First annual bass fishing tournament Saturday

The Madison Police Foundation is holding the first annual Charity Bass Fishing Tournament Saturday at Ingall’s Harbor in Decatur from 6 a.m. until 4 p.m.

“The Madison Police Foundation wants to raise a good amount of money for the American Red Cross so they can give it to the tornado victims,” Patrol Officer Danny Pettus said.

Pettus said that there are about 20-30 boats registered to participate right now, but his goal is that there will be about 40-50 boats on Saturday.

Prizes will be handed out to the boaters with the largest bass of the day including cash, boating equipment, fishing lures, autographed jersey, clothing and other giveaways.

Pettus said the idea came to him because of his own personal love for bass fishing.

“My sergeant and I had talked about putting on a bass fishing tournament as a fundraiser,” Pettus said. “When the tornadoes happened, we felt like it was only right to do it for the American Red Cross.”

Pettus said that the Madison Police Foundation is a nonprofit organization that holds events to help the community of Madison.

Registration will be $100 per boat. Late registration will be $150 per boat.

Pettus said late registration starts at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday and weigh-in will take place at 2 p.m.

Pettus said that BASS standard rules will apply to fishermen who wish to participate. Regular U.S. Coast Guard standard rules will apply to boats brought to the event.

“We want this to become an annual event for whatever organization needs money at the time,” Pettus said.

Pettus said that the Madison Police Foundation also holds Kids Camp for fifth graders in the Madison City school system so that they will become more familiar with the police department.

For more information about the tournament, visit Madisonpolicefoundation.org.