Monroe said. -
UPDATE: Tornado touches portions of Edmond
Roger Williams and his wife Shellie, residents in Edmond’s Thornbrooke neighborhood since 2004, were watching the weather reports Sunday as a large storm approached the city.
When they heard reports that a tornado was spotted near Broadway and 15th Street, then Broadway and 33rd Street, the couple and their son Ethan, 11, took cover in a reinforced interior closet. After they closed the door it got eerily quiet, like being in the eye of a hurricane, Roger said. As the tornado passed by, they could hear a few bangs outside.
“I was kind of scared,” Ethan said. -
SLIDESHOW: Tornado strikes I-35 area of Edmond
A violent tornado ripped trees out of the ground as it dropped into southern Edmond late Sunday afternoon along areas east and west of Interstate 35 from 15th Street to 33rd Street, according to various reports. Damage in Edmond is confirmed by the city and included blown out windows at the brand new Mercy I-35 facility that was scheduled to open later this year. Hail also peppered northwest Edmond during the violent storm event.
-
The Big One
It’s a bleak scenario. A massive earthquake along the New Madrid fault kills or injures 60,000 people in Tennessee. A quarter of a million people are homeless.
-
City plans to hire downtown consultant
Conceptual ideas about how the City of Edmond may plan for downtown development were shared this week by David Forrest with members of the business community.
The Central Edmond Urban Development Board has revisited plans made in a 1998 Downtown Master Plan through public meetings and presentations to protect the future development of Broadway. Recommendations by the group will be taken into account by future city councils. -
Feds recommend changing legal alcohol content levels
During the past 15 years alcohol contributed to a third of highway deaths prompting the government this week to recommend reducing state Blood Alcohol Content limits from .08 to .05 or lower.
-
St. Mary’s Episcopal School names new Head of School
Pamela Dockter will become the new Head of School at St. Mary’s Episcopal School effective July 1.
-
Local girl receives crown
Audrianna Page Fredericks recently was crowned Miss Junior Teen Oklahoma United States 2013.
- More Local News Headlines
-
More than 120 from OC serve on summer missions
RAW: Russian dash cam catches car 20 feet in the air
Singer Miguel Accidentally Lands on Fan At Billboard Music Awards
Steak n' Shake waitress scores huge tip
Justin Bieber Gets Booed After Winning at the Billboard Awards
Tornadoes, Storms Strike Midwest
Singer forgets lyrics, makes up words to National Anthem
Who is $600M Powerball winner in Fla.?
Top 5 Plays of the Day
Sailor Surprises His Mom At Her CU Denver Graduation Ceremony
Twiggy, the Waterskiing Squirrel
Official: ‘Amazing’ No One Was Killed In CT Train Crash
Raw: Tornadoes Spotted in Kansas
Lotto Fever Sweeps the Country
Coffee Stop Leads To Arrest Of YouTube Sensation Wanted For Murder
Bearded Dragon Reunited With Owner
Marine Reunited with Warzone Companion
Raw: Crash Sends Car Into Fla. Pool
Beyonce Is Pregnant!
SF baseball player overpaid $500,000 RETURNS money -- and team says KEEP IT
$1 Million in Jewels Stolen at Cannes Film Fest
