Championship week had a new twist this year as USA BASSIN offered a Mystery Fish Contest. Over 80 anglers would go out to catch one fish to bring to weigh-in. Each angler would bring the biggest fish they caught that day. Aside from paying a prize for the biggest fish, a mystery weight would be recorded and sealed in an envelope. Once the top three biggest fish of the day was awarded the Mystery Fish weight would be revealed. If an angler was to match the exact weight recorded in the envelope the USA BASSIN member would receive $10,000. Another $5,000 would be awarded fish the angler was fishing from a Nitro Boat, $2500 for having a USA BASSIN rod onboard and $2500 for wearing USA BASSIN apparel. At the end of competition the big bass of the day was awarded to BASSIN anglers Neal Ramsey and Brent Jones with a largemouth weighing in at 6.67 lbs. The Ramsey and Jones would receive an $800 dollar check for their efforts. Chris Gable and Luke Bruzan would take away the second place prize money with a bass weighing 6.49. Third place would belong to Tim Cunningham and Terry Duncan with a bass weighing 6.49. Director Gary Earl asked all anglers to come forward that had bass between 4-6 lbs. Several basin anglers lined up. Gary then asked all for all anglers with a fish weighting between 4-5 lbs. Still about eight teams remained up front. Then the moment all had been waiting for the reading of the mystery weight. Director Earl announced the Mystery Fish weight was 4.49 lbs. and a loud sigh came from one of the anglers. The Fleetwood team of Mason and Tony had brought in a largemouth that weight 4.45 lbs. The two had missed the exact weight by only .04. The big bass tournament received great reviews from several BASSIN anglers and CEO of USA BASSIN Kevin Yeary says the big bass tournament will return to Championship week next year. However, Kevin said next year’s tournament for big bass with have a different twist and the format will be announced this fall.

Steve Hanson