By Paige Nash
The Sibley Volunteer Fire Department’s 44th Annual Bass Tournament this past Saturday, March 25, was deemed highly successful.
The weigh-in took place at the Port O’ Bistineau.
SFD Volunteer Robert Smart said, “I was very pleased with the turnout that we had for the Sibley Volunteer Fire Department Bass Tournament. Our count was up this year from the previous 3 years because the lake was full, and we were able to get the forms out earlier.”
After a few years battling low attendance due to Covid restrictions and fluctuating lake levels they were hopeful this year would turn out a sizable number of anglers and that is exactly what happened. A total of 56 teams happily paid the $100 entry fee with quite a few paying extra to participate in the big bass and trash fish 60/40 split pot competitions.
“We have changed our tournament format from what we have done in the past for a couple of reasons, and I hope our fishermen that have always fished our tournament can understand. In times like we are going through right now and with the economy being in the shape it is, we don’t feel that it is appropriate to go to our vendors and ask for donations,” said Smart. “We have some sponsors that have been with us from the very beginning and would still find a way to donate because it is for a good cause, but I just didn’t want to put them in that situation to feel obligated. That is why we went to the higher entry fee and money prizes. If the economy picks up and we have the opportunity to go back to the way it was, everyone would love to.”
They were able to pay out 11 places this year.
3rd place went to Mike Leppert and Tommy Conley with 20.98 pounds.
2nd place was awarded to Justin Smart and Cameron Pate with 22.38 pounds. Brad Williams and his son, Gray Williams, took home the win with a total of 23.48 pounds.
The Trash Fish 60/40 split pot went to David and Derek Kendall.
Two places were awarded for the Big Bass 60/40 Split. Justin Smart and Cameron Pate came in second with a 6.82-pound bass. Brad Williams and Gray Williams had the biggest bass weighing in at 6.88 pounds, taking home first place.
Smart said, “I want to keep our tournament as family oriented as possible because this is the future of our younger generation, and we want to make it fun for them. Thanks to everyone who participated and or helped with the tournament, we couldn’t do it without each and every one of you.”
All the money raised from this tournament will benefit the Sibley Volunteer Fire Department throughout the year.
