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How To Catch The Million Dollar Bass That is Swimming in Lake Martin

If I were to tell you that one fish could change your life…. would you believe me? What if I told you that fish was worth a cool million dollars? The first time I heard it, I thought that was great for the pros and I thought it would be exciting to hear about one of them catching it. Then, I realized that this little game of chance isn’t just for the pros. Of course, one of the pro anglers in their beautiful bass boats and immaculate tackle collection could be the one to catch it. However, a grandma and grandson sitting out on their back dock could also be the ones to reel that fish in, or I could be out in my kayak fishing and be the lucky one. This is an even playing field for everyone who loves fishing, and likes a little game of chance to go with it. It’s not about catching the biggest fish, or the most fish. All that matters is that you catch the RIGHT fish.

Crank 4 Bank Details

The game is called Crank for Bank, and it is put on by OGS Fishing Tournaments between April 1, 2022-July 4, 2022. Even though they are one of the great fishing tournament organizers in our area, I wouldn’t call this your traditional fishing tournament. Actually, I wouldn’t call it a tournament at all-it is totally different, and allows anyone with a heart for fishing to be on an even playing field to have a chance to win. April 1-July 4, you are invited to fish on Lake Martin and take a chance at catching that dream fish-or one of his many friends worth $1,500, 2 boats, or a truck. Yes-while my eye is on that one fish worth a million dollars, there are still plenty of other valuable prizes to be won as well. There are a total of 200 tagged fish who will be swimming all over the lake, and are all worth prizes. However, in order to be eligible to win any of these prizes, there are a few things you need to do before you even hit the water. I want to share these instructions with you now, because if you are out and catch any of these fish, and have not taken the proper steps prior, you are not eligible to collect any winnings. Can you imagine how painful that would be to catch the fish, but then not be able to collect the winnings? Don’t be that guy (or girl). If you want to play, take note of the basic rules below.

Do These 3 Simple Things Or You Win Nothing

  • First and foremost, you have to have an Alabama Freshwater Fishing License if required by Alabama law. But come on, if you are out fishing, you need to have that anyway-you don’t want to get busted without it. And in this case, if you catch the winning fish and don’t have an Alabama Freshwater License at the time the fish was caught, you get nothing. Get information on getting your fishing license here.
  • Next, you have to be registered ahead of time for the contest. Yes, you have to buy a ticket, and you can get your ticket and get registered by clicking here. If you don’t, and you catch a tagged fish, you get nothing.  No-you can’t go and get registered after you catch your winning fish.  You have to do it at least 2 hours before you catch your tagged fish.  Check out this video that walks you step by step through the registration process.
  • Read the rules (and then read them again.) Make sure you completely understand how to upload the pictures of your fish and know what to do when you catch a tagged fish. You can check those out here

More Fun Prizes

Another cool thing is that those who choose to participate, also get to be a part of the virtual fishing tournament. Again though-this is not like your normal fishing tournament.  Basically, you catch a fish, and regardless of size, you upload the picture.  They will have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place big fish winners, as well as weekly big fish winners.  They will also have a random drawing every other week and select winners that way as well.  It’s just another way you can win, and is something that anyone can do regardless of your fishing experience. 

What Does The Million Dollar Fish Look Like?

The fish that are tagged and put in Lake Martin are all largemouth or spotted bass. They might be small or large-we don’t know. What we do know is that the fish will be wearing a special fashion accessory that sets it apart. You will see the tag on the fish, and will know it is one that is a part of the Crank 4 Bank contest.

Where Is The Million Dollar Fish?

Right here in Lake Martin!  The tagged fish are released in different locations on Lake Martin, from up the river beyond Highway 280, to Parker Creek near Kowaliga.  The lucky fish could be anywhere on the lake, and your chance is as good as mine.  Download a copy of the Lake Martin map and start plotting out your game plan of spots to hit.  

Do People Ever Catch The Tagged Fish? 

Yes, yes, yes!  Last year we had 16 total winners.  One took home a Skeeter Boat, and the rest took home $1,500.  Some people were super lucky and caught more than one tagged fish.  You have just as good of a chance as anyone, so we hope to have you out there on the lake with us as we search for the Million Dollar Bass! 

Doing Good For The Fishing Community

Another thing I really like is that a portion of the proceeds from the Crank 4 Bank tickets goes to help high school fishing teams. These teams are often underfunded, and I think it is kind of cool to be a part of giving back to something that invests in our future anglers.