The 2026 Joe Bega Big Bass Classic may be in the books, but the excitement on Lake Henderson this past Saturday was unmistakable. As a highlight of the annual Big Bass, Bluegrass, and BBQ Festival, this year’s tournament saw 122 anglers competing for a share of a $9,000 purse. The hourly weigh-in format kept the pressure on, paying out $1,000 every hour for six hours. Big wins didn’t stop there, with $1,000 bonuses also awarded for the overall largest bass, the Ladies’ Big Bag, and Joe Bega’s Big Bag.
Six hourly winners took home cash, but a few anglers cleared the trophy shelf. Ron Sharpe took the Overall Big Bass honors (and an extra $1,000) with a 6.08 lb beauty caught in hour three. Justin Jones combined an hour four win with a 12.64 lb daily total to secure Joe Bega’s Big Bag and another $1,000. Finally, Dana Crosby walked away with $1,000 and the Lady Angler Big Bag title after weighing in at 6.07 lbs. Jones and Crosby also earned the CopperState Tackle Contingency $150.00 gift cards to CopperState Tackle for their respective Big Bags of the Day.
Overall Weights
| Hour | Angler | Weight | Winnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hour 1 9:00-10:00 | Tracey Isabella | 3.83 | $1,000.00 |
| Hour 2 10:00-11:00 | Dave Turner | 5.50 | $1,000.00 |
| Hour 3 11:00-12:00 | Ron Sharpe | 6.08 | $1,000.00 |
| Hour 4 12:00-1:00 | Justin Jones | 4.25 | $1,000.00 |
| Hour 5 1:00-2:00 | Michael Hetchler | 3.72 | $1000.00 |
| Hour 6 2:00-3:00 | Lake Hart | 3.79 | $1,000.00 |
| Overall Big Bass | Ron Sharpe | 6.08 | $1,000.00 |
| Joe Bega's Big Bag | Justin Jones | 12.64 | $1,000.00 |
| Lady Angler Big Bag | Dana Crosby | 6.07 | $1,000.00 |
Event Photos
