On Saturday, there will be a benefit bass tournament on the Saline/Larto Complex in Catahoula and LaSalla Parishes.

Based on 100 boats, the payout total is $10,000. Based on 100 entries, they will pay a total of 15 places — 3 for the big bass division and 12 places in the five bass limit division.

The payout will be adjusted according to the number of entries. Door prizes, food and drinks will be provided at weigh-in, which will be at Sharp’s Landing on Larto Lake near the island before you get to Wiley’s Landing.

I am pretty sure you can launch elsewhere, but contact the tournament director or go to their Facebook page for the entry form and more information. You can fish alone or as a team.

The entry fee is $150 per boat, which includes the big bass division. This event will benefit Big John Outdoors to offset medical expenses for a young fisherman and hunter.

For a better understanding of Big John Outdoors visit their web site at bigjohnoutdoors.com or their Facebook page. Type “Big John Outdoors” into Facebook or call Stephen Mitchell at Town and Country Sportsman’s Haven in Jena, La., at 318-992-6310.

As far as the bass fishing on the complex during the summer, it can be great and it can be a bit tough. If we get an overcast, rainy day, expect some heavy weights at the scales.

This is a really neat fishery. There are two major lakes: Saline and Larto about 17 miles apart connected by Saline Bayou, so fishing in a crowd will not be a problem, unless you stay on Larto Lake.

There will be 50 percent or more of the field fishing in Larto, so if you want to escape the crowd, head west toward Saline Lake.

There is another small lake in the complex known as Shad Lake that produces some nice bass if conditions are right. Over on Saline Lake, on the north shore of Saline, there several bayous that offer even more fishing opportunities.

There will be so many contestants in Larto Lake, it will probably be won on the west side of the complex, which is known for producing fewer, but larger bass.

You can enter this event in advance online but “morning of” entry fees will be accepted. If you plan to pay the morning of the event at Sharp’s Landing, keep in mind it gets daylight really early, so get there early.

This is a good event hosted for a great cause, so come fish the Saline/Larto Complex Saturday and make a cast for a cure and some big bucks.

Thanks to all that participate. I hope I can. Our shop is loaded with service work, but I just might sneak off and fish this one.

 

Eddie Roberts writes a weekly fishing column for The Democrat. He can be reached at fishingwitheddie@bellsouth.net.