Memorial Day Classic Bass Tournament 2010
Last years Memorial Day Classic put on by the River Valley Bass Club was a huge success with
just a little over 40 boats competing for the team championship. This year’s field is expected to
exceed 60 boats as the word is out about one of the best two-day team bass tournaments in the
country.
The Memorial Day Classic is open to two-man teams from any part of the state or country. In
last years field there were teams from as far away as Fort Smith all the way to Memphis,
Tennessee. Thanks in large part to our good friends at Get5Bass.com who make it easy to get
tournament announcements and attract interested anglers, tournament organizers are hoping to
top 100 boats this coming season.
That goal could very possibly be accomplished this year, if you start making plans now to fish
this year’s event.
Our very first classic three years ago was simply a pieced and thrown together event that led
us to the big event, which was held out of the Lake Dardanelle State park last year. This year we
are getting the word out early so folks know that they will have a bass fishing option for the
Memorial Day weekend. The Memorial Day tournaments held in the past were on a pro-am format
with a partner draw. The River Valley Bass Club event is a two-man team championship.
There were lots of activities going on during last year’s tournament and the whole atmosphere at
the state park created a big time feel for the holiday weekend event. This year will be no different
as there will be prize drawings and giveaways for participants, family, and fans alike
The major selling point of this event to a lot of bass fishermen is simple; two-day events are
more likely to reward the best teams. As we all know the great thing about Lake Dardanelle is on
the right day anyone with an ounce of ability could have the opportunity to catch a large sack of
fish. We are looking for the team that can consistently do it over two days.
The dates for this year’s classic will be Sunday, May 30th and Monday, May 31st and will be
held out of the Lake Dardanelle State Park Tournament Facility.
Registration for this event will begin at 4:30 a.m. at the State Park Weigh-in Pavilion on Lake
Dardanelle. Take-off will commence at 6:00 a.m. or “safe light” each morning and will conclude with
a 2:00 p.m. weigh-in each day. Order of take-off will be determined by drawing.
An awards presentation and prize drawing will take place following the final weigh-in on Monday,
May 31st at the tournament facility.
Entry fee for this one of a kind two-day event is $150.00 per team that includes a “Big Bass”
award that will be paid out each day of the tournament. Over 70% of all monies will be paid directly
to the anglers participating. All payouts and the number of places to be paid will be determined by
the total number of entries into the championship.
There will be a five fish limit and a 15-inch minimum on all fish weighed. Also there will be a half-
pound penalty for any dead fish weighed. Live-well check will be done each day and all contestants
will be subject to a polygraph exam at the tournaments conclusion.
Wilkins Brothers Outdoors of Russellville and Lefty’s Gun and Pawn of Dardanelle have both
offered to help make this event a huge and hopefully permanent success. Be sure to stop by and
visit with them and pick up one of our tournament flyers for more information. Entry forms will also
be available at both businesses if you wish to preregister for this year’s event. You may also obtain
more information by visiting the Get5Bass.com website and follow the links to the tournament
announcement. You may also contact one of the following club members for more information and
details. Justin Lancaster (479-264-9618) Joey Fisher (479-880-6933) Johnny Judkins (479-477-
0003)