Annual bass tournament set for Saturday at Millwood

The fourth annual Cooper Tire Big Bass Tourney will take place Saturday at Millwood Lake, Yarborough Landing. Check in is from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. Fishing starts at 6 a.m. The final weigh in will be at 2 p.m.

The entry fee is $75 per person. There are $8,900 in cash prizes with additional raffle prizes totaling $5,000.

“Last year the tournament had 147 participants. This year they’re hoping for 200-plus,” said Mark Bledsoe, United Way of Greater Texarkana president.

“This is an awesome event that just keeps groawing every year,” Bledsoe said.

Funds raised with the bass tournament benefit the United Way, which supports more than 30 local programs that help people in a variety of ways.

First place will receive $2,000; second gets $1,200; third wins $800; fourth will get $600 and fifth will take home $400. There will also be a $300 prize for the fish closest to three pounds without going over.

Hourly paybacks will be $300 for first, $200 for second and $100 for third.

Food will be available for donation only by the Fouke High School Fishing Team.

Registration will be available the day of the event and organizers will start checking live wells at 4:30 a.m.

“Last year it raised more than $15,000. This is the fourth year and we’re hoping for more. It’s been very successful,” Bledsoe said. “I think the fact there are so many fisherman within the area and they enjoy getting out and fishing. There are some good lakes. We see a lot of sons and fathers out fishing and fathers and daughters. All it takes is one lucky bite and you can possibly win some good money.”

For more information, call the United Way at 903-794-3105.