The Bassmaster Central Open on Table Rock Lake has been postponed until the fall, and will most likely be rescheduled for October 2011.
Capt. Gary Haupt with the Water Patrol Division of the Missouri State Highway Patrol said that all events on Table Rock Lake have been canceled through Sunday, May 1. The Marine Patrol cited public safety and property damage concerns as the main reasons for revoking the permits that are needed to hold tournaments on the lake.
“There’s an advisory out for boaters on Table Rock and Lake Taneycomo this weekend because of the historic water levels we’re experiencing, and in turn, the historic water releases,” Haupt said. “There’s a greater possibility of both property and personal damage with conditions like this. Our decision to revoke the permit wasn’t a selective thing; we’ve canceled all events on the lake this weekend.”
Haupt went on to say that as southwest Missouri endures more showers, the lake continues to rise. Table Rock is fast approaching its historic high-water mark of 933.
“It’s still pretty dicey as they try to catch the crest of the lake,” Haupt said, referring to the dam operators trying to harness the flow from the dam.
B.A.S.S. Senior Tournament Manager Chris Bowes agrees with the decision.
“It’s the right thing to do given the situation,” he said. “There is a greater risk of damage to both property and personnel with all the debris in the water.”
Participating Open anglers will be contacted by B.A.S.S. in the upcoming weeks with full details regarding the rescheduling.