LAKE COUNTY – Lake County has become an increasingly popular site for a growing number of fishing tournaments, derbies, and contests – from fun, themed derbies for the whole family to major tournaments where professionals from all over the world compete for points, prizes and money.

In 2010, Lake County tournaments will be home to numerous tournaments each month with an action-packed year of fishing for amateurs and pros alike, including the Bassmaster Elite Series Golden State Shootout tournament March 18-21.

At the heart of Lake County is Clear Lake, which is California’s largest natural freshwater lake with 68 square miles of surface area and 100 miles of shoreline and is truly an angler’s paradise. Clear Lake has earned a reputation for being home to “monster bass” – the lake record for largemouth bass is 17.52 pounds – and it is often referred to as the “Bass Capital of the West.”

The average tournament-winning weight for largemouth bass can exceed five pounds, a weight unmatched by any other lake in the nation. Clear Lake also boasts a large population of crappie, as well as huge catfish – with a 2009 record-breaker weighting in at 33.33 pounds that was released back into the lake – and 20-pounders not at all uncommon.

Beyond Clear Lake, several other lakes in the area provide opportunities for a wide range of fishing experiences, including the clear waters of spring-fed Upper Blue Lake where several lakeside campgrounds and resorts dot the shoreline; Lake Pillsbury, located in the expansive Mendocino National Forest; and for those seeking solitude, remote Indian Valley Reservoir.

Three of the most popular tournaments include:

March 13-14, Holder Ford Team Bass Tournament

Considered by some sportsmen to be the most popular event on the lake, the laid-back atmosphere has drawn pro and amateur teams alike for the past 23 years. A barbecue dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Entry fees are $100 per team, plus $50 for the Big Fish Option or add $50 for the Big Bag Option. The teams especially appreciate the 100 percent payback in prizes on the entry fees for the event. Sponsored by Holder Ford and the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. The host lodging facility is Skylark Shores Resort, and the teams put in at Library Park, Lakeport. 707-263-5603, www.lakecochamber.com

April 24-25, Blue Lakes Trout Derby

This derby is sponsored by the Blue Lakes Association and local merchants and businesses donate prizes. Now in its 22nd year, proceeds from the event go to support volunteer firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other Blue Lakes community projects. Held Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. with weigh-ins each day at the Narrows Resort. Entry fees are $8 per person; $4 for those under 16. The top prize is $150, second place is $75, and third place is $50. Every child wins a prize. The derby is open to the public and hosted by the Narrows Lodge Resort, 5690 Blue Lakes Road, Upper Lake. 707-275-2718, www.thenarrowsresort.com

May 14-15, 27th-Annual Catfish Derby, Clearlake Oaks / Glenhaven Business Association

“The largest catfish derby west of the Mississippi” and a benefit for community projects, the 27th-annual Catfish Derby features both an Adu lt Derby, with a grand prize of a new boat, motor, and trailer, and a Kids Derby for those 16 years old and younger, with a grand prize of a new quad ATV. Sponsored by the Clearlake Oaks/Glenhaven Business Association. Held from noon Friday through noon Sunday. Early registration from noon to 11 p.m. Thursday, $40. Registration also will be held from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, $45. No registrations accepted after 11 p.m. Friday. Registration is $10 for kids. 12655 East Highway 20, Clearlake Oaks. 888-CL DERBY, 707-998-1006, www.clearlakeoaks.org

The California Department of Fish & Game requires all tournaments to receive a permit and maintains the most up-to-date list of professional and club tournaments that will be held on Clear Lake in 2010. This list is continually updated. Visit their Web site to search for tournaments at http://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FishingContests .

Lake County is committed to protecting its lakes and rivers from aquatic invasive species. All non-resident vessels must be clean, drained, and dry and must be inspected prior to launching.

For those vessels that pass inspection, a set of two inspection bands will be issued – one for the boat and one to be affixed to the boat trailer. The fee is $10 and the bands, which are non-transferable, will be valid for the entire month of issue plus a five-day grace period for those visits that continue into the following month.

In addition, the disposal of live bait or its bait water into Lake County waters is strictly prohibited. For more information and for a list of convenient inspection locations, visit www.co.lake.ca.us/mussels .

Located in beautiful Northern California, Lake County is just two hours by car from the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sacramento Valley, and the Pacific Coast. Lake County is home to Clear Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in California and possibly the oldest lake on the continent.

Visitors to Lake County experience the state’s cleanest air basin, spectacular scenic beauty, fine wines, and unsurpassed recreational opportunities – from hiking, biking, golf, gaming and off-road adventures to boating, fishing, kayaking, birding and even rockhounding. Lake County is part of the North Coast AVA, which also encompasses Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties.

For visitor information, contact the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 800-525-3743 or www.lakecounty.com .