A Celebration on the Water: 17th Annual Sartin Marine & Friends Open Brings Together 59 Teams for Fishing, Food, and Fellowship
Lake Fork came alive this past weekend as 59 enthusiastic teams gathered to compete in the 17th Annual Sartin Marine & Friends Open—a beloved tradition that continues to grow in both participation and heart each year. What began as a way to celebrate community, camaraderie, and top-tier bass fishing has become a standout event on the calendar for anglers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the region.
From the first light of dawn, the buzz of anticipation was in the air. Anglers launched onto the waters of Lake Fork, ready to take on the challenge and make memories in one of the most famous bass lakes in the country. The lake’s full summer pattern provided ideal conditions, and many teams found success early, with quality fish showing up across the board. Whether seasoned veterans or first-time competitors, every team brought their A-game—and their spirit of good sportsmanship.
By weigh-in, it was clear that the fishing was hot and the competition fierce. The full list of results has been posted, with impressive catches and weights shared by many of the participants. What stood out even more, however, was the sense of community and generosity that filled the event.
In addition to the scheduled payouts, a variety of incredible giveaways made the day even more special. Josh Edwards, owner of The Custom Prop Shop, donated a brand-new Fury Prop, a prized item that had many competitors’ eyes lighting up during the drawing. Known for precision and performance, this giveaway alone added real excitement to the afternoon festivities.
Meanwhile, Billy Sartin of Sartin Marine Inc.—the namesake and driving force behind the event—stepped up in a big way with $1,000 in gift cards and additional Boat Bonus Cash prizes awarded to the top two finishing teams competing in Sartin Marine-purchased boats. Eligible brands included Ikon, Xpress, Bullet, and Falcon—further spotlighting the growing reputation of Sartin Marine as a leader in performance boating across the region.
Adding a touch of sparkle to the prize table, Rhandy Simmons, a cherished friend and supporter of the event, contributed a custom necklace from The Rock Shop. This unique giveaway blended outdoor tradition with a personal, thoughtful gesture that reminded everyone that this event is about far more than fish—it’s about people.
But the day wasn’t just about fishing and prizes. Wheeler’s Homemade Ice Cream made a huge impression on the crowd, offering refreshing scoops that perfectly capped off a hot Texas day. Attendees were also treated to delicious BBQ, served by none other than the event hosts’ own family. A huge thank you goes out to Mark and Diane’s daughter and son-in-law for their behind-the-scenes service, ensuring that everyone was well-fed and smiling.
Sheila Jones captured the day in full color, snapping over 170 photos of anglers, families, fish, and fun. A photo collage is on the way, and once it’s ready, it will be added to the official recap for everyone to enjoy. These images will serve as a visual reminder of the smiles, the teamwork, and the special moments that made this year’s event unforgettable.
As the evening wrapped up, the message from the hosts was simple: Thank you. From the sponsors to the volunteers, the competing teams to the families cheering from the shoreline, every single person played a role in making the 17th Annual Sartin Marine & Friends Open one of the most successful events to date.
This event is a reminder that fishing is more than just a sport—it’s a lifestyle and a legacy. It’s a way to bring people together, to pass on traditions, and to share something real and rooted in nature.
Looking ahead, there’s no slowing down for J C Outdoors. Next weekend promises even more action on the water with two back-to-back events: Lake Fork Solo #3 on Saturday, followed by Lake Tawakoni #3 on Sunday. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting into competitive fishing, these events are open and welcoming to all. Grab your rod, load up your boat, and come be part of the action.
To all who joined us, supported us, and helped make this event a resounding success—we’re grateful beyond words. We’re already looking forward to what next year holds.
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