Hoping to catch fish and have fun, 14 local fishermen competed in a Cortez Bassmasters fishing tournament on July 19.
Finishing first in the tournament, Cortez Bassmasters president Mike Carver returned to dock with five fish weighing a total of 9.72 pounds.
Coming in second in the tournament was Sandi Rodgers, whose four fish weighed 9.47 pounds. Gary Smoose finished third with five fish weighing 7.35 pounds.
In the big fish category, Bud Hall took top honors with a 2.54-pound largemouth bass. Steve Lange was not far behind with a largemouth bass weighing 2.52-pounds.
“It’s pretty tough right now, but there are big fish in there,” said Bassmasters vice president Terry Beldon. “It takes time and patience.”
Two more fishing tournaments will take place at McPhee this summer. The first, which is open only to Cortez Bassmasters members, will take place on Aug. 23. The second will take place on Sept. 20 and is open to the general public.
Asked what makes fishing in local tournaments a worthwhile experience, Beldon cited competition and comradery.
“It’s a lot of fun to go out there and try to beat the local competition,” said Beldon. “These guys are very good. You have to concentrate on what you’re doing.”
Anyone interested in joining the Cortez Bassmasters or learning more about local tournaments can contact Terry Beldon at 970-529-0045.
Interested individuals can also stop by Bassmasters meetings, which take place at the American Legion at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month.
