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BASSMASTER Tournament Trail to Return to Lake of the Ozarks
Anglers Not Sure What to Expect at Missouri BASSMASTER Central
Invitational
OSAGE BEACH, Mo.-- Either really good fishing or really tough fishing. That
is what anglers can expect from Lake of the Ozarks when they arrive for the
Missouri BASSMASTER Central Invitational November 6-8. Anglers will be
vying for a share of the $227,000 payout in the event and an opportunity to
qualify for the BASS Masters Classic.
"Depending on the weather," explained Kansas pro Brent Chapman,
"we will
either see extremely good fishing or extremely tough fishing. Right now the
fishing is really tough. Unless we get a change like a cold front or some
rain or snow, it is going to be tough. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that
we get some bad weather."
With water temperatures in the lake currently in the upper 60s, it has made
many bass sluggish. Temperatures normally would be around the 50-degree
mark this time of year. During last year's tournament the water measured
nearly 70 degrees.
Dan Moreland's winning weight at Lake of the Ozarks in 1998 was 60 pounds,
10 ounces. The higher water temperatures caused the winning weight last
season to drop to 34-13 when Randy Jackson claimed victory.
Chapman thinks that the lake will be similar to one of the two years. "It
is likely that it could take something in the low to mid 30s to win the
tournament. However, if we get the kind of weather that we need, bringing
down the water temperature, it is also likely that it could take as much as
60 pounds to win."
The lake offers anglers plenty of docks to fish off of as well as some
laydowns and some rocks. Anglers will likely find success on spinnerbaits
and buzzbaits as well as flipping a jig.
"If it is tough fishing, then the guys will try anything. They will try to
catch some suspended off docks or off brushpiles. I still think that the
person that wins it will catch them shallow."
The champion of the Missouri Invitational will claim a prize of $51,000 out
of an overall purse of $227,000. Additionally, the top five anglers in the
Central Division standings at the end of the season will qualify for the
BASS Masters Classic.
The BASSMASTER Central Invitational will launch at Lake of the Ozarks State
Park, Grand Glaize Beach Marina. Daily weigh-ins will be held each
afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach 2.
Additionally, a free CastingKids event, sponsored by Chevy Trucks and
Zebco, will be held there Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This
fun-filled national program designed by B.A.S.S. CEO Helen Sevier
encourages children to perfect the skills of casting, pitching and
flipping. Local B.A.S.S. clubs conduct the events and provide instruction
to all youngsters.
The BASSMASTER Tournament Trail is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass
fishing circuit. It continues to set the standard for credibility,
professionalism and sportsmanship as it has for over
three decades.
Sponsors of the 2000 BASSMASTER Tournament Trail include: Ranger Boats,
RangerTrail Trailers, Mercury Outboards, Chevy Trucks, ACDelco Batteries,
Worldwaters.com, Humminbird/Zercom Marine, Pennzoil Marine, Flowmaster
Exhaust Systems, First USA/B.A.S.S. Platinum Visa, MotorGuide Trolling
Motors, Gore-Tex Outerwear, GMAC Insurance.
The event is sponsored locally by Lake of the Ozarks Convention and
Visitors Bureau.
For more information contact:
B.A.S.S. Communications
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