St. Jude Bass Classic prepares for 40th tournament | Community Spirit

Hundreds of Mid-South fisherman are gearing up to compete for a good cause this Memorial Day weekend in the St. Jude Bass Classic. The tournament is celebrating its' 40th year.

More than $2.5 million dollars have been raised since the competition’s beginning. Every dollar goes right to the hospital.

Each year the tournament focuses on one special patient, and fishing is a big part of this year’s patients’ family.

Hayden Taylor was recently diagnosed with cancer. Taylor and his father were out on the boat fishing when they received a phone call with the life-changing news.

Taylor’s family will drive from Virginia to be a part of the tournament.

The longest standing fishing charity in the country will feature some stars this year.

Troy Landry from the hit television show Swamp People will be at the check-in at Sardis Lake in North Mississippi on Saturday.

Professional anglers Bill Dance and Mark Rose will also be on hand. But don’t worry, they won’t be competing, instead the two will serve as honorary emcees.

Even if you’re known for letting the big one get away, you can still win prizes just for your attendance.

A brand new Nissan Frontier and War Eagle boat will be given away to one lucky attendant.

All prizes were donated by local and area businesses.

Registration is open through the Memorial Day weekend tournament. Fees are $250 for a two-person team.

Boats will be allowed to leave the dock on Sardis Lake at safe light on Sunday and weigh in begins at 2 p.m.

To register, you can visit the tournament website here, or contact organizer Rick Leslie at 901-412-7683.