Anglers from across the Midwest gathered again on Crab Orchard Lake for the Bill Harkins/Don Sanders Four-Man Tournament.
This marked the 40th year that fisherman have cast their lines for a shot at the winners purse.
And the weather for the two-day tournament couldn't have been better.
"We draw teams from as far away as Western Indiana, Chicago and many areas in Northern Illinois. As well as the local guys that fish," said Mike Tompkins. "It has quite an impact between the people coming and staying for three days to a week, while they're fishing. So the tournament does help the economy here quite a bit."
The fisherman and local businesses aren't the only ones cashing in on the tournament. So are people who don't even fish.
"Part of the money from the tournament goes to the Williamson County Shrine Club, which they turn around and use to help the Shriners Children Hospital. Some of the money also goes to Take Pride in America, which they do a lot to take care of the refuge. And then we also give some of the proceeds to the Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days."
This years competitors were down eight teams from last years 60 who fished the two-day tournament.
It's a trend that organizers would like to see flow the other way.
"Our participation has been dropping year by year for a number of reasons," said Tompkins. " The economy is still taking a toll on things, there is also a lot of fishing circuits now going on that guys fish, that effects our attendance."
But, that didn't stop the 58 other four-man teams from catching fish during the tournament.
The four-man team who is taking home this years winners purse of more than $4,000 thousand dollars are; Glenn Dalton of O'Fallon, Brian Gass of O'Fallon, Rusty Rosenthal of Coulterville and Gene Russell of Carterville.
The winning team weighed in a total of 49.72 pounds of fish.
The Big Bass winner for Saturday was Martin Conaughty of West Frankfort. His bass tipped the scales at 6.77 lbs.
The Big Bass winner for Sunday was Joe Rosenburger of Carterville. His bass weighed in at a hefty 7.56 lbs.
The Big Stringer for the two days goes to Tom Burns of Carbondale and Mike McKineney of Benton. The tandems total hit the scales at 37.33 lbs.
A total of 346 fish were caught over the two-day tournament.
And the total weight of fish caught was 1,174 lbs., all fish that were caught were also released.
The tournament was sponsored by the Bass Busters Association, Harrison's Sport Shop and Angler's Choice.
A ride-sharing service, CarGO has started delivering food under the new app CarGO Carryout. A new service has been added, delivering alcohol. The addition has law enforcement questioning the legality.
A ride-sharing service, CarGO has started delivering food under the new app CarGO Carryout. A new service has been added, delivering alcohol. The addition has law enforcement questioning the legality.
Family members are remembering a man who was shot and killed on Monday night in Bunker, Missouri
Family members are remembering a man who was shot and killed on Monday night in Bunker, Missouri
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The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that hundreds of residents in Cairo, Illinois must relocate from their current homes.
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This evening we will see slowly falling temperatures as the skies begin to clear. Lows by morning will be in the middle to upper 40s.
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The victim of a deadly crash in Perry County has been identified.
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The suspected Golden State Killer became less prolific but deadlier after losing his job as a police officer.
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A woman who worked as a war correspondent for NBC News says Tom Brokaw groped her, twice tried to forcibly kiss her and made inappropriate overtures attempting to have an affair.
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The incident happened in Kitty Hawk along NC's Outer Banks.
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Police said a 911 caller thought he saw the body of Tyrell Holmes crawling on the ground while still on fire. Holmes died from smoke inhalation, thermal injuries and stab wounds.
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The woman who adopted OJ and Blue Dozer from Richmond Animal Care and Control is speaking for the first time after the two dogs were reunited Wednesday night.
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The parents and husband of a 25-year-old Midlands woman have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against American Airlines.
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The job pays $4,500 a month and you get to take your best friend along too.