Finding some fun with fishing
Tuesday, October 10, 2006 10:47 AM PDT
Julie Engel | Argus Observer
Payette
Fishing is more than just luck, it is a skill honed from hours on the lake, experimenting with various baits and locations until the perfect combination is found.
Members of the Payette River Bassmasters - a local federated bass fishing club - understand that concept and use their skills in various tournaments around the area. Founder Mark Clark said the club gives fishermen the opportunity to participate in tournaments at the state and national level because it is federated.
“I realized a large number of people from this area were interested in participating,” Clark said.
Those who do well in the Payette River Bassmaster tournaments have opportunities to fish in state tournaments, Clark said. The goal is to make the Idaho State Federated fishing team that competes at the national level. Clark said if fishermen do well nationally, they go on to the “Superbowl” of fishing - the Bassmaster Classic.
“Through our club they can work their way up into those big tournaments,” Clark said.
Clark founded the club in 2002, and said the club had one member go to the federation nationals, one step away from the Bassmaster Classic. The club has yet to have someone make it to the Bassmaster Classic, Clark said.
“They are professional fishermen (at the Bassmaster Classic),” Clark said. “Instead of work, they fish.”
Members of the club come from all walks of life and professions, Clark said. The mix of people makes the tournament experiences enjoyable, and Clark said one of his favorite parts of being a member is the camaraderie. Each member's passion is fishing, and Clark said he enjoys hearing the members' angling stories.
“I enjoy it (fishing) because it is relaxing,” Clark said. “The last thing you think about is a place of work - it is a great escape.” The Payette River Bassmasters host five tournaments per year, and Clark said the club currently has 60 members who fish in two-person teams. Clark said he fishes with his wife, Julie, at the club's tournaments, and chooses other anglers to fish the open tournaments held throughout the fishing season.
One of the open tournaments Clark participated in recently was the Turkey Bowl bass fishing tournament at Owyhee Reservoir Sept. 30. Clark and his angling partner, Payette River Bassmasters' President Troy Meckert, placed third in the tournament. The first five places received $100 per pound, and Clark said his team brought in a little more than 13 pounds.
“I just like to fish,” Clark said. “It's an opportunity to compete amongst other anglers from other clubs, and the payouts are greater.”
This was Clark's 15th year fishing the Turkey Bowl, and he said in addition to the $1,300 the duo received, he also won the raffle for next year's $300 entry fee. Each tournament doles out money differently, and Clark said his club usually gives a designated amount to those who place in the top spots. The Payette River Bassmasters' last tournament is Sunday at Woodhead Park at the Brownlee Reservoir. Four of the five tournaments are scored, and at the last tournament the Anglers of the Year are announced. At each tournament 100 percent of the $60 entry fee is paid back to the top teams, Clark said. Yearly dues are $35 for the Payette River Bassmasters, and the meetings are at 7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Keystone Pizza in Payette. Clark said the meetings are open to the public, and anyone interested should come by for more information. The club's Web site - www.payetteriverbassmasters.com - is also a good resource for more information on the club and how to join, Clark said.
“Anyone interested is welcome to check out our Web page and come to our meetings,” Clark said.
