The hook pulls free from the grips of a largemouth bass after it exploded on a Heddon Zara Spook during the 2018 Big Bass Challenge at Lake Wilson. (Photo by Steve Hausler, HBAA)

Anglers weigh quality fish at Big Bass Challenge

Wilson, KS (Sept. 8, 2018) — Anglers battled wet, cool and windy conditions during the 18th Annual Big Bass Challenge at Lake Wilson. Ninety-nine anglers in 50 boats participated in the annual event put on by the Hays Bass Anglers Association. Following the playing of The National Anthem, boats were called out by number, one-at-a-time, to begin the tournament. Cool and breezy conditions on tournament day followed more than a week of rainy weather, but that did not hinder the bite as anglers caught quality fish throughout the event keeping club members from the Hays Bass Anglers Association busy weighing in fish every hour. The team of brothers, Jeff Skala from Gibbon, NE, and Dan Skala from Manhattan, brought in the big bass of the tournament, a 5.14 pound largemouth. Despite the conditions, anglers weighed in good quality smallmouth and largemouth bass during the event.  “The Challenge was a great success as a number of fish over four pounds were weighed in during the tournament,” said Keith Harmoney, the Big Bass Challenge tournament director for HBAA. Anglers were treated to a free post-tournament BBQ with refreshments and more following the event. Hourly winners received checks for first and second place during the awards celebration which followed the tournament on Saturday afternoon. “HBAA wants to thank all anglers and sponsors who helped make this year’s event a success,” Harmoney said.