NEWS
Sloan and Stout Triumph in Uplifting Benefit Tournament for Veterans
The Smithville Bassmasters proudly hosted the thirteenth annual Daniel Palmer Memorial Classic Open Buddy Bass Tournament at Smithville Lake, a heartfelt tribute to Army Specialist Daniel Alan Palmer, the beloved son of former club president John Shields. This cherished event not only honors Daniel’s legacy but also serves as a beacon of support, raising crucial funds to empower veterans to reconnect with nature.
Despite relentless rainfall, 22 dedicated anglers from all walks of life gathered to showcase their unwavering support for this noble cause. Smithville Bassmasters Tournament Director, Tom Carlin, praised the resilience and community spirit displayed throughout the tournament, stating, “The weather posed a challenge, yet the camaraderie and support from our area anglers transformed this into an incredible event.”
Emerging victorious, Jim Sloan and Jeff Stout captured the tournament crown with a remarkable five-fish haul weighing 16.08 pounds, earning them over $450 in cash and prizes. The Carleton duo, Bobby and Seth not only claimed second place with a commendable 14.45 pounds but also snagged the big bass honor with a striking 5.35-
pound catch.
Third-place accolades were awarded to Daniel Shelton and James Keim, who weighed in at 13.99 pounds. Collectively, the anglers showcased their impressive skill by catching 45 large mouth bass with a total weight of 117.42 pounds, all released back into the lake alive, underscoring the club’s commitment to conservation.
This year's tournament proudly raised $1,300 for the Fishing for Freedom Foundation, a vital organization dedicated to granting US veterans enriching fishing experiences. The funds will be instrumental in facilitating the Foundation’s annual tournament, ensuring veterans enjoy an unforgettable, all-expenses-paid fishing event.
Participants left with more than just memories, thanks to generous contributions from local supporters like Shoreline Boat & RV Repair, Burton’s Bait & Tackle, Foley Equipment Rental, Rogers Sporting Goods, Smithville Marine, Porters Ace Hardware, NAPA Auto Parts of Smithville, Travis Rivest Baits, Savannah Marine Inc., who provided a wealth of door and raffle prizes.
The Smithville Bassmasters look forward to hosting the Daniel Alan Palmer Memorial Classic next September, aiming to surpass previous fundraising efforts. “Our community’s unwavering support is truly inspiring,” remarked club treasurer Marshall Brown. “We are hopeful to elevate the impact of next year’s event.”
For additional photos and more information about the Smithville Bassmasters, please visit
Smithvillebassmasters.com
or
facebook.com/smithvillebassmasters. Learn more about the Fishing for Freedom Foundation by visiting fishingforfreedom.us.
Youth Program Director Position Opening
Do you have a passion for fishing and want to help with our youth program?
Email: president@mobass.com
Missouri BASS NATION Bradley Brooks Moore Scholarship Update
At the June 8th Board of Directors Meeting the Scholarship Committee presented the names of five (5) qualified Applicants for consideration of 2024 Awards. Three (3) of these applicants were 2023 recipients and plan on continuing their education.
The Board approved all 5 applicants with $1,000 Scholarships!! This was possible due to successful fundraising by the clubs and monies set aside in the budget plan.
We received the following
"Thank You" Note from one of the recipients
Directors Meeting Agenda and Minutes can be found by clicking the below link or going to the about us page
Missouri Boating License Course for Vessel Operators
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Start your interactive Boater Safety Course now and get your boating license 2–3 times faster than other courses.
Interactive Missouri Boating License Course is the fastest Missouri boaters safety course! ilearntoboat.com is a delegated boating safety provider for the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Water Patrol Division.
Bassmasters B.A.S.S. Nation Series
Smithville Bassmasters Ready For 2024 Season
Smithville Bassmasters
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Clay Palmer – Secretary - Webmaster
(816) 547-5313
The Smithville Bassmasters have recently announced their 2024 tournament schedule and are looking for new members who would like to join the fishing club to experience the fun and fellowship of competitive bass fishing.
The 2024 season kicks off with a membership drive/cash grab open buddy tournament on Lake of the Ozarks, March 16th – 17th at Shawnee Bend boat ramp. The club’s regular season tournaments begin at Pomme De Terre Lake April 20th – 21st. Anglers wishing to join the club are welcome to attend the club’s February 6th or March 5th meetings at 6:30pm at Burton’s Bait & Tackle in Smithville.
The complete 2024 tournament schedule is as follows:
- March 16 & 17 – Lake of the Ozarks – Shawnee Bend Ramp – Membership Drive/Cash Grab Tournament
- April 20 & 21 – Pomme de Terre Lake – Hermitage Ramp – Season Kick-Off May 4 & 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 & 30 – Truman Lake – Shawnee Bend Ramp (Sat) Long Shoal Ramp (Sun)
- July 21 – Smithville Lake – Paradise Park Ramp
- August 4 – Smithville Lake – Paradise Park Ramp
- August 17 & 18 – Truman Lake – Long Shoal Ramp
- September 22 – Smithville Lake – Paradise Point Ramp – Charitable Benefit Family Friendly Tournament
- October 26 & 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,” says longtime member, Marshall Brown. “When the club first started every tournament was at Smithville Lake but now that we have tournaments at several lakes in Missouri.”
The club offers memberships to anyone sixteen 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,” says member, David Merry Jr. “I made new friends and life-long memories, which have only increased my love for bass fishing!”
“What I truly enjoy the most is going out-of-town on tournaments,” claims 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. 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.
(photo attached: 2023 Angler of the Year, Michael Harris – photo courtesy: Smithville Bassmasters)
