By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
For the first time in the event’s history, the Border Bass Battle will be taking place on a Sunday.
The event, which is held twice each year on Lake Amistad, has been moved from its usual Saturday date to Sunday due to the threat of high winds expected throughout the day.
The first Border Bass Battle of 2025 will be held Sunday, March 9 instead of Saturday, March 8.
That’s not the only change. The event will begin later in the morning due to its coinciding with Daylight Savings Time. First cast is scheduled for 7:45 a.m. with the first weigh-in scheduled for 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Weigh-ins will continue each hour until 4 p.m.
Pro angler Kurt Dove, who helps oversee the tournament and serves as the weigh master, explained on KDLK 94.1 FM’s Morning Show with Jay Gonzalez this week that the change in date was to ensure boater safety. He said while the winds aren’t expected to be a problem Sunday, he said Saturday’s forecast presented conditions that could be disastrous for anglers on the water.
According to the Weather Channel, Saturday’s forecast calls for winds reaching 20 to 30 mph with occasional gusts of more than 40 mph.
That was more than enough for tournament organizers including the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce to delay the tournament one day.
The change in date also means anglers seeking to sign up to compete will have one more date to register.
Prospective competitors can call 830-775-3551 Friday between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, to register via phone. They can also register in person Saturday at Rudy’s BBQ and Country Store from noon to 4 p.m.
Anglers can also visit drchamber.com to register.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three weights recorded during each hourly weigh-in. Prizes will also be awarded to the overall largest bass, the heaviest smallmouth bass weighed in, and the top angler in the youth division.
Anglers can win in multiple hours but can only weigh in one bass per hour.
Dove said there’s also an added incentive for anglers from tournament sponsor Epic Baits. According to Dove and Epic Baits, any angler who purchases at least $10 worth of Epic Baits from 2 Guys Marine or Pro Bass Tackle and uses those baits to win one of the hourly weigh-ins Sunday will also receive $100 in bonus money from Epic Baits.
Anglers also have one more chance to win additional money as any fisherman who weighs in a 13-pound or greater bass will win $2,500 as part of the Sharelunker Big Bass Bounty.
A total of $25,000 is up for grabs based on 300 total anglers that sign up. If fewer than 300 anglers register, then the more anglers who sign up to compete, the more prize money will be available to the hourly and overall winners.
—
Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
