Frix big winner at tournament

ASHDOWN, Ark.—Kelly Frix was the winner of the Cooper Tire Big Bass Tournament Saturday at Lake Millwood, taking home $2,150 after hauling in a 6.37-lb. largemouth bass.

The big winners, however, were the United Way of Greater Texarkana and the tournament itself, which nearly doubled in its second year to 137 anglers and raised nearly $10,000 for the United Way,

“It was an incredible sight, seeing all those bass boats lined up as far as you could see, getting ready to launch for the event,” said Mark Bledsoe, Texarkana United Way president and CEO.

The weather cooperated and fishing conditions were good, with most fishermen reporting healthy catches, organizers said.

“I’d like to thank all of those who made the 2nd Annual Cooper Tire Big Bass Tourney benefiting United

Way of Greater Texarkana a huge success,” said Christine Linder, tournament director.

“We were asked if we’d move our event up from our originally scheduled date. We weren’t sure how that would impact the tourney since there were some other major bass tournaments being held,” she said.”We’re very pleased with the end result and everyone I talked to said they look forward to it next year!”

Lee Lybarger took second and won $1,500 with 6.08-lb. fish. Parker Cox won $900 with a 5.50-pounder; Doug Jordan was fourth and took home $750 and a 5.47 lb. bass; and Jake Day’s 5.43-lb. was good for $400.