Randy Despino enjoyed an early fishing highlight to the new year during the last week of January, but he expects even more uplifting moments on March 13, the day of the Despino Tire Children’s Miracle Network Bass Tournament at Toledo Bend.
It’s motto, “Fishing for a Cause,” which is emblazoned in the event’s logo, raised $24,000 for the two CMN hospitals in the state last year. Thanks to the fishermen and generous sponsors, the tournament supports critical care services for the tiniest of lives in the Sportsman’s Paradise.
The fundraising tournament is ultra-popular for other reasons, including the guaranteed $20,000 first-place prize.
This year’s event starts with “lines in” at 7 a.m. and “lines out” at 3 p.m. at Cypress Bend Resort on the lake southwest of Many. The “trailer” team tournament’s entry fee is $260 (including big bass). For more information about entering or sponsorships, call (318) 445-4561 or (318) 447-0102.
The Colfax pro bass angler, cattle rancher, propane gas dealer and tire dealership owner with stores in Louisiana and Texas is proud of the tournament that raises money for children’s departments in both Alexandria and Shreveport CHRISTUS Hospitals. He praises the volunteers who help.
Life saving equipment
The Children’s Miracle Network hospitals maintain life-saving state-of-the-art equipment, charitable care for poor and under-served people and quality therapies that ensure families don’t have to travel out-of-state for care.
Despino personally got his 2022 Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit fishing season off to a great start the last week of January at Lake Sam Rayburn. Despino finished third with five bass weighing 16 pounds, 11 ounces, worth $25,000.
