CLEARLAKE OAKS — The field for the 100-percent payback crappie tournament scheduled for Jan. 26 on Clear Lake is now full although you can still get on the waiting list should a spot open up.
The 50-team field was reached on Tuesday. Each team is paying $60 to enter for a total purse of $3,000. Paybacks are $1,000 for first place, $800 for second, $500 for third, $400 for fourth, and $300 for fifth.
Fishermen also have the option of buying into the big-fish pool for $5.
The tournament blasts off at 8 a.m. In Clearlake Oaks. Tournament headquarters is Limit Out Bait & Tackle, at 12607 E. Highway 20. Weigh-in is 3 p.m.
There is a 10-fish limit with a 12-inch minimum length. No dead fish will be weighed in and all fish will be released following the weigh-in.
Another crappie tournament is scheduled for late February in the Lakeport area.
Two- and 3-pound crappie are often caught at Clear Lake, which has the distinction of holding the state record for white crappie, a 4-pound, 8-ounce fish caught in 1971 by Carol Carlton. The world record for white crappie is 5 pounds, 3 ounces while the world record for black crappie is 6 pounds, 5 ounces.
Pornell Williamson Jr. of Oakland caught a 4-pound, 4-ounce black crappie on March 29 at Indian Beach Resort in Clearlake Oaks.
To get on the tournament’s waiting list, call 998-1006.
