LAKEPORT — The decision by Konocti Vista Casino, Resort and Marina to stop hosting bass tournaments beginning Aug. 15 will impact a variety of clubs and organizations that have scheduled tournaments there.
Citing the statewide spike in coronavirus cases and health concerns for fishermen as well as Konocti Vista Casino employees, the casino’s management council posted an announcement on its website Monday detailing its decision to halt all tournaments held at the marina facility beginning Aug. 15 and extending through the end of the year.
Konocti Vista Casino most recently hosted a three-day West Coast Bass tournament during which more than 300 fishermen from throughout the western United States participated. COVID-19 protocols were in place throughout the tournament and largely followed for most of the tournament, according to Record-Bee outdoors columnist Terry Knight.
Clubs and tournaments affected by Konocti Vista Casino’s decision can still host their tournaments at other venues although permits must be obtained (city or county) depending on the location.
New Jen was scheduled to hold a one-day tournament Aug. 16 at Konocti Vista Casino. Smaller tournament scheduled there during the month of August include Lakeport Bait and Tackle (Aug. 21), Yak-A-Bass (Aug. 22) and Bass Production (Aug. 29).
September tournaments affected include Bob’s Marine (Sept. 5), Bass Anglers of Northern California (Sept. 13), NewJen (Sept. 18), and a three-day FLW tournament with pro, collegiate and high school divisions (Sept. 24-26).
October tournaments affected include American Bass (Oct. 1 and Oct. 30), Anglers Press (Oct. 17) and NewJen (Oct. 18).
Two November tournaments, one a two-day California Bass Nation event (Nov. 7-8), the other a NewJen event (Nov. 27), and the Dec. 5 American Bass tournament are also affected.
Konocti Vista Casino said in its announcement that it hopes to welcome tournaments back to the marina facility, which hosts the majority of major tournaments held at Clear Lake, beginning in 2021 if pandemic conditions allow.
