By Steve Weisman
The second annual Yellow Bass Bonanza scheduled for Saturday, February 8 on Clear Lake has Clear Lake-area guides and organizers of the event Kevan Paul and Chris Scholl filled with excitement and anticipation. “Our first year went great with 195 anglers bringing over 4500 yellow bass to the scales,” said Paul. “We have added more sponsors, more prizes and more cash. We really hope that we hit around 400 anglers this year!”
According to Paul and Scholl, the Yellow Bass Bonanza is truly an ice fishing tournament that gives everybody a chance to “reel in” some really great cash and prizes. Based on 250 teams, payouts include $500 in cash along with a $1000 Cabela’s ice fishing package for first place, $700 for second and $500 for third. However, instead of just paying out awards and prizes to the top placers, random places #30-#200 will take home anywhere from $100 to $500. In addition, the big fish pot of a $150 Berkley tackle package will go to the angler who catches the largest white bass.
“We will also give away high end prizes and cash for some placers. Plus, with over 250 teams, for instance, the payouts will be both increased and go deeper into the field.”
(photo submitted) Tournament directors Kevan Paul (far left) and Chris Scholl (far right) with the top three finishers in last year’s inaugural Yellow Bass Bonanza.
About the tournament
Cost to enter the Yellow Bass Bonanza is $65 per team with anglers allowed to weigh up to 50 yellow bass. Anglers can fish as individuals or can partner up with another angler, but they can still only weigh a combined limit of 50 yellow bass. “By allowing partners to fish, we are encouraging parent-child teams. Plus, Chris and I think this might limit the number of buckets brought to the scales, while at the same time keep the weigh-in flowing smoothly.” Partners must fish within 50 feet of each other, while contestants can be no closer than 20 feet from another team. To further encourage the most efficient weigh-in, Paul and Scholl are offering a $50 prize for the first limit brought to the scales and additional pries for other early bird weigh-ins.
Paul and Scholl have named the “Little Lake” and the basin of the main lake west of the thin ice signs as the legal fishing areas. The Bonanza take-off and weigh-in area will be McIntosh Woods State Park on Clear Lake’s west end with an 8 a.m. shotgun start and the weigh-in taking place at noon.
For those interested, District 619 Steakhouse will be providing a pay-on-your-own breakfast buffet from 6-7:30 a.m. “I know the food will be good. Plus, if you sign up and pay for the breakfast, you will get a ticket for two special prizes that will be given away,” said Paul.
Modes of transportation include by walking, snowmobile or ATV. However, no vehicles (automobiles) will be allowed. Portable shelters may be used, but no permanent shacks, wheel houses or enclosed trailers may be used.
Friday evening Ice Bash
To kick off the Yellow Bass Bonanza, Friday evening will include the Ice Bash from 5:30-8 p.m. “The $65 entry fee provides the angler with two Ice Bash tickets good for two prime rib sandwich meals catered by West River Meats of Algona. The entry fee also gives anglers two tickets for chances on a wide range of door prizes.” The evening will include the meal, a rules meeting, a yellow bass fishing seminar, product demos and lots of door prizes.
Capping it off
Following the weigh-in and award ceremony, one final drawing will take place for an all-inclusive ice fishing package to Ballard’s Resort on Minnesota’s Lake of the Woods. “This prize is valued at over $2,000 and includes guide service, lodging, meals, ice house and local transportation to and from the ice house for up to four anglers.” Now that’s one sweet prize! “Chris and I really want to thank the 20 sponsors for their great support and also all of the volunteers who will help make everything go smoothly!”
Major sponsors for the 2014 Yellow Bass Bonanza include Clam Outdoors, Vexilar, Cabela’s, District 619 Steakhouse, Budweiser-Kabrick Distributing of Mason City, Thul’s West River Meats, Grizzly Coolers, Lake Mills Motor Sports and Farm City Insurance.
Rules and entry forms can be downloaded from the Kevan Pauls Guide Service website: www.paulsfishingguide.com or call Paul at (641) 529-2359 or Scholl at (641) 512-0165.
(photo submit) A packed house attended last year’s Friday evening Ice Bash.
