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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – For nearly 40 years, one event has defined the spirit of skill and endurance on the waters of Clear Lake.
Since its inception in 1987, the Chamber of Commerce Bass Tournament – affectionately dubbed “The Chamber” by locals – has served as both a cornerstone of community economic development and a magnet for anglers seeking greatness.
Originally known as "The Lake County Record Bee" and later "The Holder Ford," this competition holds the distinction of being the oldest tournament of its kind on our waters.
More than just a contest, it is a prestigious March tradition that draws talent from across the region.
On Clear Lake, the battle for the leaderboard begins long before the first cast is ever made. Because the lake is famous for its "community fishing holes," being the first boat out provides a massive strategic advantage in claiming the best spots.
The quest for the coveted “Boat No. 1” is legendary. The late Jerry “The Godfather” Tilton once coached me to spend the night in the lookout point parking lot just to secure that top starting spot. My own first attempt at securing the lead spot taught me a shivering lesson; I arrived in shorts and flip-flops, only to spend the night with chattering teeth.
Local angler George Cockriell has mastered this dedication, holding the honor of Boat Number One for the last decade, missing the event only once when it was canceled due to COVID. While he once lost the top title to Skeet and Jimmy Reese by less than a pound, his commitment to the tournament remains unmatched.
Historically, over 200 boats would participate, with anglers lining up at the Record Bee with cots and sleeping bags as early as 3 p.m. the day before. If you plan to fish "The Chamber," come prepared for a fight against more than just the fish. Tournament history suggests at least one day of "nasty" weather is almost guaranteed. I still recall racing to a weigh-in at 60 mph while a gnarly hailstorm pelted my face.
As veteran angler Ross England famously told me, "You're not going to win it on Day One, but you can definitely take yourself out of it if you don't catch 'em" – and the elements are often the biggest obstacle to that catch.
The 38th annual event is just around the corner. Whether you are aiming for the "Big Fish" award or the overall championship, here is what you need to know.
The consecutive two-day team tournament begins March 14. It’s a $250 entry fee and anglers registration for the event is at www.abatournaments.com.
Awards will be presented for Big Fish and Big Bag, culminating in the crowning of this year's champion after two days of intense competition.
The first three boats for Day One are as follows; on Day Two, the order is reversed:
• Boat No. 1: George and Kevin Cockriel.
• Boat No. 2: Wayne Breazeale and Craig Nelson.
• Boat No. 3: Sandy and Brian McGeoch.
Craig Nelson is a former professional golfer who fell in love with tournament bass fishing 20 years ago. He found Lake County after fishing an FLW Stren Series event and never left. He’s the back-to-back winner of the Konocti Classic and runner up in the inaugural WON Bass Clear Lake Open.
