PEARL, Mississippi — Anglers and community members are invited April 18 to the Ross Barnett Reservoir for a crappie fishing tournament and fundraiser to benefit Purple Heart recipients, organizers said.
The Warrior Bonfire Crappie Tournament will begin with lines in at 6:30 a.m., with launches from most public ramps around the reservoir. Registration closes at 7:30 a.m., fishing continues until 2 p.m., and a 3:30 p.m. weigh-in is scheduled at Bass Pro Shops, organizers said.
Organizers said the nonprofit Warrior Bonfire Program, which provides outdoor retreats and long-term support for post-9/11 Purple Heart recipients, will receive the event proceeds. Boats will be limited to five fish, and prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers: a $300 gift card and trophy for first place, $200 for second and $100 for third. An optional “Big Fish Pot” will pay the largest catch.
Those who do not fish can enter a nationwide raffle. Tickets cost $20 each or six for $100, with prizes that include Bass Pro Shops gift cards from $100 to $500 and nearly two dozen other giveaways, organizers said. Winners will be announced during the weigh-in and need not be present to win.
Event organizers said attendees should expect live updates throughout the day, an emcee, appearances by local sponsors and the Mississippi Army National Guard, and food from Penn’s Fish House food truck. Fishing launches are not permitted at Madison Landing or Goshen Springs, but all other public ramps at the reservoir are open. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
