Spring Time Fun at Lake of the Ozarks

Dated: May 1 2024

Views: 52

Every year around April and October, excitement starts to brew and conversations in the friend group begin buzzing around plans for the Big Bass Bash tournament at Lake of the Ozarks. This "Average Joe" fishing tournament gives weekend anglers a chance to win big cash prizes should they land a bass big enough to beat out the competiton.  The top prize for Big Bass is $100K so there is a lot of excitement about this tournament because anyone of us could win.  And, to make things even more exciting, every angler entered in the tournament is entered into a drawing to win a brand new Phoenix Bass Boat!!!

While winning the prize for Big Bass or winning the drawing for a new boat would be super cool, I can't help but take a moment to be grateful for the memories the experience of fishing the tournament brings me. Twice a year, we gather with friends at a small dwelling in the town of Ivy Bend to fish the tournament. We usually arrive on the Friday afternoon before the tournament, put the boats in, assemble our gear, and enjoy some food and drink while discussing our individaul strategies for the upcoming tournament - being careful not to reveal too much information about our strategy as any fisherman might do.

The tournament begins on Saturday morning with lines in at 6:30 AM and the fishing extends to 3:00 PM in the afternoon.  We have the same opportunity to fish this schedule on Sunday as well, all in hopes of landing the Big Kahuna and claiming the $100K top prize. Now, while I have never weighed a fish in at this tournament, I am not discouraged as the experience provides me with so much more by the way of fun, laughter, and memories - especially since I get to share the experience with my son which provides for some great father-son bonding time.

Fish or no fish, we'll continue fishing the Big Bass Bash tournament as long as we are able and continue to bond with our friends and make memories that will last a lifetime. Hopefully, we've started a tradition that my son will carry on with his own children some day. I can only hope he has the same opporunity to one day experience the joy of fatherhood and spending quality time with those closest to him making memories around the greatest pastime of all - fishing!

For more information about the Big Bass Bash tournament, click HERE.

Sam - Big Bass Bash

Sam - Big Bash Bash

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James Keller

Licensed in both Kansas and Missouri, I help buyers and sellers navigate the residential real estate market with clarity, strategy, and confidence. My approach is rooted in responsive communication, s....

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