Smithville Bassmasters ready for 2024 season
By My Courier-Tribune
SMITHVILLE — The Smithville Bassmasters announced their 2024 tournament schedule and are looking for new members to join the fishing club.
The 2024 season kicks off with a membership drive/cash grab open buddy tournament on Lake of the Ozarks, March 16 and 17 at Shawnee Bend boat ramp.
The club’s regular season tournaments begin at Pomme De Terre Lake April 20 and 21. Anglers wishing to join the club are welcome to attend the club’s Feb. 6 or March 5 meetings at 6:30 p.m. at Burton’s Bait & Tackle, 119 N. US Highway 169, Smithville.
The complete 2024 tournament schedule is as follows:
March 16 and 17, Lake of the Ozarks, Shawnee Bend ramp, membership drive/cash grab tournament;
April 20 and 21, Pomme de Terre Lake, Hermitage ramp, season kick-off;
May 4 and 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 and 30, Truman Lake, Shawnee Bend ramp (Saturday) and Long Shoal ramp (Sunday);
July 21, Smithville Lake, Paradise Park ramp;
Aug. 4, Smithville Lake, Paradise Park ramwp;
Aug.17 and 18, Truman Lake, Long Shoal ramp;
Sept. 22, Smithville Lake, Paradise Point ramp, charitable benefit family-friendly tournament; and
Oct. 26 and 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,” said longtime member Marshall Brown. “When the club first started, every tournament was at Smithville Lake, but now, we have tournaments at several lakes in Missouri.”
The club offers membership to anyone 16 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,” said member David Merry Jr. “I made new friends and lifelong memories, which have only increased my love for bass fishing.”
“What I truly enjoy the most is going out of town on 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.”
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, according to the club. 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.
