Bass tourney at the lake this weekend

INDIAN LAKE - If you like to fish, why not fish for a good cause this weekend?
The Turkeyfoot Benefit Crew Hospice Bass Tournament is Sunday at Moundwood Marina at Indian Lake. The tournament benefits Hospice organizations that serve Logan County, said Judy Henderson, treasurer of the Turkeyfoot Benefit Crew.
The crew is a group of about 20 volunteers who organize various events for charity. This event is one of its major events, drawing 300 to 400 fishers, Henderson said.
"We get (people) from as far away as Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas. We've had people from as far away as Oregon before," she said. "These are hardcore bass fishermen."
There are two areas of competition, she said. The first category is the combined weight of five fish. The second category is the "big bass" winner, the heaviest fish caught that day.
The top 10 tournament winners are in the money, and the top three single fish winners are also paid. There are also prizes of merchandise that are awarded, she said.
Fishers are arranged in "flights" or small groups to stagger the boat launching that morning. The first flight goes out at 7 a.m., and that flight will return at 3 p.m.
"They can go anywhere on the lake," she said. "Anybody can fish. We have people fish off the dock."
The tournament is usually finished by about 6 p.m., she said.
"It's quite exciting, because they put all the fish that are caught in a live well release boat and (a volunteer) releases all the fish back into the lake after the tournament's over," Henderson said.
A reception for registered fishers begins at 7 p.m. today at Acheson's Resort.
The money raised benefits Tri-County Visiting Nurses & Hospice of Wapakoneta, Wilson Home Care & Hospice of Sidney, Hardin County Hospice of Kenton and Caring Hearts of Ohio of Bellefontaine. The crew, a 501c3 organization, averages about $30,000 raised annually.

What: Turkeyfoot Benefit Crew Hospice Bass Tournament
When: First flight out at 7 a.m. Sunday
Where: Moundwood Marina, Indian Lake
Cost: $100 per two-man boat
Registration: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday or 6 a.m. until the tournament begins Sunday at the marina
• Visit www.turkeyfootcrew.spruz.com for rules (scroll to right).