Mountain Music Kids’ Tournament, named after the sound of a top water lure, is moving into its 35th year.
This article isn’t to promote the tournament as they have maximum fishermen each year but to challenge other fishermen and tournament leaders across the nation to take up the mantle and help children learn to love to fish. The Mountain Music Kids’ Tournament has grown into the largest kids tournament in the nation and quite possibly the longest running.
The simple mission, as stated by founder Stanley Jackson, is to help children learn to love fishing; that has been a mission exponentially well met. It is a simple premise; help children learn to love to fish thereby providing a protective factor for them. When they get older and face difficulties, these protective factors may prevent future risky behaviors like substance misuse. The founders of the tournament knew that children can learn to love fishing. They have a formula that is working perfectly for both girls and boys to learn that valuable lesson.
This movement has seen professional fishermen participate over the years. One year, a child used his Make A Wish request to fish the tournament with his favorite pro-fisherman. Many of the children participants have gone on to fish at the collegiate level. Children who fished in the earlier years now fish with their own children.
This tournament is 100% volunteer led. Over 100% of funds are paid out. Every child gets a picture with their catch on the professional stage, a prize worth more than the entry fee, and payout for over 100 weigh-ins. Over half a million dollars has been returned to help children love to fish. Each year a boat is given away along with other great prizes.
The registration has remained stable since the first year with no profits other than what is needed to start the next year’s tournament. Every child, weighing in or not, will get a prize worth more than the entry.
Mountain Music Kids’ Tournament feeds every participant and family member lunch and supper at no cost.
Stanley Jackson had this vision 35 year ago and still works tirelessly to help children learn to love to fish. If you are on Douglas Lake in Tennessee the last Saturday in July, stop by and say hello. You won’t be disappointed!
Website: https://www.mountainmusickidsfishing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069427132386