CULLMAN, Ala. — Bass anglers and businesses showed their support for high school fishing during a fundraiser team tournament, March 8, at Smith Lake.
More than 20 sponsors supported the inaugural Cullman High School Fishing Team Fundraiser Tournament that drew 17 teams.
“We had some great sponsors,” said Kyle Morris, Cullman High School Bassmasters adviser. “Mark’s Outdoors helped us out a bunch.”
Morris said the tournament raised $1,000 for his B.A.S.S. Nation high school club, which will use the money for entry fees.
“I was really happy with the turnout because it has been cold here and the bite has been really tough,” he said. “Several of the competitors were B.A.S.S. Nation guys, but some of them were people I didn’t even know.”
Jim Aderhold and Mike Moore won the tournament with 16.21 pounds.
Cullman High School anglers did well, too. Chayse Freeman and his grandfather, Jerry Quick, finished eighth with 5.43. Teammates Wil Blaylock and Eli Parker placed ninth with 3.09 pounds, and Cullman High’s Jake Smith and his friend, Michael Jenkins, finished 10th with 2 pounds.
Cullman Bassmasters club member Heath Lane handled the weighmaster duties, and Hank Weldon, B.A.S.S. High School tournament manager, served as emcee. Parents of the high school club members helped with registration and scoring, and Cullman High anglers ran the fish bags.
Morris has set the next semiannual tournament for June 28 at Smith Lake.
“We are going to try to get someone to donate money to guarantee the first place money ($2,000) next time,” Morris said. “I’ve got some local business owners who have really been a lot of help to us, and I think I can go to them for the first prize of the tournament and they will come on board. That’s the good thing about Cullman. The people here not only love the fishing — they love the kids. Anything I have asked for, they have done.”
If you are interested in fishing or sponsoring the next tournament, contact Morris by phone, 256-590-4830, or e-mail kmorris@cullmancats.net.
