It also means another rite of spring is just around the corner–the annual Austin Peay State University Governors Bass Tournament.
This year’s edition, the 12th edition of the popular two-man tournament, will be held Saturday, May.13, at Kentucky Lake with registration and boat launching from Paris Landing, Tenn., State Park. Last season’s tournament drew a tourney-record 260 boats despite threatening weather.
The tournament will benefit Austin Peay athletics.
Eleven thousand dollars in prize money will be awarded with a guaranteed first-place prize of $3,000. Second-place is guaranteed $1,500. Third and fourth-place will receive $1,000 and $600, respectively. The top 30 places will receive prizes. Each boat also will have the opportunity to win in a grand door prize drawing of $500 and if the tourney winner is fishing in a Triton Boat, Triton Gold will pay an additional $1,000.
New this year, a MotorGuide trolling motor will be given away as a second door prize.
The tourney will begin 6 a.m., Saturday, May 13, although all contestants must be checked in between 4-5:30 a.m., with a mandatory meeting at 5:45 a.m. Pre-registration entry fee is $100 per boat (two people per boat), $110 after noon, Friday, May 12.
Fishing with artificial baits only is authorized with no motor trolling allowed. A five-fish limit per boat exists.
Weigh in will begin at 3 p.m. and boats launching will take place in order of postmark of entry form. Only largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass measuring 15 inches (with mouth closed) will be weighed.
For entry form and more information, stop by the APSU development office or call (931) 221-7024 or (931-221-7127), between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. After business hours, call (931) 358-5450 or (931) 358-2984.
