Fishing tournaments a boost for Basin economy

OTHELLO - Sixty anglers spent most of Thursday with their poles in the water during the second day of The Bass Federation's 2013 Northwest Division championship at Potholes Lake.

They returned with more than 600 pounds of fish. Once the day's events were over, boats were pulled from the water and poles were put away.

Mike Meseberg, of MarDon Resort, said the participants would now head out to spend some time in the surrounding communities. They would likely eat at various Basin restaurants and visit stores and other businesses as well, he said.

Meseberg said the resort benefits from hosting various fishing tournaments throughout the season. However, his establishment isn't the only one to see an increase in business, he said.

"The economic impact is a lot bigger than most people realize," he said.

People who come to the area for fishing tournaments spend money at hotels, dining establishments and other businesses in various Grant and Adams communities, he said.

"They spend on overnight stays, food, fuel and fishing items," Meseberg said.

And people who come for tournaments aren't just in the area for the days of the tournament, he said.

"Some of the guys in this tournament were out here a week ago, to get a feel for the water and to practice," he said.

Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debbie Doran-Martinez said fishing tournaments are a good way to get people from outside the area to make that initial visit to the Basin.

"They're out here enjoying themselves and a lot of times they say they plan to come back with their families," she said.

Washington State Bass Federation President Russell Baker said this is the second time the Northwest championship has been held at MarDon Resort. Teams from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming participate in the annual tournament, he said.

The states take turns hosting the event. Baker said the last time Washington hosted the tournament, the state bass federation also chose to have it at Potholes Lake.

"One of the reasons we chose Potholes is because it's centralized, it's pretty much in the center of the state," said Baker. "But one of the main reasons is because this is an excellent body of water."

The three-day tournament started Wednesday. Baker said the top two anglers from each state qualify for next year's TBF national championship.

Participants are given a five-fish limit each day, he said. They can either bring in small or large-mouthed bass and each must be at least 12 inches long.

The weight of their catch is what matters, he said.

As of day two, Idaho angler Chad Kaiser is in first place. His total weight for fish caught both days is 46 pounds, 5 ounces.

Nicholas Fitzsimmons, who is fishing for Oregon, is in second place. As of day two, his total catch weighs 45 pounds, 7 ounces.

Aaron Echternkamp, of Moses Lake, is in third place. He is fishing for Washington.

He has a total catch weight of 41 pounds and 10 ounces.

So far, Oregon, Idaho and Wyoming are the tournament's top teams.

Washington is ranked fourth as of day two.

For overall tournament results, see Monday's paper.