Lions Club hosts 38th annual fishing even

July 11, 2022 -- The weather could not have been more perfect when the Florence-Siuslaw Lions Club hosted its 38th annual Elliot Fun Bass Tournament last weekend south of Florence on Siltcoos Lake.

The tournament is typically held the first weekend in June, but scheduling conflicts moved the tournament to the end of July, which tends to be the end of the summer bass tournament season. The change in dates, along with a two-year hiatus because of COVID, may have affected turnout at the event.

“It’s not the most we’ve had and not the least, but it’s near the bottom,” said Mark Meyers, one of the event’s organizers. “This was a busy time to reschedule the tournament, so we kind of expected it, but we’re just happy to be back and things are going pretty good.”

Ten teams competed in the event for a variety of trophies.

“We’ve got a lot of old timers and a couple new teams,” said Meyers. “It’s a good mix.”

The competition started bright and early at 6 a.m. each day and at 2 p.m. anglers brought in their catch, which was weighed and documented on the scoreboard.

The overall winner, with 29 pounds, 15 ounces worth of fish for the weekend, was the team of Zeke and Kevin Bigby. Bigby and Bigby, who come from Klamath Falls, also won for biggest bass of the tournament, a 4-pound, 2 ouncer the team caught on Sunday.

“I got into bass fishing about four years ago and hit the ground running,” said Zeke. “We won a small tournament once, but this is the definitely the biggest one we’ve won before.”

Second place went to the team of Pearson and Pearson, who brought in 27 pounds of bass over the two days. Third was Weisner and Roberts with 26 pounds, 13 ounces.

Trinitie Long-Hindman of Bandon won the trophy for biggest fish caught by a female and the trophy for top junior angler.

When anglers weren’t on the lake, the Lions Club made sure they and their on-shore supporters were well fed.

For breakfast, sausage, eggs and English muffins were on the menu. For lunch, the Lions Club volunteers served burgers and hot dogs.

In addition to the hot food, on Saturday, after weigh-in, the Lions Club held a raffle for items donated by local merchants.

The tournament is named in memory of long-time Lions Club member George Elliott, who, with his family, originated the fundraiser as a joint venture with the past Florence Bass Club.

As it did this year, the tournament’s focus has always been on bringing family and friends together in a community setting.

38^th Annual George Elliot Fun Bass Tournament

Siltcoos Lake

July 9-10

Overall Leaderboard

Place — Team — Total Weight of Fish Caught

1 — Bigby & Bigby — 29lb 15oz

2 — Pearson & Pearson — 27lb

3 — Weisner & Roberts — 26lb 13oz

4(tie) — Banker & Hundman — 26lb 1oz

4(tie) — Van de Hay & Johnston — 26lb 1oz

6 — Alexander & Larson — 25lb 1oz

7 — McLarrin & Eastburn — 24lb 3oz

8 — Hunter & Hunter — 23lb 8oz

9 — Glen Gross — 17lb 1oz

10 — Rempelos & Rempelos — 15lb 1oz