By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great local journalism.
Bass tourney Saturday benefits March of Dimes
Placeholder Image
Forsyth County News

At a glance


• What: American Proteins 12th annual March of Dimes bass tournament
• When: Saturday, registration 5 a.m. until the launch at 7:30 a.m.; weigh-in 3:30 p.m.
• Where: Little Hall Park on Lake Lanier
• Entry fee: $140 per boat
• Contact: (770) 887-6148

Organizers of American Proteins’ annual March of Dimes bass tournament are hoping the possible rainy weather won’t keep the fish from biting or the fishermen at home.

The fundraiser, now in its 12th year, is set for Saturday with registration beginning as early as 5 a.m. and the “launch” from Little Hall Park (click for map) beginning about 7:30 a.m.

“They’re calling for bad weather Saturday, so we hope that won’t keep people away,” said organizer Natalie Gunter. “We’ll have it no matter what.”
Apparently, the threat of rain hasn’t slowed registration.

Gunter said Thursday some 64 fishermen had pre-registered for the event, which gives 100 percent of proceeds to the March Dimes, an organization dedicated to ensuring babies are born healthy.

“That’s pretty much in line with years past,” she said of the numbers. “Normally in years past, we have about half pre-register and then we double that number the morning of.”

Entry fee is $140 per boat, regardless of whether fishermen sign up ahead of time or on Saturday.

Among the prizes are two “Big Fish” awards, given to whoever reels in the biggest catches.

“Sometimes those are 9, 10, 11 pounds,” Gunter said.

Prizes will also be awarded for the weightiest overall catches. Cash prizes ranging from $2,000 down to $100 will go to first through 10th place.
Fishermen’s families can join in the fun at weigh-in, which Gunter said begins about 3:30 p.m.

“We always have a raffle. A lot of our vendors here at American Proteins donate rods and reels, tackle boxes, all sorts of stuff,” Gunter said.

Raffle tickets are $1, and hamburgers and hot dogs will also be sold at weigh-in.

“All the money from the raffle and [food sales] goes to the March of Dimes too,” she said.

The tournament has raised as much as $20,000 for the cause in years past, said Gunter, adding that she hopes this year will be just as successful.

“We just hope the weather doesn’t keep people away,” she said. “It’s always a lot of fun for everyone.”

E-mail Crystal Ledford at crystalledford@forsythnews.com.