Great River Golden Reel Fishing Rodeo just weeks away!!
July 29, 2012 - Hundreds of recreational and professional anglers from throughout the Midwest will be making their way to the Burlington, Iowa Riverfront to compete for bragging rights and a chance at some big money in the 1st Annual Great River Golden Reel Fishing Rodeo, the season’s largest fishing tournament.
This one day event takes place on Saturday, August 11th on the waters of Pool 19 of the Mississippi River and there will sure to be non-stop action from the moment the lines hit the water. Participants will have dozens of opportunities to “land in the money” with anglers fishing for flathead & channel catfish, large & smallmouth bass, bluegill, white & black crappie and a variety of exciting prize levels. The Great River Golden Reel Fishing Rodeo is open to the public, catering to all boat owners and fishing enthusiasts. Everyone is welcome to attend all the day’s activities at the Port with the Angler’s Pancake Breakfast, all day weigh-ins, fishing tackle swap meet, tournament fish fry and live music available for all to enjoy. The basic entry fee to enter the tournament is $60 per boat with several additional optional categories available to compete in with cash & prizes awarded in each.
But this tournament is not just about the thrill of the hunt or the right to brag at the dock, it is about giving back to our community and our local veterans. English River Outfitters in Washington, Iowa provides an outdoor recreational retreat, at no cost to our veterans, where they can camp, fish, hunt, hike and enjoy a campfire in an enjoyable relaxing atmosphere. English River Outfitters is a non-profit charitable organization that helps foster a healthy readjustment back to civilian life through a positive outdoor experience. Fishing for Dustin & Dylan will be raising funds to benefit a scholarship for the young 20 month old son of Dustin Whitaker, 27, of Hamilton, Illinois who died April 1st in Keokuk in a motorcycle accident. Dustin was a staff sergeant in the Iowa Army National Guard and a Purple Heart recipient. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom 2004-2005, and Operation Enduring Freedom, 2010-2011.
“We’re proud that our tournament will be able to assist in raising awareness for these two very worthwhile charities this year. It’s the very least any of us can do for those that have sacrificed so much for our country.” said Tournament Director Brad Grace. “We’re also excited that we will be having several wounded and disabled veterans fishing in the tournament and hope the Burlington community will come down to show their support.”
Great food will be served up with ice cold drinks along with a variety of snacks and snow cones for the kids. Sponsors & vendors will be displaying their boats, trucks, fishing tackle, sunglasses, and more! There will be live music after the day’s fishing is done by the classic blues band, East of Omaha, and stories of the day’s fishing adventures will be shared while lots of laughs and good times will continue into the evening.
“We are striving to do everything we can think of to make this a very special tournament for our anglers. This event is an opportunity for anglers to get out there and enjoy what they love to do as well as for their families to enjoy the tournament’s activities." said Tournament Director Brad Grace. The Great River Golden Reel Fishing Rodeo will be a great opportunity to share a day of spectacular fishing on the Mississippi River and highlight the fishing-friendly community of Burlington, Iowa as a promising destination for recreational fishermen. The tournament hopes to provide opportunities for all to participate in the outdoors, encourage youth fishing, and to promote the recreational aspect of fishing.
A special thanks to the tournament’s newest sponsor, Shottenkirk of West Burlington & RAM Trucks, who will be on site displaying the Mossy Oak Limited Edition RAM Outdoorsman and the 2012 RAM 1500 with 5.7 liter HEMI V8 engine!
For more information, entry forms, and rules & regulations contact Brad Grace at 319-931-8832 or visit the tournament website at www.goldenreelfishingrodeo.com.