HOTO Holds 6th Annual Buddy Bass Tournament March 17 at Theodosia

Pictured above are Jesse Willis (left) and Steve Clayton, first place winners in the Heart of the Ozarks Buddy Bass Tournament held on March 17.

Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center held their sixth annual Buddy Bass Tournament on March 17 at Theodosia Marina.

The tournament started at 7 a.m. a.m. with a total of 23 boats, and ended at 4 p.m. with the big weigh-in.

A total of 12 teams weighed in with a combined weight of 138 pounds and 1 ounce of fish. The fishermen had a little battle with Mother Nature with her winds and rain, but finally ended up with beautiful sunny skies.

First place went to the team of Jesse Willis and Steve Clayton with 16 lbs., 10 oz.; 2nd place, Bobby Comstock and Tommy Skinner with 15 lbs., 13 oz.; 3rd place, Mark and Ofelia Sanders with 15 lbs., 7 oz.; 4th place, Buck Comstock and Greg Blair with 13 lb.; and 5th place, Fred Hale and Bob Garner with 12 lbs., 7 oz.

Big smallmouth winner was Jesse Willis with 3 lbs. and 4 oz., and Big Bass winner went to Scottie Fox with 5 lbs., 5 oz. An appreciation award was presented to Rod Crain, who for the last several years has weighed the fish. Appreciation awards were also given to the past winners.

Big Bass winner in the HOTO Buddy Bass Tournament at Theodosia Marina on March 17 was Scottie Fox with this 5 lbs., 5 oz. lunker.

A large crowd gathered to watch the weigh-in, as everyone enjoyed watching the fishermen hold up their catch of the day. Fishermen who won some awesome door prizes donated by the sponsors were Milton Freeman, John Siler, Roger Wilson, Terry Nelson, Kelly Johnson, Tommy Skinner, Mark Sanders, Stormy Williams, Rod Crain and Scottie Fox.

The combined efforts of several people, including the sponsors, the Cooks at Theodosia Marina, tournament coordinator Mike Burris, and especially those who fished, make this event possible. All proceeds go to the Heart of the Ozarks 4th of July Celebration.