LAKEPORT >> The Clear Lake Team Bass tournament, hosted by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce and Mount Konocti Vista casino, has finally found a place on the official calendar after swimming around several obstacles.
Originally scheduled for March 17-18, officials moved the tournament when the county closed Clear Lake to motorized boats. An ideal weekend in late spring closed before the chamber could file their request, so they settled with less enthusiasm on dates in July. But with the lake open again, the Clear Lake tourney can take to the waters on the original date.
The re-re-scheduling caused a flurry of activity.
“We’ve got a lot of fishermen in here,” said Konocti Vista events coordinator Heather Begun, referring to the casino’s restaurant full of anglers. “They’re all pre-fishing the lake.”
Begun said recent weather has changed the lake; many boaters will need to alter their approach and strategy to ensure a boatload of bass when it counts. In theory, bass don’t move around the lake too much, so they can be re-caught when the money’s on the table.
“They need to pre-fish to figure out where they’re going to fish for the tournament,” she said.
Konocti currently houses several serious fishermen in search of glory with the Wild West Trail tournament, an event that typically attracts up to 170 boats to Clear Lake.
Begun said the decision to reopen the lake will allow Lake County to continue one of its biggest industries — big fish.
“A lot of these guys will catch ten-pound bass,” she said. “That’s huge.”
The promise of big fish and bigger bragging rights attracts hundreds of serious fishermen to Lake County, and with them, their business. And while the Clear Lake Tournament might give all entry fee money back in the form of prize payouts, the presence of the fishermen alone can keep local restaurants and hotels in the black.
Begun said each tournament boat on the lake brings in an estimated $400-$750 to the local economy per day, which not only funds Konocti Casino, but other local spots as well.
Terry Knight, a fish and wildlife advisory board member, said the tournament brought in 134 boats last year. Previous years have attracted boats hailing from places as far out as Chicago and Utah.
“These tournaments are held to make Clear Lake more visible,” Knight said. He mentioned that several outside circuits host tournaments on Clear Lake, but the Clear Lake Team Bass tournament is the only locally held event.
And though weather has greatly affected Clear Lake, Terry said anglers have already caught some hefty fish since the lake reopened on Tuesday, including an 11-pounder.
“The fishing’s been very good,” he said. Knight will participate himself. “It’s gonna be a large tournament.”
This year’s tournament marks the 30th year of operation. Begun said registration begins at Konocti Friday evening, and fishing begins early Saturday morning when officials declare safe light. Regardless of weather, the tournament will go on.
As stated, all entry fee money returns to the best angler, likely paying out to the top 20 places. Begun said last year’s first-place fisherman received about $3,500.
