OTHELLO — A Big Bass Tournament Trail event will be making its way to Potholes State Park next weekend, hosted by Limit Out Performance Marine.

The Shootout at Potholes competition, entering its fifth year, will pin anglers in a team where they shoot to catch the five biggest fish of the day.

“All are welcome,” Tournament Director Russ Baker said. “You don't have to be a seasoned angler. You could be just a local guy that wants to fish a tournament, it’s a lot of fun. Normally, we get 60 to 80 teams to fish in this event.”

Anglers can check in on Friday and Saturday, July 8-9, or pre-register online for the shootout. Teams will be composed of either one or two people per boat, and the top 10 teams will advance for the second day of the tournament.

“Normally it's two guys in a boat, the entrants are looking to catch the five biggest fish on day one,” Baker said. “Those teams that have the five biggest fish, will move on to day two, where the weights start all over.”

In addition to the main competition, there will be rewards for those who catch the biggest bass of the day. Cash rewards depend on how many enter the competition but will vary from $1,500 to $2,000, Baker said.

“Last year, I think we paid out $1,900 For big bass,” Baker said. “Just one for each day. That's one big bass … a nice little chunk of change.”

Cash prizes will be awarded to those who place in the top 10 of Saturday’s competition, with the amount varying according to how many boats enter. Baker said that as of Thursday they had 15-20 teams pre-registered.

“There's a $300 entry fee,” Baker said, “which $50 of that $300 entry fee goes toward big bass payouts.”

For those that wish to attend, they must have a prop-driven boat – jet-powered and Mud Buddy boats are not allowed due to water levels, Baker said. Boats must also have a working live well to hold fish until weigh-in time. Anglers must also have a working kill switch attached to their life jackets.

“We don't want to allow jets or Mud Buddies in that event, and the reason why is they have an unfair advantage over the props,” Baker said.

Baker said that safety is also something that he looks for in all fishing events, hence the rule for working kill switches.

“The biggest thing is we look for safety anytime we run our events,” he said. “We want to make sure they are working live wells for the fish and also have a working kill switch that's attached to the tether to your lifejacket.”

In-person registration opens at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 8 and lasts through 7 p.m.. Anglers can also register on Saturday, July 9 from 4-5 a.m. before the competition begins. Start time for the competition will be at safe light on Saturday, specific time will be determined that morning.

“The shootout tournament’s a pretty popular event,” Baker said. “It's been going on since 2017. So, a lot of fun.”

Ian Bivona may be reached at [email protected].