Skeeter hopes to yet again break attendance records at its annual Owner’s Tournament scheduled for June 20-21 on the bass-rich waters of Lake Fork, Texas. Last year’s event was one of the company’s largest Owner’s Tournaments in corporate history, with 1,630 anglers competing from 808 Skeeter boats.
“Our annual Owner’s Tournament is like a family reunion, and our owner’s always put the event on their schedule well in advance,” says Skeeter’s National Sales Manager, Ben Jarrett. “People view this as an inexpensive way to kick-off the summer with a short, quick vacation. Folks come to enjoy the vendors and sponsor exhibits, food, fishing lore, camaraderie and most importantly, the competition.”
Jarrett adds that each year, Skeeter’s Owner’s Tournament draws anglers from almost every state. “Folks come from everywhere, bringing spouses, friends, grandparents, kids and pets, often staying in recreational vehicles or camp sites, making it a true family reunion. While the event is built around having a good time, our owners are serious about the competition, as there is significant cash on the line for fishing well.”
This year, Skeeter will give away more than $150,000 in cash and prizes, including a Skeeter ZX200 powered by a Yamaha VZ200 to the overall big bass winner. Cash payouts will total $3,550 per hour, with each top hourly winner receiving a check for $700, providing 130 chances of walking away with a check during the two-day tournament. Each person registered for the tournament will have the opportunity to win a Yamaha 350 4x4 Grizzly in a random draw. Prizes will also be awarded to top anglers in the Junior and Ladies Divisions.
“There will be plenty of activities dockside, as we’ll have vendors and sponsor exhibits, seminars and autograph sessions with several of our Team Skeeter Bassmaster Elite Series anglers and demo rides in a collection of our bass and bay boats,” says Jarrett.
The Guide to Green competition will be held on Saturday, matching the day’s hourly big bass winners in a two-hour, five-fish-limit shootout with Team Skeeter professional anglers and local Lake Fork guides, including Kelly Jordon, 2008 Bassmaster Classic Champion Alton Jones, Todd Faircloth, Harold Allen and Zell Rowland, among others. The winner will receive an all-expense paid trip for two to the 2010 Bassmaster Classic in Birmingham, Alabama, including VIP credentials.
As with each Owner’s Tournament, Skeeter encourages competitors to bring a new toy to support the company’s ‘Boat Load of Toys’ promotion, benefiting several East Texas-based charities.
Owner’s interested in pre-registering for the event may do so by visiting www.skeeterboats.com. Owners may also register on-site at Lake Fork Marina, June 18-19, and before 6:00 a.m. on June 20. Competition begins at 6 a.m. on June 20 in an hourly big bass format. The tournament continues at 6:00 a.m. on June 21, with an awards ceremony that afternoon. Cost is $80 per person, or $120, including a Limited Edition Kistler 6’9” Medium/Heavy Casting Rod. Hourly payouts are based on 800 boats.
