Dates and lakes for 2005 bass tournament season continue to pour in. One thing is for sure, there will be no shortage of events this year. The 2005 season will cast-off at Lake Bruin February 5th with the 19th Annual J. R. Roberts Memorial Team Bass Challenge. This open event is held each year in memory of my dad.

An average of 80 to 100 teams consisting of top anglers from several states will converge on Lake Bruin to cast for cash. The competition is extremely tough. Defending champions Danny and Jody Smith are strong favorites again this year.

The Smith brothers took home over $3000 for first place with a five-bass tournament limit weighing more than 16 pounds. Shane Mann and his dad set a new record this year for the single largest bass ever weighed during this event. Shane reeled in and his dad netted a huge eight-pound plus Lake Bruin bass to win the 2004 Big Bass Division.

Two separate divisions of the Team Supreme Bass Trail will pass through our area. The Central Louisiana Division will kick off the year on Feb. 6 at Lake Bruin. Other lakes in the Central Division are False River, Concordia, St. John, Lake Bruin (twice) and Old River Morganza.

The Team Supreme Circuit consists of many divisions held across the south. The top point leaders from each will qualify for the championship.

The Po Boy Division kicks off Feb. 12 on Lake Concordia. Then it’s on to Lake Bruin, Turkey Creek, Lake Providence, St. John and back to Turkey Creek.

On May 14 and 15 the Annual Ouchita River Big Bass Classic will cast-off on the river out of West Monroe, La. This two-day event draws a crowd so be expecting to compete against 700 to 800 anglers for a shot at a bass boat and many cash prizes. Places are based on your single largest bass per hour.

The Lake Providence Open Team Tournament is set for March 19. This annual event is very popular and the competition is strong. Several area teams travel to Lake Providence to compete each year.

The Bass Busters Team Trail starts off on Lake Concordia out of Lakeview Lodge. Other stops include Lake Bruin, St. John out of Neely’s Spokane Resort, Black River Lake, back to St. John and the trail concludes at Deer Park in July. The year-end challenge will, be announced later.

For information on these events and more visit www.fishingwitheddie.com.

Eddie Roberts writes a weekly fishing column for The Natchez Democrat. Reach him at

fishingwitheddie@highstream.net

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