Grove's Boat Ramp Upgrades Expected To Help Flow At Bassmaster Classic

The Super Bowl of professional bass fishing is less than a week away and the city of Grove is gearing up for the anglers to take over Grand Lake.

The Bassmaster Classic is gearing up for a week full of tournament fishing in Northeastern Oklahoma.

Tulsa plays host to the high production weigh-ins at the BOK Center, and up at Grand Lake, the City of Grove plays an equal role in getting all the anglers in the water.

When the City of Grove found out it would be hosting the Bassmaster Classic again, more upgrades came to the Wolf Creek Boat Ramp just over Sailboat Bridge.

In just a few days, it will be the launching point for all the tournament activities.

The parking lot will double as a pit-road for all professional tournament anglers.

Scott Beattie, Mercury Marine Team Support,"We're not in a cramped, confined area, and I think they've done a great job down here for us," Mercury Marine Team Scott Beattie said.

Beattie's job is to keep the anglers on the water with his Mercury Marine repair truck.

He's noticed a lot of the changes to the boat ramp area this year.

“The park is beautiful,” he said.
“They did a nice job; they expanded the ramp area for us and beautiful parking over here, so they've taken the fishermen into consideration.”

Grove City Manager Bill Keefer says the city worked with the state and Grand River Dam Authority to make it  a top-notch venue for the 2016 Classic.

This time around, the city added parking, repaved entrances and beefed up the boat ramps.

Keefer’s hoping for a big turnout this year.

“We can see a lot more people here than were here a couple of years ago,” he said. “I think there will be a lot more activity out on the lake with people following the boats with the fishermen and the anglers out there, and it's pretty exciting. We're really looking forward to it.”

The first official practice run is on Wednesday.  

Fans can show up to the launch area and see the anglers head out at 7 a.m. every day of the tournament.