They are teaching the next generation of bass fishermen how great their sport is and how fortunate they are to live and fish in the Mississippi Delta.
The Clarksdale Bass Club hosted their annual Youth Tournament Sunday on Desoto Lake.
“We try not to make it too serious, but it’s neat to watch these kids get ready for this event,” said J.P. Armstrong, organizer for this year’s tournament. “Any grown up who has ever stopped and watched a kid land a nice bass, knows why we do this.”
Armstrong said like the big-boy tournaments, the youth tournament has rules and teaches kids the finer points of the sport.
“We have a biggest fish winner, a five biggest fish winner, two lunker winner and an overall weight limit,” said Armstrong. “And one of the rules is the kid has to catch, land and return the fish to the water.”
Armstrong said his dad carried him fishing starting at about age 6. He said he was hooked - no pun intended - from that first day.
“This is a sport you can do all your life,” said Armstrong. “You do this with family and friends and you make memories for life.”
Armstrong thanked this year’s sponsors and donors: David Huggins/Fiser Insurance, Hartley’s Greenhead Outdoors, Bills Custom Automatics, Graves Agronomy Service, Burton Electric Co., Forbidden Farms and donors who chipped in from their own pocket.
“Nothing we do in this tournament goes to an adult, it’s all about the kids,” said Armstrong. “We’re pleased with the way this has grown this year and are already making plans for next year’s tournament.”
Armstrong urged fishermen and businessmen to call him at 662-902-0643 for details or just show up at the Clarksdale Bass Club Desoto Lake Classic at Hillhouse boat ramp July 11.
