Back the Blue Fishing Tournament slated for April 6

The annual Back the Blue Bass Fishing Tournament is something that can benefit law enforcement and those who love the sport.

Tahlequah Assistant Police Chief Dexter Scott puts on the event every year, and he said April’s event was a success.

“It went really well, and I believe we ended up with 59 boats and raised around $3,000,” Scott said.

The entry fee is $80 per boat, and attendees can preregister until March 30 at Jimmy Houston’s Marine and Kawasaki, and even register the morning of the event.

“It’s a team tournament but you’re eligible to fish solo as well,” he said.

The department only profits from entry fees and proceeds from an auction. The auction features kayaks that were donated by Walmart as well as fishing items.

The department purchases a variety of needed equipment with the proceeds from the tournament. Two drones were purchased in 2022 from the proceeds and Scott said they were able to invest in a Case Logging, Enforcement and Activity Reporting (CLEAR) system.

“We purchased the software and it’s a resource for our detectives, patrol officers, and anybody as far as access to records for investigation purposes,” he said.

Scott posts the highlighted sponsors to social media, and he said there are about 15 sponsors this year.

“The tournament would definitely not be what it is today without those sponsors,” Scott said.

Those interested in participating are asked to meet at the Sizemore boat ramp around 6:45 a.m. on Saturday, April 6.

The event typically begins from “safelight,” when it’s safe to get out on the water; however, Scott said they are changing that this year.

“We will not have a designated take-off. You can put [a boat] in at any boat ramp but you can’t start fishing until 6:45 a.m.,” he said. “If you’re not preregistered, you can register that morning at Sizemore [boat ramp] and I’ll be there around 5 a.m. to start taking entries for people who didn’t preregister.”

Participants must be checked in for weigh-in at Jimmy Houston’s store no later than 3:40 p.m. Scott said all fish caught during the event will be released back into Lake Tenkiller after weigh-in.

First-place winners will get $2,500 and second place will win $1,500. Third place will get $900 and fourth- through 10th-place winners will also receive cash prizes.

Will Caviness donated food and will be doing the cooking after the tournament. Scott said food and drinks are free.

Participants who place in the tournament will be subject to a polygraph test, something they agree to when registering for the event.

Anyone interested in registering for the tournament can do so here: https://www.jotform.com/232775469365066?fbclid=IwAR31rpqJto8vPSoPNPaBoms3C-6UttPyMStMjkx6RXvlYQhhcWqnykTaCSQ  and anyone with questions about the event can call Scott at 918-457-9122.