The Smithville Bassmasters have recently announced their tournament schedule for 2019 and are looking for new members who would like to join the fishing club to experience the fun and fellowship of competitive bass fishing.
“What I truly enjoy the most is going out of town for tournaments,” said 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.”
The club is one of the fastest growing and one of the largest bass fishing clubs in the Kansas City metro area.
Submitted photo
Josh McIntire shows off his 26.33-pound record catch from Pomme De Terre Lake during the 2018 season for the Smithville Bassmaster tour.
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,” longtime member Marshall Brown said. “When the club first started every tournament was at Smithville Lake but now that we have tournaments at several lakes in Missouri, you get to spend more time together and learn more about each other.”
The club offers memberships to anyone 16 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.
“For me, it is the enjoyment I get from fishing and picking up some tips here and there from the guys in the club that have been fishing for years,” member Tuan Le said.
In addition to monthly tournaments, the Smithville Bassmasters also host an open buddy style tournament each year to help raise money for U.S. military veterans.
“I am very proud of the Palmer Memorial Tournament that the club has held every year since 2012, honoring PFC Daniel Palmer for his service. All the money raised benefits the Fishing for Freedom Tournament on Truman Lake each fall,” Brown said.
The Smithville Bassmasters opening tournament is to be held at Stockton Lake March 23-24.
The remainder of the 2019 tournament schedule is as follows:
April 6-7 – Pomme De Terre Lake – 6:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
May 11 – Smithville Lake – 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
June 1 – Lake of the Ozarks – 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
June 2 – Truman Lake – 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
June 29 – Mozingo Lake – 5:45 a.m. – 3 p.m.
July 14 – Truman Lake – 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Aug. 18 – Smithville Lake – 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Oct. 19-20 – Club Championship – Pomme De Terre Lake 6:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sept. 7 – Palmer Memorial Classic – Smithville Lake – 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. *Open Fundraising Tournament*
For more information about the club, a complete tournament schedule, photos and results of recent events, visit Smithvillebassmasters.com or facebook.com/smithvillebassmasters.