2023 to 2024 OCBS “Members Only”
David K. Esner Memorial Tournament
Sponsored by Erie Outfitters
This season’s OCBS Steelhead Tournament is dedicated to the memory of David K. Esner, a long-time Ohio Steelheader Member who passed away on May 6, 2018.
FISHING DATES:
November 5, 2023
November 19, 2023
December 10, 2023
March 10, 2024
March 24, 2024
Our annual OCBS Steelhead Fishing tournament is for OCBS members only. If not a member, you are welcome to join OCBS in order to register for the tournament.
Members can register for this year’s tournament as follows:
- US Postal Service: Print the below registration form, fill it out and mail with check for payment to OCBS PO Box 29577 Parma, OH 44129.
- Online: Complete online registration form and credit card payment on the right hand section of this page.
- OCBS Meetings: You can register and pay in person at our monthly meetings.
All participants are required to fish with another OCBS member who is in the tournament and is responsible for verifying the length of each fish checked in.
Check in has been modified to permit members to call or text their catch to the Tournament Director.
Entry fee is $20.00 per participant.
Click here to print the 2023-2024 OCBS tournament registration form to use to register via US Postal Service.
Be certain to read the tournament rules.
2023-2024 David K. Esner Memorial Tournament Entry
THANKS to our OCBS Sponsors!
Final 2022 to 2023 OCBS Steelhead Tournament Championship Series
Overall Standings
Sponsored by Erie Outfitters
2022 to 2023 OCBS Steelhead Tournament Series
Leg #1 - November 6, 2022 Results
The 1st Leg of the OCBS “Members Only” Steelhead Tournament was held on Sunday 6 November 2022. A partly sunny day with air temperatures in the mid-sixties.
The legacy streams were extremely low and had minimal flows with water temperatures rising to 60 F. Not ideal conditions for steelhead. Conneaut Creek however experienced an overnight increase in flow and gauge height coupled with water temps remaining in the mid- fifties. Probably the place to fish.
A total of 21 steelhead were checked in by thirteen anglers. The largest fish caught was 29.25 inches with several 27” and 28” class fish.
Congratulations to Marty Calkins who placed first for Leg 1 with two fish totaling 57.25 inches.
The 2nd Tournament Leg will take place on Sunday 27 November 2022. Be sure to save the date.
John Beedlow Jr. Tournament Director
2022 to 2023 OCBS Steelhead Tournament Series
Leg #2 - November 27, 2022
The 2nd Leg of the OCBS “Members Only” Steelhead Tournament was held on Sunday 27 November 2022.
It was an overcast, balmy, 55 F degree day with intermittent rain showers throughout the day. The Western streams had low flows and water levels. The Chagrin and Ashtabula were very fishable with water temperatures in the high 30’s. Both streams held decent numbers of fresh fish.
A total of 26 fish were checked in by 15 anglers. The largest fish caught measured 30.50 inches. Anglers reported catching good numbers of fish measuring under 24 inches.
Congratulations to Adam Hillman winner of the 2nd Tournament Leg with a total length of 59.25 inches.
The 3rd Tournament will take place on Sunday 12 December 2021. Be sure to mark your calendar and fish Leg 3.
John Beedlow Jr.
Tournament Director
2022 to 2023 OCBS Steelhead Tournament Series
Leg #3 - December 18, 2022
The 3rd Leg of the OCBS “Members Only” Steelhead Tournament was held Sunday 18 December 2022. A snowy 28-degree day with a 17 degree wind chill factor. You have to love steelheading to fish in these conditions.
A total of 27 fish were checked in by 15 anglers. The majority of fish were caught in the legacy streams which held ample numbers of fish. Anglers had to work for these fish as the majority of streams had low water levels with temps in the mid to low thirties.
Congratulations to Casey Smith who placed first with a 31 and 29.5 inch fish totaling 60.50 inches in length.
The 4th Tournament Leg will be held Sunday 12 March 2023. Be sure to save the date and plan to fish the Leg.
John Beedlow Jr.
Tournament Director
2022 to 2023 OCBS Steelhead Tournament Series
Leg #4 - March 12, 2023
The 4th Leg of the OCBS “Members Only” Steelhead Tournament was held Sunday 12 March 2023. A stellar day on Steelhead Alley. The majority of the legacy streams were in good shape with good numbers of fresh and drop back fish. Stream temps were in the high thirties or low forties with good flow and visibility resulting in a Hot Bite. Several anglers reported having double digit hookups.
Congratulations to John Rhoades who placed First with a 30.50” and 30.00 “fish totaling 60.50 inches in length.
The 5th and Final Tournament Leg will take place on Sunday 26 March 2023 Be sure to save the date.
John Beedlow Jr
Tournament Director
2022 to 2023 OCBS Steelhead Tournament Series
Leg #5 - March 26, 2023
The 5th Leg of the OCBS “Members Only” Steelhead Tournament was held Sunday 26 March 2023. A mild Spring day with 45F air temperatures.
The legacy streams were running high and muddy which deterred many anglers from fishing the tournament. Anglers who ventured out concentrated their efforts on the smaller feeder streams which held large numbers of fresh and spawning fish.
A total of 27 fish were checked-in by 16 anglers. Anglers reported multiple hookups and steady action throughout the day.
Congratulations to John C. Smoggie who placed First with a 32.50 ” and 29.75” fish totaling 62.25 inches in lengthThe End of Series Awards Ceremony and Raffle will take place at the 20 April 2023 East side Membership Meeting. Be sure to save the date.
John W Beedlow Jr.
Tournament Director
