Elite Bass Anglers Compete at Lake Tenkiller Amid Spring Storms
TENKILLER, Okla. — The Bassmaster Elite Series tournament kicked off at Lake Tenkiller on Thursday, drawing 102 elite anglers despite looming spring storms. Tournament officials have implemented stringent safety protocols to protect participants, closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure their well-being.
Dalton Tumbling, a Bassmaster photographer, emphasized the organizers’ commitment to safety, stating, “If there’s any type of threat in the weather such as lightning or really heavy winds, we’ll definitely pull anglers off the water or delay the takeoff in the morning.”
This prestigious event promises significant economic benefits for Cherokee County, with local businesses already experiencing increased foot traffic and sales. Mary Taylor, owner of Chicken Creek Store, welcomed the tournament’s presence, noting, “It’s something fresh and new to have all this attention and all these people coming through. We love meeting people, we love feeding people.” The store sees a substantial uptick in customers during fishing tournaments, prompting staff to work overtime to accommodate visitors.
This marks the second Bassmaster Elite Series event at Lake Tenkiller, following a successful tournament in 2019. The event is part of wider efforts by the Oklahoma Ozarks Tourism Association and the Cherokee Nation to establish the region as a premier fishing destination.
Oklahoma’s tourism leaders have been active, hosting numerous fishing events this year, including junior and senior high school competitions. “OOTA has been amazing for bringing events like this to Tenkiller,” noted Taylor.
As the competition unfolds, the field will be narrowed to 50 anglers for the weekend rounds. All tournament activities are free and open to the public, with live coverage available. Despite weather challenges, organizers remain optimistic about the tournament’s success, emphasizing safety above all.
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