Rick Pierce of Bass Cat Boats confirmed today that the 25th annual Bass Cat Owners Invitational, scheduled for this spring, has regrettably been cancelled. Pierce noted the reason for cancellation did not concern Lake Norfork water levels. Instead, Bass Cat owners across the southern portion of the U.S. are wrestling with the devastating effects of storms, tornados and floods.
"Lake Norfork is now in extremely excellent condition for fishing and the lake is producing limits at a pace much higher than normal," Pierce said. "(But) over the last 2 weeks the Southeast has been inundated with weather complications, which all has affected several of our Bass Cat family and friends across the country. Most of the Southeast is under stress and we prefer to not add to that in any way."
He added: "The Pierce family and the staff of Bass Cat feel that we would be taxing those desiring to participate at these undue times. There's a much more pressing need for those in those areas to assist their families and friends. This is where their hearts and minds should be, rather than being torn between continuing a longtime tradition of attending the Owners Invitational."
A further announcement about the event is expected by May 21. Pierce noted that future plans "may include a full-size late-October event, a smaller October/November event or a much larger spring event in 2012."
Future announcements will be posted on the Bass Cat Owners Board and the Bass Cat FaceBook page.
> Pierce also noted that over 24 years of the Invitational, only 1 day of competition was ever cancelled. That was because of an ice storm that produced 3 inches of frozen rain and sleet that stranded many in Mountain Home, Ark. for days.
