Professional bass fisherman and Professional Anglers Association (PAA) board member Chad Morgenthaler of Coulterville is hooked on Special Olympics. He is teaming up with Special Olympics Illinois and the Law Enforcement Torch Run to host the 6th Annual Chad Morgenthaler Bass Tournament presented by Jasper Engines & Transmissions on July 30 at Rend Lake in southern Illinois.
The tournament is a buddy team format, with a Beat the Pro fishing contest and chances to win great prizes. Professional angler and PAA President David Mansue will attend as celebrity guest to meet and greet anglers and participate in the Beat the Pros contest with Morganthaler.
The fishing tournament is limited to the first 150 boats to register. Entry is $175 per boat if registered by 5 p.m. July 22 which includes entry into the Big Bass pot. The team that still catches the Big Bass of the tournament will win a guaranteed $500, sponsored by Svada GM Motor Group. Entry fee is $200 per boat for those who register after 5 p.m. July 22. Entries will be taken until 6 p.m. Friday, July 29. Each angler receives a meal, T-shirt and goodie bag full of tackle. The first five years of the tournament raised more than $130,000 for Special Olympics Illinois.
Anglers and companies interested in getting involved in the tournament may contact Henson at 800-394-0562 or email him at jhenson@soill.org. Tournament sponsors and auction items are still needed for the tournament. Auction items may be sent in care of Jeff Henson at Special Olympics Illinois, 605 E. Willow St., Normal, IL 61761.
Registration for the tournament is from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 29, at Mt. Vernon Holiday Inn. A pre-tournament meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the hotel. The meeting includes dinner, an auction of great fishing items and a meet and greet with the pro anglers. Rend Lake Sailboat Harbor is the launch site for the tournament.
For entry forms or more information, contact Jeff Henson at Special Olympics Illinois at 800-394-0562, email him at jhenson@soill.org or visit http://www.soill.org to download a form.
