Big Bass Bonanza Brings Big Bucks
by July 28, 2015 2:28 pm 215 views
After delays because of dangerously high river levels in June, the Arkansas Big Bass Bonanza is ready to snag some fishermen this weekend. The state’s largest amateur big bass tournament is set for July 31, August 1-2.
The Big Bass Bonanza tournament is a popular three-day tournament that spans about 300 miles of the Arkansas River, with pools and official check-in stations at Fort Smith, Dardanelle, Little Rock/North Little Rock, Pine Bluff and the Pendleton Bridge near Dumas. More than 2,200 people entered to fish in 2014, up from just over 2.000 in 2013. The total payout for the 2014 tournament was $234,200.
“The Big Bass Bonanza is open to all ages, and last year, it attracted amateur fishermen and fisherwomen from around the country. Still, the five top prizes went to Arkansans,” said Montine McNulty, executive director Arkansas Hospitality Association.
This year’s guaranteed $100,000 cash prizes include: $50,000 for the largest fish overall; $10,000 for the largest fish overall in each of the remaining four pools; and place money for overall winner per pool, with $900 for second place, $700 for third and $400 for fourth.
Hourly prize money for first, second and third place will be determined by the number of tournament registrants. In addition, if the hourly winners purchase and are wearing a Big Bass Bonanza t-shirt and cap, they will receive an extra $100 in bonus money.
Fishing begins each day at 6 a.m. The first weigh-in is at 8 a.m., with subsequent weigh-ins at the top of each hour until 1 p.m. each day. The 2015 winners will be announced Sunday, August 2, at 4 p.m. at the awards event at the Riverfront RV park pavilion, North Little Rock, Arkansas.
All people who were registered for the original June dates remain registered. They do not need to take any further action to participate this weekend. Simply show up on the days for which you are registered with your weigh-in card.
Full tournament rules, pay-outs, and registration are available at www.arkansasbigbass.com.