The Cooper Tire Big Bass Tournament will take place April 15 at Millwood Lake, Yarborough Landing. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the United Way of Greater Texarkana.
Entry fee is $70 per person, and entry forms can be picked up and dropped off at Baits-n-Blades, 3302 Richmond Road, Texarkana, Texas. Registration also is available from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. the day of the event, but a late registration fee of $10 will be charged.
First place prize is $2,000, second is $1,200, third is $800, fourth is $600 and fifth place will receive $400. There will be a $300 prize for the fish closest to 3 pounds without going over, and hourly paybacks will be $150 for first, $100 for second and $50 for third.
The winner will be determined by the weight of a single fish. Only live fish will be presented for weigh-in.
"In the past we've had 100 boats or so, and we're looking for good things to happen this year," said Mark Bledsoe, United Way president/CEO. "It's growing. Last year we had twice as many boats as the previous year. This year if they could get close to 125 participants, that would be great."
The money raised with this event will be used to fund United Way programs that focus on bettering the community through education, health and income.
"These fundraisers are huge," Bledsoe said. "Cooper Tire having this bass tournament helps us reach our goal, and it's a wonderful idea. Several fishermen have said there needs to be more tournaments in the area. This gives them the opportunity to help a great cause and gives them the chance to win a few dollars."
Organizers hope to raise between $6,000 and $7,000.
For more information, call the United Way at 903-794-3105.