About Us
Welcome
Welcome and thanks for visiting. The OBC started in 1971 and a few of the original members are still active today. We would love for you to attend one of our once a month meetings. They are held the first Thursday of every month at Denny's Restaurant right off of the I-4 and Lee Rd. exit. We usually start eating dinner about 6:30 and start the meeting around 7pm.
Membership
- There are virtually no restrictions for membership except that you are an amicable person that gets along with others and practices honesty and integrity. You do have to be 21 years of age to join.
- If you are joining as a boater we are a Sanctioned Bass Club registered with The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and all participating boats must be properly equipped with an effective Aeration Livewell System and be large enough to safely fish two anglers. We fish some large lakes in Central Florida so your boat has to be able to safely maneuver back to the ramp during sudden windy rainy weather events.(we require at least a 55hp outboard).
Boaters and Nonboaters
- The OBC is a "Draw" Club. Each month names are drawn at random and boaters and non-boaters are paired up for the monthly upcoming Club Tournament.
- It is not possible to join our club and fish as father and son or permanent partners.
- Occasionally there are more non-boaters than boaters which means members will be accommodated before guests.
- Normally we can work it out. If you own a boat and are looking for an authentic bass club to join we would love to have you visit with us.
Terry Reichard
Angler of the Year
The First Tournament Bass Boat
Ranger Bass Boat's first boat was built by Forrest and Nina Wood in 1968 out of a small "plant" in Flippin, Arkansas. Forrest wanted his boats to have strength, integrity, and commitment in a single name. He named "Ranger" after the original heritage of the Texas Rangers, a law enforcement group that was noted for reliability, toughness and patriotism.
Built out of fiberglass and "hand laid" for strength many of the original processes that went into the first Ranger still have a place in how they are built today. The processes have been streamlined but the integrity of the boat is still of utmost importance to Ranger.
Ranger was the first company to install carpet in their boats in 1969. Carpet not only made the boats quieter but also added comfort, appeal and a step up aesthetic appeal not found in boats before that time.
Rebel was not only limited to lure making, in 1971 they had begun making "Bass" boats. In fact Rebel furnished some of the I/O boats for the very first Bass Master Classic.
Trophy Catch Florida Program
Additional Information
TrophyCatch is an incentive-based conservation program designed for anglers who catch-and-release largemouth bass heavier than eight pounds, in Florida.
Our goals are:
- Collect valid information through citizen-science about trophy bass to help the FWC better enhance, conserve and promote trophy bass fishing
- Encourage catch-and-release of the biggest, oldest, most valuable bass
- Excite anglers about Florida freshwater fishing encouraging them to purchase licenses and fish more resulting in benefits to anglers, fishing-related businesses, local communities and the fisheries by having more support and funding for conservation
- Share information about fishing opportunities and destinations to make fishing more enjoyable
Anglers are encouraged to follow catch-and-release guidelines for these big bass and to document the catch through a photograph of the entire bass on a scale with the weight clearly legible. See RULES and PRIZES for details.