By Marisa Dye

The fishermen’s expectations were high in the days leading up to the Eufaula Oklahoma Bass Federation qualifying tournament with water temperatures in the 60’s and some impressive practice fishing catches. However, conditions changed and many angler’s hopes were dashed by day two of the qualifier, which was held April 13th and 14th, 2015.

Saturday
The top 20 of the 46 competitors caught a limit on Saturday, but weight decided the fate of those who would be in the top spots. Bedlam Bass Club member Tony Latta didn’t place in the top 12, but part of his two-fish catch was an impressive 5.78 lb. lunker. A couple of anglers made even bigger catches when they hooked themselves (in the finger and belly, respectively), but they removed the hooks and kept fishing. The top three bass fishermen all had a big fish in their limits that helped give them the edge over the competition. Continue reading

The first Oklahoma Bass Federation state qualifying tournament was held on Lake Texoma, March 22 and 23.  Although the usually wind torn lake was anything but windy.  The water temperature was almost ideal but with the ever changing weather conditions the fish were not as accommodating.  Many of  the anglers were hoping for at least a simple bite and hopefully a keeper fish on the other end of the line.  It has been 43 years since our first State Tournament which was held on Texoma and this was the lowest catch per angler on record.

Day 1

Although the conditions were tough Mike Zachary, last years State Champion, brought in a limit weighing 25.38 pounds with a 8.92 lunker.  The only other limit on day one was Brandon Moss with a second place finish at 15.24.  Brandon was followed by Kyle Tudor with 3 fish weighing 13.13.  Josh Landry make a good choice during the pairings meeting by agreeing to go as a non-boater so fellow club member, Brandon Moss, could take his boat.  Fishing with Mike Zachary,  the result was a 2 fish creel, however, one was 9.38 to take big bass honors for Day one  and a fourth place finish with 12.77.  There were 11 more anglers that boated 2 fish and those results are in the Day 1 summary. Continue reading

By Marisa Dye
Changing weather conditions threw some anglers for a loop at the Oklahoma Bass Federation Qualifier on Lake Texoma March 29th and 30th. Others fished well, including some of those new to OBF this year. Among state clubs in The Bass Federation (TBF), Oklahoma was second in the nation in the percent increase in new members this year, according to OBF President Don Linder.

Saturday

Low lake levels made for some unusual hauls for some anglers on Saturday. Stewart Ryan of the Ada club had a big haul, but it was the wrong kind: a t-shirt, a marina trolly, and several stripers were among his findings, according to his partner for the day, Brian Browning of the Bedlam Bass Club.

Ryan’s luck wasn’t any better at weigh-in when he discovered his 18-year-old son Wyatt Ryan out-fished him. Wyatt, a student at East Central University and member of the East Central Fishing Team, fished in his first tournament at age 12. Wyatt Ryan weighed in four keepers totaling 10.53 lbs. Saturday to his dad’s one keeper. He said he used a crank bait to catch them, “like father like son,” he added, grinning. Continue reading

The OBF top Six will be held out of Sisemore Landing on Tenkeiller lake, September 28 and 29.  Practice is 26 and 27th with the lake off-limits starting at dark on Sunday, September 22.

Headquarters will be the Tenkiller Lodge only about 7 miles from three or four ramps on the west side of the lake.  Since we trailer, this is as neutral as we could find for easy access.  Pettit Bay is on the north end Sisemore Landing a little south, Burnt Cabin at mid-lake and Strayhorn Landing at the Dam.

We have an agreed price of $59.95 for a room with two Queen Beds.  You need to tell them that you are with the Oklahoma Bass Federation.  Phone number is 918-453-9000.

All meetings, the Board meeting at 5 pm on Friday, September 27, and the briefing/rules meeting will be at 6:30 pm following the Board meeting at the Tenkiller Lodge.

If you have questions give me a call on 580-761-8094.

Don