LAKEPORT >> What was once one of the largest team bass tournaments in the country still has a loyal following some 30 years later.
The 30th annual Clear Lake Team Bass Tournament blasts off Saturday morning at dawn and wraps up Sunday on Clear Lake. The team entry fee is $200 and 100 percent of entry fees are returned to fishermen in cash prizes. One team in five will receive some type of cash payback.
Tournament headquarters is the Konocti Vista Casino and Marina in Lakeport. Weigh-ins Saturday and Sunday begin at 3 p.m.
A one-day tournament when it began in 1987, the tournament switched to a two-day format in 1988 because of its immense popularity and 100-percent payback policy. At its height it accommodated 225 teams and drew fishermen from throughout the United States. A handful of teams have competed in every single tournament.
Last year’s tournament drew 134 teams.
Sign-ups for this year’s tournament are open through 4:30 p.m. today at the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, 875 Lakeport Blvd., in Lakeport. Cash or credit cards will be accepted. The $200 entry fee includes the big-fish option. Saturday’s blast-off order is determined by the order fishermen signed up for the tournament. That order is reversed for Sunday’s blast-off.
Tournament fishermen will be treated to a free steak dinner following Saturday’s weigh-in at Konocti Vista Casino. Guests are also welcome and pay $15 each. The dinner is sponsored by Redwood Ford, one of the tournament’s three major sponsors. The other major sponsors are the Lake County Chamber of Commerce and Konocti Vista Casino & Resort.
Call 263-5092 for more information on the Clear Lake Team Tournament.
