Water Wire

Skeet Reese's Big Bass Battle Fishing Tournament Comes to Clear Lake June 25-28, 2026

AUBURN, Calif. Skeet Reese, the 2024 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductee and the founder of Reese Fishing announces the details of the specialized bass tournament coming to a famed Northern California bass factory, The Big Bass Battle presented by Reese Fishing at Clear Lake June 25-28, 2026, headquartered at Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa in Kelseyville, Calif.

Reese Fishing has become known as the manufacturer of some of the finest fishing rods in the industry and in an effort to thank the community of Reese Fishing fans and give back to the sport he loves, the Big Bass Battle presented by Reese Fishing is the vehicle to do so. "We really wanted to bring the whole fishing community together, thank our customers and expose the band to potential customers in a fun way," said Reese. "We couldn't think of a better way to do it than to put together an event that does all of that and allows everyone to enjoy Clear Lake - my favorite lake - and the favorite of many anglers out there."

The format of the event is modeled after the popular Big Bass Tour events held throughout the South and Midwest. Participants register for $200 per person, they may fish up to three anglers per boat and may launch anywhere on the lake. Lines in will begin at 8:00AM Pacific Time and the scales will be open at Konocti Harbor Resort from 8:00AM until 3:00PM Saturday and Sunday. Anglers can weigh their individual fish during the hourly weigh-ins conducted by WON Bass for a chance at one of ten Big Bass prizes each hour.

Reese said that he is looking forward to seeing the event unfold. "We have worked very hard to put this event on and I really think everyone is going to enjoy it," he said. "It has something for everyone from a banquet at the resort and a gathering at a winery, to the fishing on one of the best bass lakes in the country, and even the possibilities for people to take advantage of the spa at the resort; it's really going to be an event."

"The format will be new to the western angler and I really have to thank Mark and Keith at Big Bass Tour for being so helpful in sharing that," he said. "The whole community is getting involved and really putting something special together for everyone to enjoy; it's going to be a lot of fun."

At the conclusion of the Reese Fishing Big Bass Battle on Sunday afternoon, the overall big bass of the event will win a Ranger Z519 powered by a Mercury ProXS225 outboard rigged with Lowrance electronics, Power Pole Move trolling motor, Charge and 8-foot Blade Shallow Water Anchors – a prize package valued at $90,000.

The event is presented by Reese Fishing, Bass Pro Shops, Ranger Boats, Mercury, Lowrance and Power Pole, other event sponsors include: Kastking, BUBBA, Sea Guide, Wiley X, Gone Fishin' Marine and Konocti Harbor Resort. Opportunities for additional sponsor participation is available, for inquiries contact Reeseoutdoor@Reesefishing.com.

Along with the competition, there will be a whole series of happenings surrounding the event. Thursday night after practice anglers can come to Konocti Harbor Resort for a live Q&A titled "Skeet's Take on Clear Lake," where anglers can ask questions of Skeet about the fishing and hear the take of other professional anglers who may participate in the discussion. After the official practice has concluded at 6:00PM on Friday Night, a Banquet will occur at the resort with free food and conversation about the fishing will occur.

Saturday morning the tournament begins and at the conclusion of the day, an opportunity to gather at the Shannon Mercantile Winery for a wine tasting at the Mercantile and free beer provided by Crooked Goat Brewery with live music and food for purchase at a variety of food trucks that will be in attendance.

On Sunday, day two of the tournament commences, and following the final weigh-in at 3:00PM. The Ranger Prize Boat will be awarded.

The sample hourly payout based on a full field of 400 participants is as below.

  • 1ST: $1000.00
  • 2ND: $500.00
  • 3RD: $300.00
  • 4TH: $250.00
  • 5TH: $225.00
  • 6TH: $200.00
  • 7TH: $175.00
  • 8TH: $150.00
  • 9TH: $125.00
  • 10TH: $100.00

Hourly Payouts are $21,175 per day (based on 400 entries).

In addition to the event payouts the Reese Fishing Big Bass Battle is sanctioned for all White River contingency programs, Ranger Cup, Triton Gold and Nitro Rewards.

For customers who own or purchase a Reese Fishing rod for the event an additional contingency will be available. For the highest finishing hourly big bass prize winners who can show a photo of their catch at the event with their Reese Fishing rod in their hand with the fish, they will earn an additional $200 bonus, and if the overall big bass of the event is caught on a Reese Fishing rod with – accompanying photo proof – that angler will receive a $2,000 contingency bonus. Reese Fishing rods are available for purchase at https://reesefishing.com/ and will be available for purchase at the gatherings at the Reese Fishing Big Bass Battle.

For complete event details and to register for the event, visit https://reesefishing.com/skeet-reese-big-bass-battle-fishing-tournament/. Newly remodeled and updated lodging is available at Konocti Harbor Resort for participants, visit https://www.konoctiharborresort.com for details.

About Reese Fishing
A product of more than 40 years of competitive and fishing industry excellence, Reese Fishing is the brainchild of Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductee Skeet Reese. The Auburn, Calif. pro, being one of the most successful anglers in the fishing industry with over 40 years of experience, knows what real anglers want and need to be successful on the water. built alongside his wife and daughters, the goal is to instill our passion for the outdoors. The goal of Reese Fishing products is to help customers be inspired to explore what the outdoors has to offer; Reese Fishing strives for the best overall performance on the water.

For more information about Reese Fishing, or to order products, visit them online at http://reesefishing.com.