“This is the second annual Quantum Big Bass event on Ft. Gibson Lake,” said tournament director Mark Jones. “We had around 400 anglers in the first one and we expect an increase over that number this weekend.”

Heavy rains in the springs caused severe flooding across much of Oklahoma and Ft. Gibson Lake rose dramatically, Jones noted. The Corps of Engineers estimated then that the lake would crest at more than 571 feet, more than 15 feet above normal levels.

“The lake is back down to normal levels so there is no issue at all with the lake level,” Jones said. The Corps of Engineers reported this week that the lake was at 554.38 feet.

The tournament will be held out of Taylor’s Ferry park and ramp area five miles east of Wagoner, Okla. Jones noted that with the federal government shutdown now over, all the park and ramps facilities on the lake are open and accessible to anglers.

The Quantum Big Bass Classic will follow the same format as other Oakley Big Bass events. The format provides hourly payouts for weigh-ins during the 8-9 a.m., 9-10 a.m., 10-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-12 noon, 12-1 p.m., 1-2 p.m., and 2-3 p.m. time periods both days of the tournament.

Jones noted that prizes were increased across the board for 2013, with the top weight each hour worth $1,000, up from $500 last year, followed by $500 for 2^nd, $300 for 3^rd, $200 for 4^th and $150 for 5^th.

The top prize, given for the biggest bass weighed over the weekend is a 2013 Nitro Z7 powered by Mercury 150, with Tandem Trailer and Dual Console Upgrades, valued at $30,000.

Randy Edens won the 2012 Quantum Big Bass Classic on Fort Gibson lake with a 6.30-pound big bass to take home the championship and the Nitro Z7 grand prize.

“This is our last Oakley Big Bass event of the year,” Jones said. “Anglers will be able to watch the televised events on the Sportsman Channel starting in January.”

Jones said details are being finalized on the 2014 Oakley Big Bass Tour and the schedule will be announced in mid-November.

The Oakley Big Bass Tour is a premier big bass tournament series open to all amateur anglers. The tour provides anglers of all skill levels with an exciting tournament format and event experience on some of the nation’s best bass fisheries. Since it was established in 2007 the tour has focused on the promotion of bass fishing and bass conservation at the grass roots level.

Oakley produces an array of market-leading products including premium sunglasses, goggles, prescription eyewear, apparel, footwear and accessories.

Oakley Quantum Big Bass Classic

Oct 26-27, 2013

Fort Gibson Lake

Call Mark Jones 214-605-4600

www.oaklybigbass.com