Tri City Finalizes Plans for Memorial Tournament
March 3, 2009
The Tri City Bassmasters has big plans for its annual kids' fishing event held at McKinney Lake State Fish Hatchery this year, and they're beginning early to make sure its bigger and better than ever. The club of over 31 years has announced its 1st Annual Memorial Tournament to be held at Lilly's Bridge Landing on Lake Tillery March 28. Planning began months ago for the tournament and final details were reviewed this week. The club met in Rockingham at Hudson Brothers' Deli in Rockingham on Wedneday, March 3rd to iron out the ripples.
The tournament, an event in memory of long-time members Rodney Hamilton and Boyce Carpenter, will be used to raise money for the charitable and generous work the club does for local children.
“Every year we hold the kids fishing event at the state park during National Fishing and Boating Week, June 6-14,” said club president, Rick Bradford. “It's a great day and we expect a bigger than ever turnout June 13.” The event is for kids 15 and under. Prizes and food are highlights of the day, along with, of course, the big fish.
Various fishermen from across the area and other clubs have committed their talents and boats to the memorial tournament. Entry forms have been piling in from other Bassmaster members and adhoc groups. “For our first tournament, we are planning some pretty big things,” said Bradford. “The Montgomery club will play the Star Spangled Banner for everyone and we even have a food vendor lined up. The guys out there get hungry, too!” he laughed.
The club plans to have a trailer and tent onsite to serve as a main stage and headquarters. Unlike most tournaments, once Blast Off happens, there will still be activity at the Landing. “We couldn't do all this without the participation and enthusiasm of all our fishermen and sponsors,” commented the club president. And, there seemed to be plenty of energy at the club's meeting. Ideas and offers flew back and forth so fast, at one point the president had to remind those present that they needed to fish, too. It was agreed one of them HAD to catch Big Fish. Payout for winning the tournament will be 75% of proceeds.
“These guys can get anything done,” he laughed. “But I want them to have fun that day, too.” Regular monthly meetings are held at the Rockingham restaurant every first Tuesday of the month at 7 PM. The club holds twelve events a year, no small challenge for any group. Besides the events up and down the Yadkin River, the group travels to Gaston, Wateree and Falls of the Neuse. Owning a boat is not required in order to be a member.
For more information about the tournament or becoming a member of this club, contact Rick Bradford at 910-461-6198.
Access
Access Name |
County |
Sponsor |
Directions |
| Pee Dee | Anson | N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission | On S.R. 1759, directly north of where N.C. 145 connects with U.S. 74, northwest of Rockingham |
| Grassy Island | Richmond | N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission | On Grassy Island Road (S.R. 1148) off N.C. 109, south of Mt. Gilead |