A new kind of fishing tournament is making waves across Santee Cooper, where one lucky angler has already turned a modest catch into a major payday.
The Bonus Bass tournament, created and organized by Kyle Jenkins, launched March 5 and runs through June 1. Unlike traditional tournaments that rely on weigh-ins and one-day contests, this competition spreads 200 tagged largemouth bass throughout Lakes Marion and Moultrie. Registered anglers who catch a tagged fish are eligible to win daily cash prizes and possibly land the $25,000 Grand Bonus.
For Wyatt Sims of Timmonsville, it only took two days.
“He registered on Saturday, thought it was kind of a joke, and went fishing on Monday,” Jenkins said. “When he called and said he caught a tagged fish, he was pumped.”
Sims was fishing at Santee Cooper Outdoors using a 3/8-ounce Z-Man Jackhammer Chatterbait in Golden Shiner with an XPS Speed Minnow trailer when he hooked a two-pound bass—one of the tagged Bonus Bass. His prize: $1,300 and a fishing-for-two day pass to the private ponds at Santee Cooper Outdoors, formerly Clarendon Club.
“He said it looked like a decent fish until he noticed the tag,” Jenkins said. “That bass had traveled six miles in just eight days.”
The tournament’s progressive bonus starts at $100 and increases daily until a tagged fish is turned in. Sims caught his on the 13th day, cashing in on the full $1,300. Every tagged fish turned in also enters anglers into additional drawings, including prize packs from sponsors Z-Man Fishing Products and access to private stocked ponds.
In total, one of the 200 tagged bass carries a potential $25,000 prize. At the end of the tournament, the angler who catches and turns in the most tags gets to select one of their tags for a chance to win the grand bonus.
Registration is $99 and open to all types of anglers—whether fishing from the bank, a kayak, or a bass boat.
“What’s special about Bonus Bass is it gives everybody a chance,” Jenkins said. “It’s not just for guys with expensive boats. Kids, retirees, weekend anglers—anyone can win.”
Seven unregistered anglers have already caught tagged fish, but without registering at www.bonusbass.com, they were ineligible for prizes. Jenkins confirmed that all those fish were released back into the lake, tag intact or replaced.
Bonus Bass will also be featured at the Santee Cooper Open Team Tournament (S.C.O.T.T.) on April 12, hosted by Clarendon County. In addition to regular tournament prizes, Bonus Bass will offer a two-night stay giveaway at Relaxed Retreat and the chance for more anglers to hook into a cash reward.
Jenkins emphasized the accessibility and excitement of the contest: “Even if you’re just going fishing for fun, every trip becomes a shot at a big win.”
For rules and registration, visit www.BonusBass.com.
