The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation will hold two-day fishing event with more than $10,000 in scholarships and prizes up for grabs.
The inaugural Commissioner's Cup fishing tournament, slated for June 1-2 at the Andrew H. Hulsey State Fish Hatchery on Lake Hamilton, is open to qualifying two-person teams of high school anglers, 9-12 grade, one of whom must be a permanent Arkansas resident. Eligible teams must have placed in the Top 20 of one of Arkansas' major youth bass fishing circuits.
"We live in a time when more and more young people are being held hostage by social media and indoor activities," Deke Whitbeck, AGFF president, said in a news release. "This event is designed to put the best young anglers to the test and inspire other kids to get involved with fishing. We want more young people to take up their birthright in Arkansas, that being the wonderful opportunities that exist in the outdoors."
The prize pool is funded by individual contributions of the seven sitting commissioners of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission including Ford Overton, of Little Rock, chairman; Ken Reeves, of Harrison, vice chairman; Andrew Parker and Joe Morgan, of Little Rock; Bobby Martin, of Rogers; Stan Jones, of Alicia, and John David Neeley, of Camden.
There is no entry fee for qualified teams and no cutdown, allowing teams to compete both days. Xpress Boat is the presenting sponsor.
According to the release, Xpress Boats is an ardent supporter of fishing, sponsoring three anglers in the Bassmaster Elite Series, the top-level tournament trail in the country. Rory Herndon, company president and AGFF board member, said the company is equally passionate about youth fishing.
"I am so proud to be on the forefront of this great initiative to support our next generation of great outdoor enthusiasts and anglers," Herndon said. "Xpress Boats has always paved the way by being innovative and this event is no different. We are 'xcited' to support and be part of this incredible opportunity."
Additional sponsors are currently being sought, Whitbeck said. For sponsorship information call AGFF at 501-831-3382. For entry information, complete rules and details, please visit http://www.agff.org.
Local on 05/27/2019