Bass Fisherpeople!

Registration is now open for the first bass tournament of the season on Lake Jacksonville, taking place on Sunday, April 23, 2017. The tournament is sponsored by the Jacksonville Rotary Club.  It is the 18th annual event, and proceeds from the tournament will benefit Jacksonville-area charities.

Event organizer Keith Lape said, “This has been a very popular tournament that draws fishing enthusiasts from several states. Lake Jacksonville is known for good bass fishing, and we are fortunate to offer the first tournament of the 2018 fishing season.  We also offer substantial prizes, ranging from $900 for first place to $100 for eighth place.”

Lape said the entry fee is $180.00 per team with a 40-boat limit. A Big Bass Pot is optional, for $10 per boat.  A daily or seasonal boat permit is required, as is proof of $25,000 in liability insurance. Boat permits will be available at the Lake Jacksonville Concession Office on the day of the tournament.

Registration and a pre-tournament meeting will be held at Lake Jacksonville at 6:00 a.m.  A drawing for order of take-off will be held at this meeting. Lape said, “Late registrations, after March 31st, will not be included in drawing.  So make sure to register in March!”  Forms may be downloaded here.

For lodging information, contact the Jacksonville Convention & Visitor’s Bureau at 217-243-5678 or 800-593-5678.  For tournament information, contact Lape at 217-473-6365 (9 a.m.-9 p.m. only).