MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. – The 2019 Bass Cat Owners Invitational launched Friday on Beaver Lake, where 360 teams have found both the fishing and the hospitality to be world-class. The top 14 teams all brought limits that weighed over 15 pounds to the scales, topped by Tony Moser and Randy Ziegler’s 18.22 pound catch. They lead second place team Aaron Adams and Doug King by just over a half pound.
“Beaver Lake is showing out with both size and numbers and the hospitality here in Rogers is second to none,” said Bass Cat Vice President of Sales and Marketing Dallas Hodges. “We’re all looking forward to seeing how the field adapts to the conditions tomorrow. God bless and be safe tomorrow!
During practice, the conditions had been mostly overcast with steady winds, but that shifted into true “Chamber of Commerce weather” today, as Friday offered light winds and temperatures peaking in the mid-70s. With most of Beaver Lake’s fish in some phase around the spawn, that was conducive to a variety of tactics, including sight fishing.
Nearly 70 teams brought in over 10 pounds, and one or two big bites will make a huge difference up or down the leaderboard. Tomorrow the cloud cover and wind will roll back in, with gusts up to 40 miles per hour expected, so if Moser and Ziegler want to protect their spot in the pole position they’ll need to adjust accordingly.
In addition to the top team’s prize of a brand new Margay, and a random drawing for a fully-rigged Puma FTD/Mercury package, prizes will be offered for a variety of other categories, as well as for other species. Total payouts will exceed 300% thanks to our generous sponsor support from organizations and companies including 23-year partner Strike King.
Today’s big bass was a 5.97 pound beauty weighed in by Greg and Brad Berlatsky, one of 15 fish over 4 pounds brought to the scales. Bradly Kocher and Matt Wallis weighed in a 0.48 pound Ozark Bass to take the lead in that category. Will Schuhknecht and Nick Emerson took the striper lead with a 6.45 pound linesider. Matt Cunningham and Louis Sloas caught a 4.75 walleye to take the lead in that category, edging out the second and third biggest walleyes by .02 and .06 pounds, respectively.
Saturday’s takeoff and weigh-in will be at Prairie Creek Boat ramp and the public is invited to come down to enjoy the festivities. Weigh-in will start at 1:40 pm. Special thanks to Visit Rodgers for their incredible hospitality and accommodations.
For more information and complete standings, click HERE
About Bass Cat: Bass Cat, owned by Correct Craft, manufactures the industry’s premier bass fishing boats from its headquarters in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Family operated since its founding in 1971, Bass Cat is the longest continuously operating tournament bass boat company in the United States. For more information visit www.basscat.com.
About Correct Craft: Celebrating 94 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a Florida-based company with global operations. The Correct Craft family includes Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, and Bryant boat companies, Pleasurecraft Marine Engine Group, Watershed Innovation, and Aktion Parks. For more information please visit www.correctcraft.com.