NEWS

Smithville Bassmasters Ready For 2024 Season

Smithville Bassmasters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Clay Palmer – Secretary - Webmaster

(816) 547-5313

The Smithville Bassmasters have recently announced their 2024 tournament schedule and are looking for new members who would like to join the fishing club to experience the fun and fellowship of competitive bass fishing.

The 2024 season kicks off with a membership drive/cash grab open buddy tournament on Lake of the Ozarks, March 16th – 17th at Shawnee Bend boat ramp. The club’s regular season tournaments begin at Pomme De Terre Lake April 20th – 21st. Anglers wishing to join the club are welcome to attend the club’s February 6th or March 5th meetings at 6:30pm at Burton’s Bait & Tackle in Smithville.

The complete 2024 tournament schedule is as follows:

• March 16 & 17 – Lake of the Ozarks – Shawnee Bend Ramp – Membership Drive/Cash Grab Tournament
• April 20 & 21 – Pomme de Terre Lake – Hermitage Ramp – Season Kick-Off May 4 & 5 – Lake of the Ozarks – Shawnee Bend Ramp
• May 11 – Smithville Lake – Paradise Park Ramp - Open Buddy/Cash Grab Tournament
• June 1 – Lake of the Ozarks – Drake Harbor Ramp
• June 2 – Truman Lake – Long Shoal Ramp
• June 29 & 30 – Truman Lake – Shawnee Bend Ramp (Sat) Long Shoal Ramp (Sun)
• July 21 – Smithville Lake – Paradise Park Ramp
• August 4 – Smithville Lake – Paradise Park Ramp
• August 17 & 18 – Truman Lake – Long Shoal Ramp
• September 22 – Smithville Lake – Paradise Point Ramp – Charitable Benefit Family Friendly Tournament
• October 26 & 27 – Club Championship – Lake of the Ozarks – Shawnee Bend Ramp

The club is one of the largest and fastest growing bass fishing clubs in the Kansas City metro area. The Missouri BASS Nation affiliated club, gives members the opportunity to enter the MO BASS Nation State Championship tournament with a path to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic, considered the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing”.

“As a member since 1994 I know the club is doing the right thing as many members join and stay fishing with us for years,” says longtime member, Marshall Brown. “When the club first started every tournament was at Smithville Lake but now that we have tournaments at several lakes in Missouri.”

The club offers memberships to anyone sixteen years of age and older regardless of experience level. Boaters and non-boaters are paired for each tournament at the club’s monthly meetings. Many members enjoy growing their skills by fishing alongside some of the best anglers in the state.

“As a new member for the 2022 season, I received a warm welcome,” says member, David Merry Jr. “I made new friends and life-long memories, which have only increased my love for bass fishing!”

“What I truly enjoy the most is going out-of-town on tournaments,” claims member, Tom Carlin. “The camaraderie of the group is great and it's my chance to just unwind from the challenges of life itself for a few days.”

There are two “Membership Drive/Cash Grab” buddy tournaments scheduled where 60% of the entry fees will be paid to the top finishers. These two off - season tournaments help drive membership and spread the love of fishing. Each member is encouraged to fish with a family member, friend or non-member in these events.



For more information about the club, a complete tournament schedule, photos and results of recent events, visit Smithvillebassmasters.com or facebook.com/smithvillebassmasters.

(photo attached: 2023 Angler of the Year, Michael Harris – photo courtesy: Smithville Bassmasters)