By Steve Weisman
Outdoor Editor
The first annual Clear Lake Yellow Bass Bonanza (fishing tournament) is set for Saturday, February 16. Official headquarters will be at McIntosh State Park with an 8 a.m. take-off and a 1 p.m. weigh-in.
According to Kevan Paul, owner of Pauls Fishing Guide, the goals for the Yellow Bass Bonanza are to give anglers an opportunity to catch enjoy catching yellow bass with the chance to cash in on a huge array of prizes and as Paul says, “To go out and have fun. We want this to be a fun way to enjoy a morning on the ice and to share ice fishing comaraderie with fellow anglers.” It is a single-person event with anglers having the opportunity to weigh up to 50 yellow bass.
Cost to enter is $25. A $10 late fee will be applied after February 9. The optional Berkley Big Fish Pot will cost $5 to enter.
Ice Bash
The festivities for the Yellow Bass Bonanza actually begin at 5 p.m. on Friday evening with the official Ice Bash. Location (Ventura Community Center) Paul notes, “Friday evening is all about learning more about yellow bass. Since they are readily available both here and over on the Iowa Great Lakes, I hope we can help people see that they are a good fish to take home. Cost will be $5, which covers the meal.”
Paul added, “Both Chris Scholl and myself will be giving seminars about techniques for catching yellow bass and also locations on where to catch them. In addition, DNR Fisheries Biologist Scott Grummer will speak about yellow bass and Clear Lake.”
Yellow Bass Bonanza
“That’s why we’re here. To catch lots of yellow bass,” said Paul. “Plus, the payout and the prizes are pretty exciting. Payouts are based on 100 contestants, so if there are more than 100 contestants, the payouts will go deeper into the field. We’ve also added special cash for 10th, 25th and 50th places”
Payouts include:
1 $500
2 $300
3 $150
4-6 $100
7-9 $50 Plus a Prize
10 $200
22 Eagle Claw Fly Reel Combo
25 $200
? $200
? Clam Pro TC
? Vexilar FL-12 Pro Pack
Big Fish – $150 Gift Pack Plus Cash
The optional Berkley Big Fish award will go out to the angler who catches the largest white bass.
To get a registration form, to access the contest rules and to sign-up, go to www.paulsfishingguide.com. For more information and questions, email Paul at kevanwpaul@hotmail.com or call (641) 529-2359 after 6 p.m.
In visiting with Kevan Paul and Chris Scholl, they made this statement. “We are very pleased and excited for this tournament. We would like to tell all of our sponsors THANK YOU! We couldn’t have done this without your help. You guys have helped us make this one of the best tournaments in the state. So from the bottom of our hearts we would like to thank the following sponsors: Clam Corp, Cabelas, Vexilar, Kahtoola Micro Spikes, Miller Beer, Berkley, FCIS Insurance, Coka Cola, Thul’s Meat Locker, Clear Lake Tourism, Caseys General Stores, Crazy Minnow Company, Ice Team, Recycled Fish, Cold Snap Outdoors, IceAholics anonymous, and the Mirror Reporter.
Pauls Fishing Guide Tip
There will be lots of fish in the little lake but don’t overlook the Baptist Camp or Farmers Beach for larger fish. Catch your weigh fish first then go look for the big ones. More info will be given at the Ice Bash!
