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For Immediate Release
Aug. 7, 2012
Contact: Brad Grace
319-931-8832
goldenreel@windstream.netCome, Be a Part of the Action at The Great River Golden Reel Fishing Rodeo!!T-Minus and Counting to the Kick-Off of The Great River Golden Reel Fishing Rodeo this Saturday, August 11th, in Burlington, Iowa. Hundreds of anglers will head out onto the Mississippi River early Saturday morning in hopes of reeling in that “Fat Cat, Lunker Bass, and Slab Crappie”. Spectators are encouraged to come down to the Port to watch the contestants as they bring in their catch throughout the day. There will be plenty of activities on the Burlington Riverfront, such as vendor & sponsor exhibits, kids casting championship, a catfish nugget recipe contest, and a fishing seminar hosted by John Mercer, Angler & President of the University of Iowa Bass Fishing Team.This tournament is open to all anglers, of all skill levels, from the youngest angler to the not-so-young. Prizes will be offered for the Top Boat, Senior, Junior, and Lady Anglers. The fishing teams will be competing to accumulate the most pounds for catfish, bass, bluegill, and crappie combined to walk away with thousands of dollars in cash & prizes. There will also be several optional “Biggest Fish” categories with cash & prizes awarded in each. “That brings us up to 18 different prize categories we will be awarding cash & prizes in!” said Brad Grace, who is the Tournament Director. “Just about every kind of fish you can reel in from the river will be eligible for a prize category. You don't want to miss this one!”“We’ve created a fun, competitive tournament that’s affordable for the weekend fisherman,” said Grace. “The tournament format is laid back and makes it feasible for any angler to fish the tournament without investing a lot of time and money.”Registration and Check-In will begin at 6:00 a.m. with fishing times set from 8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weigh-ins scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. “We wanted to give everyone a shot at walking away with some prizes no matter what their busy schedule is like on Saturday, so we made the decision to keep the weigh-station open all day.” said Grace. “That way the anglers have the opportunity to come down and fish for a few hours, hit the scales, and then come back later for the fish fry and awards ceremony.”The Fishing Rodeo was created with high energy fun for all in mind. The tournament organizers have kept the entry fees low at $60 per boat, which includes festivities at The Port of Burlington; pancake breakfast, fish fry, ice cold beverages, live music, official tournament bait buckets filled with t-shirts, fishing tackle and sponsor items, and a day on the water, fishing with friends for a chance to win CASH and prizes. If you have never fished a tournament before, this is the one to start with! The 1-day event is focused on fun, low pressure fishing with multiple prize categories to ensure that all anglers have a chance to land in the money! The Great River Golden Reel Fishing Rodeo will be an exciting, sport fishing competition helping raise money for two local veteran charitable causes, as well as bringing a small economic boost to our community. “The opportunity to use fishing as a way to increase awareness about supporting our veterans in America is pretty satisfying.”“There’s not another fishing tournament like it in the area. We’re expecting fishermen from all over the Midwest and hopefully some pretty big crowds. Everyone’s welcome to come down and participate in all the activities.” said Grace.For additional information on The Great River Golden Reel Fishing Rodeo call 319-931-8832 or visit the tournament website at www.goldenreelfishingrodeo.com.