Fishing tourney set at River’s End

http://thefacts.com/story.lasso?ewcd=31fba4b5f1b3ca91

Published September 15, 2009

RIVER’S END — The River’s End Volunteer Fire Department is preparing for its 13th annual fishing tournament — the biggest fundraiser of the year for the department.

The tournament begins at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 2 and runs through 2 p.m. Oct. 4, when final weights will be tallied and prizes awarded. Fish can be caught in any public body of water, but must be weighed at the River’s End Volunteer Fire Department Station at FM 2918. Weigh-in hours will be from noon until 9 p.m. Oct. 2 and 3, and 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Oct. 4.

The adult division of the tournament consists of four categories — redfish, speckled trout, flounder and croaker. There is a $35 entry fee and first-, second- and third-place prizes will be awarded for each category. First place in each category will earn $100 and a plaque. Second-place winners will receive $50 and a plaque, and third-place finishers will receive a $25 and plaque.

There also will be a $100 prize and plaque for the redfish with the most spots and the heaviest stringer. This stringer must contain at least one each of speckled trout, redfish and flounder, but cannot have more than five fish total.

The 16 and younger division is designed to encourage more youngsters to fish. This division also consists of redfish, speckled trout, flounder and croaker categories. There is a $20 registration fee. First-place winners in each category will take home a $50 gift certificate and a plaque; second place takes home a $25 gift certificate and a plaque; and third place takes home a $10 gift certificate and a plaque. Plaques also will be awarded for redfish with the most spots, largest hardhead, largest blue crab and largest sand/gulf trout. In addition, a goody bag filled with coolers, fish identification guides, water bottles, etc. will be given to the first 30 youth who register at the weigh station.

Tournament applications are available by calling David Wineland at 979-236-2480, Kitty Handley at 979-964-4260, or event chairman Ricky Swango at 979-236-0743. They also can be downloaded at www.refvd.com. In the event of a hurricane, the tournament will take place Oct. 16-18.