The Jon “Woody” Watson Memorial Bass Tournament is a two-day annual event honoring the life, service, and legacy of Jon “Woody” Watson. Each May, members of the law enforcement, fire service, and military communities gather on Clear Lake for competitive bass fishing, camaraderie, and charitable impact.
This tournament is built on the values Woody exemplified: integrity, professionalism, sportsmanship, and service to others.
A portion of tournament proceeds will be donated to Casting for Recovery, a nonprofit organization providing no-cost recovery retreats for women affected by breast cancer.
DETAILS
LOCATION
2755 Mission Rancheria Road
Lakeport, CA 95453
All launches and weigh-ins will take place from the Konocti Vista Marina on Clear Lake.
TOURNAMENT FORMAT
This is a structured, two-day team bass tournament.
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Maximum 2 anglers per boat
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Artificial lures only (no live bait)
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Five (5) fish limit per team
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13-inch minimum length
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Largemouth & smallmouth bass only
Participants may register for
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Day 1 Only
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Day 2 Only
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Both Days
Entry fees include participation in the Big Fish side pot for that day.
Blast-off order is determined by the date & time registration payments are received. Early registration secures an earlier launch position.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
This event is open to active or retired:
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Law enforcement personnel
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Fire department personnel
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Military personnel
At least one angler per boat must meet the above criteria.
To maintain fairness and the spirit of the event:
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Full time professional bass anglers are not permitted
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Full time fishing guides are not permitted
DAILY OVERVIEW
Live Well Inspection:
All boats must undergo live well inspection prior to launch
Blast-Off:
Approximately 0530 hours each day.
All boats must be inside the Marina prior to launch.
Weigh-In:
Begins approximately 1500 hours each day.
Specific weigh-in times may be assigned depending on boats.
Boats must be inside the Marina by their designated time to avoid disqualification.
SCORING
& PENALTIES
Standings are determined by total weight of the team's best five (5) fish.
Tournament enforcement includes:
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1 lb. penalty per short fish
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0.25 lb. penalty per dead fish
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0.25 lb. penalty if Big Fish is dead
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Immediate disqualification for altered, mangled, or otherwise compromised fish
Culling must be done immediately upon catching a sixth fish. At no time may an angler possess more than the tournament limit.
All fish must be transported in water-filled fish bags to the weigh-in dock and returned to the lake properly after weighing.
SAFETY
& LICENSING
All participants must
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Wear and carry state-approved life vests
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Have all state-mandated safety equipment aboard
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Possess a valid California fishing license
At least one boater must possess a valid California Boater Card. Safety violations may result in disqualification.
DAY 1 BBQ GATHERING
Following the Day 1 Weigh-In, participants are invited to attend a BBQ gathering. This has become a longstanding tradition of the event, providing an opportunity to connect, share stories, and honor Woody's memory together.
SPORTSMANSHIP
Competitors are expected to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety, and conservation. This tournament has always reflected the professionalism of the community it represents.
MEDIA
& PHOTOGRAPHY
Photos and videos may be captured throughout the event and shared publicly via websites and social media. By participating, anglers consent to event-related media usage.
Participants who prefer not to appear in public media must notify the Event Coordinator in advance.
EVENT COORDINATOR
For eligibility questions or additional event information, please contact:
SRPD Officer Travis Watson
Event Coordinator
Email: traviskwatson28@gmail.com
Cell: (707) 495-0934