Fishing tourney open to everyone
Staff writer
Even after 27 years, and two weeks until the event, Craig White Memorial fishing tournament co-founder Todd Henderson expects a good turnout of those looking to go catfishing.
Henderson sees importance in maintaining the annual Peabody tradition nearly three decades later, which is why there have been few adjustments over the years.
“I don’t know if it’s really changed,” he said. “It’s more or less stayed the same. We always had anywhere from 30 to 40 couples fishing.”
The event, which will be June 27, is inspired by its namesake’s generosity and kindness, Henderson said.
“He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back and help you in any way he could,” he said.
However, it doesn’t need an explicit recognition of his memory.
What they have instead are many people who remember White as a friend, whether that means the competitors or members of the band that provides yearly entertainment, Henderson said.
“They’ve been here since day one because they knew Craig and knew what he was about,” he said.
While the tournament is based at Peabody Country Club, people can fish for catfish anywhere they want as long as they’re back when the tournament ends.
The tournament includes a precedent of women winning, and prizes range from awarding the day’s biggest catch to the smallest, Henderson said.
“Some of the guys are a little upset over that, but girls are just as big fishermen as guys,” he said.