Benefit bass tourney to pay $100 for big fish each hour

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, September 20, 2000

There should be good weather, good food and good fishing for a good cause Saturday at Eagle Lake when the Grand Gulf Bass Club puts on its fourth Area 10 Special Olympics Large Bass Tournament.

Area 10 fund-raising chairman Bob Oglesby said between 50 and 70 boats are expected for the tournament, which begins at 6 a.m. at the public boat launch. Boats are allowed on the water at 4 a.m., and the event will wrap up at 2 p.m.

“People that haven’t fished before are coming out,” he said.

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All proceeds benefit the Special Olympics. Last year, the event raised nearly $5,000 for Area 10, which is made up of Warren, Claiborne and Yazoo counties.

“We hope to make more than that this year,” Oglesby said.

Besides the satisfaction of helping a good cause, fishermen have another reason to come out to the lake. The tournament will offer more than $2,400 in prize money, with a $1,000 top prize, $100 for the biggest fish caught in each hour and $80 to the second biggest fish. All fish will be released.

The registration fee for the tournament is $80 per boat and while early registration is encouraged, Oglesby said the Bass Club would be lenient with late registrations.

“We’re not going to turn anybody away,” he said. “We’re just happy for these boys to come, and we’re not going to charge them a late entry fee.”

Oglesby added that the fishing on the lake has been good.