CHAMPLAIN UPDATE

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

As you recall, the dockmaster at Plattsburg warned us that there was to be a Bassmaster Elite Tournament during our stay.  150 boats and a 7AM kick-off complete with loudspeaker announcements.  Of course, we said, “Hell, yes!”

The Bassmaster Elite Tournament was a gas!  We learned that it costs $10,000 just to enter the competition.  Plus, we priced out the bass boats on display: roughly $100,000 with the outboard engine, the trolling motor, and the Power Poles they use to hold the boat in position in shallow water; not counting 8-10 fishing rods and who knows how many lures, jigs and baits.  They are all equipped with “live wells” where the caught fish are kept alive until the weigh-in.

The process is amazing: it begins with all the boats lined up in a predetermined random order.  They parade past an official with their live wells open for inspection (they must leave empty, of course). Then, as their name is called over the PA system, they blast off for the far reaches of the lake.  Over 400 square miles of lake in which to fish; just be back by 3PM!

They head out one at a time after being announced along with their past successes.

Each angler is accompanied by a Marshall and returns with his 5 best fish: all large-mouth or small-mouth bass; the smaller ones are released as larger ones are caught.  At the weigh-in, the fish are transferred to water-filled bags, awaiting the weigh-in ceremony.  Each angler is called up on stage to great fanfare, with a recitation of their past successes and their current standings for the Bassmaster title, Angler of the Year, Rookie of the Year, etc.  Each angler has a moment on stage to show off his best two fish, and his catch is weighed in front of everyone, including the TV cameras. This was carried live on Fox Sports.

Bringing in their catch to be weighed on stage.

Each participant shows off two fish after weigh-in. Over the four day event, the participants with the highest weights go on to compete until there are only ten left to fish the final day for the $100,000 prize.

Lynn was wondering what happens to the fish after the tournament, and today we got our answer…We visited E.C.H.O., the interactive museum / exhibit about Lake Champlain history and ecology.  Lynn was introduced to Olivia, a 26-year-old Bassmaster wannabe who served the tournament as a Marshall, riding in one of the boats to ensure the rules were obeyed.  Olivia explained that the bass are examined by expert biologists immediately after the weigh-in, then rushed to the Release Boat for return to the bay. If they need extra care, they are treated immediately. It’s said they have a 95% survival rate.

What fun!  And what an exciting introduction to a sport we’ve never followed!

After Plattsburg, we spent a GORGEOUS day anchored in Spoon Bay on Valcour Island, swimming, relaxing and puttering around in the dinghy with Guinness.

Guinness loves riding in the dinghy!

The boat in Spoon Harbor at Valcour Island

Now, we’re back in Burlington, with its beautiful lake views and wonderful shops and restaurants.  

Enjoying the sunset from the cockpit.

Tomorrow, we leave for Willsboro Bay, a fjord on the west shore.