As a member and current president of the Oxford Bass Club, Dave Robakiewicz has seen the benefits of fishing in some of the greatest waters in the United States. But there is so much more than just catching monster bass.

“The OBC gives you an opportunity to fish with some of the best bass fisherman in North Mississippi,” Robakiewicz said. Being in the club allows you to “learn new fishing techniques and learn how to use your sophisticated electronics while strengthening your fishing network and build long-lasting friendships.”

OBC history

The Oxford Bass Club has been around for about 40 years and has grown from about a dozen members to around 50 anglers who compete for cash and prizes during monthly tournaments.

The club is actively seeking more members to join them and enjoy fishing together in a competitive atmosphere.

“Our objective is to provide men and women an opportunity to meet new people from varying backgrounds and occupations who enjoy fishing,” Robakiewicz said. “Our members range in age from mid-20s to mid-70s.”

According to Robakiewicz, Paul Briscoe is currently the longest tenured member of the OBC still fishing. Brisco joined the club in the 1980s.

Changes

A lot has changed with the OBC since its founding, including its original name — Oxford/Lafayette Bass and Conservation Club.

The biggest change is the format of the tournaments.

Up until 1985, there were members that were either boaters or non-boaters, Robakiewicz said.

“There was a draw that matched them together. Each participant in the boat fished against each other.”

That changed in 1986.

“The fishermen grew more competitive and had a need to keep spots and techniques secret,” Robakiewicz said. “The format was changed to pick-a-partner. Members in a boat were now teams fishing against other team boats.”

During that time, the OBC also fished against other area clubs including the Batesville Bass Busters, the Grenada Bass Club, the Holly Springs Bass Club and the Clarksdale Bass Club. The OBC also had tournaments that pitted husband and wife teams against each other.

Equipment

As the competition grew, so did the fishing and boating equipment — in particular boats and motors.

In the ’70s and ’80s, boats averaged 15 feet in length and were constructed either out of aluminum or fiberglass with either a 90 or 115 horsepower motor. The average boat went 35 to 40 mph back then. Today, most boats are made out of fiberglass and average 18 feet with 150hp engine to 22 feet with up 300hp engines.

“A boat with a 200hp motor will average 60 to 65 mph and now boats with 250hp and 300hp motors are going as fast as 80 or 90 mph,” Robakiewicz said.

“The faster boats afford the chance to get to a fishing spot quicker with more time to fish and depart later from the fishing hole to get to the weigh-in at the boat ramp.”

The electronics used to find fish has also changed since the ’70s with the use of GPS around 2000.

“The first I can remember was used by an airline pilot in his large 21-foot Ranger boat,” Robakiewicz said. “I remember using my oar or an anchor to check the water depth when I began fishing in 1984. Now I can turn on my depth/fish finder and navigation system and find my way back to where I caught fish five years ago.”

He said many of the “fish finders” are now the size of a portable 15-inch television.

“They can even give you access to the Internet,” Robakiewicz said.

Bigger money

With more competition, the membership fee and payouts have also increased. In 1979, the OBC membership fee was $15 per member and $10 per tournament member. Today the membership fee is $50 per team and $80 per tournament per team.

In ’79, the payout if there were 10 boats fishing was $60 for first place, $40 for second and $20 for third. Today, with 10 boats competing, the payout is $400, or 50 percent of tournament fees for first place. Second place is $200, or 25 percent of the tournament fees, and $120 for third place, or 15 percent of the tourney fees.

The creel limits have also changed. In the 1970s, the creel limit was eight bass, 12-inches or greater. Today the creel limit, depending on the legal size at the lake being fished, is 10 bass, 12-inches or greater.

The OBC has also expanded the lakes they fish. Primarily in the ’70s and ’80s, the OBC fished Sardis, Enid and Grenada lakes. It was extended in the ’90s to include Bay Springs, Pickwick, Moon Lake, Tunica and Ross Barnett. This season, OBC will fish Sardis, Enid, Bay Springs and Pickwick.

A tournament meeting for the 2016 season will be at 7 p.m. March 10 at Pizza Hut on Jackson Avenue.

Robakiewicz said anyone wishing to join the club can contact him at 662-816-8615 or email at drobo906@gmail.com.