Skeeter General Manager John Clark congratulates Bernard Gunn, the biggest over the slot winner for the 2024 Skeeter Owners’ Tournament. Bernard sits in his grand prize, the 2024 Skeeter FXR21 Apex Edition. (Business Wire)

Stafff Reports

Bernard Gunn of Farmersville reeled in a bass weighing 8.84 pounds to win the grand prize of a 2024 Skeeter FXR21 Apex Edition and Yamaha V MAX SHO 250 outboard at the 30th Annual Skeeter Owners Bass Tournament, hosted by Skeeter Boats, on Lake Fork.

Lake Fork Marina and Hotel in Alba was the headquarters of the event from June 6 through 9.

Monty Sewell of Taylor, Arkansas, took home the 2024 Yamaha Viking VI EPS Ranch Side-by-Side for weighing in the heaviest bass under the slot with a 2.91-pound largemouth bass.

Brenda McCord won the Yamaha Kodiak 450 ATV from the 2024 Boat Load of Toys Sweepstakes.

Anglers and volunteers also collected more than 1,500 toys and over $3,500 cash for charities during the event. The Bass Champs Tournament Organization ran the tournament.

Approximately 1,750 anglers in Skeeter® boats competed for more than $200,000 in cash and prizes,

including a 2024 Yamaha Kodiak® 450 ATV, as well as a 2024 Skeeter FXR21 Apex Edition bass boat powered by a Yamaha V MAX SHO® 250 Outboard, and a 2024 Yamaha Viking® VI EPS Ranch Side-by-Side.

“Thirty years is a big milestone for this tournament. Participation continues to grow, and the passion for fishing is contagious among our customers who are at the forefront of everything we do at Skeeter,” said Chris Brown, Brand Marketing Manager, Skeeter Boats.

“We enjoy sharing this experience, hearing customers’ stories and just having a good time with folks who love fishing as much as we do. We’re grateful for the opportunity to host the Skeeter Owners’ Tournament and look forward to the next 30 years.”

Anglers fought to catch the biggest bass “above the slot” which means out of range of the fish most likely to produce offspring and maintain the population levels.