An Ashley County pair topped a field of 87 two-person teams Saturday for the $2,500 top prize in the 18th annual Bill Sanders-Bo Piper Memorial Benefit Bass Tournament on the Arkansas River in Pine Bluff.
Trey Hawkins of Hamburg and Chris Watkins of Crossett brought in their winning combined catch of 21.55 pounds for the five-fish limit.
More importantly, the tournament benefited the Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas, whoser services include Meals on Wheels.
“The 2015 tournament was a wonderful success and it showed by the 87 team entries,” Area Agency CEO Betty Bradshaw said. “We love seeing our long-time fishermen return and enjoy meeting the newcomers to the tournament. The tournament has grown so much and we are very pleased with such a great turnout.”
Kyle Browning of White Hall and Steve Henderson of Stuttgart won the second-place prize of $1,000 with a total of 21.21 pounds. James Black and Scott Boatright, both of Sheridan, took third place (17.67 pounds) and won $800.
Drawings for $50 for the fishermen who did not make the top 10 were held. Youths took part in $20 drawings.