FISHING, FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND FUN…AT THE 2023 FALL BIG BASS BASH AT LAKE OF THE OZARKS!
What a Weekend! The 2023 AFTCO Big Bass Bash, presented by Phoenix Boats, took place at Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks on October 7-8. Anglers from across the country made their way to central Missouri to take part in one of the nation’s largest amateur big bass tournaments.
Over $339,000 in guaranteed cash & prizes was up for grabs, including a massive $100,000 grand prize for big bass of the event, a 2024 Phoenix 818 draw boat, over $140,000 in bi-hourly payouts, $6,000 in early bird prizes, plus thousands more in additional prizes.
This event, which takes place each Spring & Fall at Lake of the Ozarks, brings a massive economic boost to the local community during the “off-season” each year. The Big Bass Bash brings family & friends together to enjoy some time at the lake and gives the “weekend angler” a chance to cash in on hundreds of thousands of dollars in guaranteed payouts.
We want to thank all of the anglers, our amazing sponsors, our staff, our host resorts and the Tri-County Lodging Association, MO House Representative, Lisa Thomas, all of the local businesses that support this event, along with all of the State Park employees and law enforcement officers that keep things running safe and smooth. Without a combined effort from each & everyone of you, this event would not be possible. Thank you all again!!
DON’T MISS THE 2024 BIG BASS BASH SEASON: SAVE THE DATES!
Lake of the Ozarks: April 20-21, 2024
Grand Lake, OK: June 1-2, 2024
Lake of the Ozarks: October 5-6, 2024
Congratulations to Chris (Hooch) Dunn, of Hettick, IL, who landed a 6.55 lb. bass on Saturday to take home the $100,000 Grand Prize. This was his first time fishing the Big Bass Bash.
Chris caught his winning bass on a chatterbait, just 2 coves over from the Point Randall Resort weigh-in station. Fishing shallow near a concrete boat ramp, Chris flipped that chatterbait up towards the bank. As soon as it hit the water, the bait jetted off to the right. Chris set the hook, told his buddy to grab the net, and the fight was on. He wrestled the big bass up to the boat, where his partner netted it and put the big girl in the livewell.
They took off to the Point Randall Resort weigh-in station, got the fish on the Big Bass Bash scales, and locked her in on 6.55 lbs.
That bass took the lead and held up the remainder of the tournament, earning Chris the first place prize of $100,000 and CHAMPION of the 2023 AFTCO Big Bass Bash, presented by Phoenix Boats. Congratulations again to Chris Dunn!
Karl Welschmeyer, of Linn, MO, took 2nd place overall and a $20,000 payday. Karl caught his bass on Sunday around 7:40am. He was flipping docks near Millstone Marina, using a green pumpkin Missile Bait when the big bass hammered it. Karl got the bass in the livewell, raced off to the Alhonna Resort weigh-in station, where his bass landed on 6.46 lbs. Karl took home the 2nd place trophy and a cool $20,000. Congratulations, Karl!
Chad Dick, of Baldwin, KS, grabbed 3rd place overall at the 2023 Fall Big Bass Bash. Chad was fishing near the Hurricane Deck Bridge on Saturday, flipping docks with a brushhog, when his 6.18 lb. bass slammed his lure. He weighed his bass in at the Red Oak Resort weigh-in station during the 2nd time slot on Saturday, and walked away with a solid $10,000 payday. Congratulations, Chad!
4th place overall went to Wayne Fischer of Climax Springs, MO. Wayne weighed in a 6.09 lb. bass during the last time slot on Saturday. He caught his bass at the 51 mile marker, using a black magnum worm. That bass landed Wayne 4th place overall and a check for $5,000. Congratulations, Wayne!
Jessica Webb, of Martinsburg, MO, took first place in the Ladies Bonus. Jessica weighed in a 4.28 lb. bass at the Alhonna Resort weigh-in station to earn the top spot and an additional $1,000 payday. Congratulations, Jessica.
The Ladies Bonus is in addition to any other money they may win throughout the tournament.
Conservation of our resources is key to a healthy future of bass fishing. The Big Bass Bash, AFTCO, and Ulrich Marine strive to make sure all bass are returned alive and healthy back to the tournament waters, ready to be caught another day.
