Kids take part in Hampton tourney

By Joe Bowling
OUTDOORS EDITOR

   The Hampton Bass Club held their 4th Annual Kids Day Tournament on June 8th at Rat Branch on Watauga Lake.
   A total of 33 kids took part in showing their fishing skills. Four bass, 163 bluegills & one redeye were checked in, weighed and released.
   All participants received a trophy. Winners placing first, second and third in the 0-4 age group were Nickalas Montgomery, Hannah Tipton and Robert Pierce.
   Placing first, second and third in the 5-8 age group went to Samantha Estep, Samantha Issacs and Adam Timbs.
   Winners in the 9-12 age group were: first place - Crystal Combs, second place - Travis Guinn, and third place - Nolan Estep.
   A casting tournament was held following the weigh-ins. Placing first in the 5-8 group was Chelsie Roark, and second was awarded to Samantha Estep.
   In the 9-12 group was: first - Travis Guinn, second - Chris Tester, and third - Nolan Estep. First place in the 13-15 year old group went to Thomas Moore.
   Special thanks to our sponsors. Hampton Bass Club; Coles Bait and Tackle Shop, Hampton; Smokey Hollow Tackle, Boones Creek; Pizza Hut, Elizabethton; Livingston's Title and Marble; Bass Masters Casting for Kids and Grindstaff Motors.
   Many fishing prizes were donated by these sponsors. The grand prize was won by the Chad and Shelly Tipton family. The grand prize was a three-day, two-night stay at the Homestead House in Gatlinburg. The prize was given by Grindstaff Motors.
   The Hampton Bass Club sponsors 16 tournaments and one kids tournament per year.
   Club officers are: President - Chad Livingston; Vice President - Sam Timbs; Secretary - Trish Mathews; Treasurer - John Hyatt.
   The Hampton Bass Club would like to encourage you to take a kid fishing. It's fun and makes memories that will last a life time.