Cast a Line: Hooked on Careers Bass Tournament

Anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and community champions across Central Texas are gearing up to take the water on Oct. 3 for a cause that impacts the region's workforce. The Hooked on Careers Bass Tournament, presented by Career Tracks, brings together local businesses, families, and competitive fishermen for a day of friendly competition, camaraderie, and fundraising.

Proceeds from all entry fees and tournament earnings directly support hands-on workforce training programs across Bastrop, Caldwell, Fayette, Lee, and surrounding counties. Whether you choose to enter a boat, become an event sponsor, donate raffle prizes, or volunteer, your involvement directly funds local career opportunities.

Career Tracks: Engaging, Empowering, and Employing Central Texas

At the heart of this event is the mission of Career Tracks, a regional workforce training organization guided by the core motto: Engage, Empower, Employ.

Career Tracks works to bridge the gap between motivated individuals and expanding regional industries. The organization provides students with hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications, mentoring services, and career pathways across four vital sectors:

• Skilled Trades
• Healthcare
• Public Safety
• Hospitality

By helping participants earn credentials and connect directly with local employers, Career Tracks strengthens the regional economy, equips businesses with skilled workers, and helps individuals build sustainable careers.

Tournament Rules & Details

• Location: Lake Bastrop (North Shore Park) / Lake Fayette (Oak Thicket Park)
• Entry Fee: $100 per boat/team (1–2 anglers per boat)

Tournament Schedule:

• Registration & Livewell Checks: 6 AM - 6:50 AM
• Launch / Takeoff: 7 AM
• Weigh-In Deadline: 12 PM inside the buoy

Key Fishing & Weigh-In Guidelines

• Fish Limit: 5-fish limit following lake slot rules (e.g., 5 fish under 14", or 4 fish under 14" plus 1 fish over 21"). Dead fish will not be weighed.
• Tackle: Only artificial bait is permitted. Anglers may use only one rod and line at a time.
• Licensing: All contestants must possess a valid Texas fishing license.

Payout structure is based on boat count:

• 1 - 5 boats: 100%
• 6 - 10 boats: 60%/40%
• 11+ boats: 60%/30%/10%

Winning anglers are also welcome to donate earnings back to support student training programs.

Sponsorship & Support Opportunities

Businesses and community partners can support local career development through structured sponsorship tiers ranging from $100 up to $10,000. Contributions help cover student training supplies, personal protective equipment, certification fees, and instructional hours.

For event registration, sponsorship opportunities, or raffle donations, visit Career Tracks or contact Alan Butler via email at alan.butler@careertrackstx.org or by phone at 563-663-7373.