The 23rd Annual J.R. Roberts Memorial Team Bass Challenge will cast off Feb. 7 at Lake Bruin.

This long running annual event has become the most well-known bass tournament across two states.

My dad passed away in 1986, and some friends put together this event, which eventually landed in my lap.

What a great way to keep my Dad’s memories fresh in my mind — memories of many fishing trips all over the state. He was an avid fisherman and taught me so many lessons on how to locate and catch bass and white perch.

He fished the last day of his life on a small farm pond near our home.

The day after he passed away, I drove over to the pond, walked out on the small pier and noticed a stringer tied off to a piling.

As I pulled the stringer up, a half-dozen fat catfish came to the surface.

I released those fish knowing that was his last catch in this world.

His death was sudden and unexpected. There was no long-term illness. There was no long-term suffering. It was like here today and gone tomorrow.

I thank everyone in advance for fishing my Dad’s memorial this year, and a special thank you goes to all who have participated and helped me run this event over the years.

When I conduct the weigh-in, I see faces that have never missed this tournament.

There are a lot more wrinkles, gray hair and no hair, and waist lines have expanded as we all grow older, and we are really looking forward to seeing everyone again this year.

Today is the last day for contestants to pre-fish for the event. Lake Bruin will be off limits starting Monday until tournament morning.

The fee is $120 per team and includes the big bass division.

January was a busy month for bass tournament fishermen, and it looks like February will be about the same.

The month will kick off today on Lake Concordia with the Miss-Lou Bass Club.

The weigh-in will be at 3 p.m. at Lakeview Lodge.

The Southern Pro Tournament Trail will be on Lake St. John Feb. 14. On Feb. 19-21, the world’s largest boat and tackle show will be held in conjunction with the BassMasters Classic tournament in Shreveport, La.

The Classic features the top 51 world’s best bass anglers competing for the Classic crown and $500,000.

All major boat brands and tackle companies will be represented at the Classic Outdoor Show and the prices will be the lowest of the year.

On Feb. 28th Concordia Bass Club will hold its monthly event on Lake Concordia.

It looks like a full schedule is coming up this month for sure.