OKA OPEN

The Oklahoma OPEN was the first road runner of the season, originally scheduled for Okemah and Prague lakes. Due to record rainfall and slow draining, Okemah lake unexpectedly remained closed and forced a last minute change. In response, the OKA board opened up Sportsman, Holdenville, and Dripping springs lakes. These lakes were chosen because of their proximity to the meeting location in Paden, and the bass population was similar to Prague. Two captains meetings were held; one the evening before the tournament to allow the anglers to go straight to their location, to await first cast, and an early meeting the morning of. After both meetings 35 anglers were signed up and ready for first cast at 6 am.

Tournament day proved to be warm, muggy, and partially cloudy following a weak cold front the day before. Water temps hovered in the mid 80's and water clarity was stained at all reservoirs due to recent heavy rainfalls. Despite these conditions, several large bass over the 20" mark were caught and we had reports of a few schools chasing shad around the time of the 6am first cast. Of the top 5 anglers all of them fished in relation to the grass, 3 reported that a topwater frog was successful for them and the other two anglers reported success on a weightless fluke. 4 of the top 5 anglers fished Prague lake and one fished Dripping Springs.

At the end of the day, Tou Yang brought 68.5" to the scale and walked away with 3rd place taking home $130. Danny Bowen brought 70.25" and went home with 2nd place and $260. First place was taken with 81" and a 22.75" monster Hook1 Big Bass! The winner was also our OKC Kayak Top Youth angler Chris Montogmery! Chris was the only angler to weigh-in 5 fish.

Tou Yang and Houa Xiong took home the top team prize with 87.5", I mistakenly announced and pay