Redneck Fishing Tournament Bath, Illinois

The Jr. Rednecks took to the water first equipped with poles looking for a fun time. No, sadly that is not them at right...those are the adult rednecks in search of only one thing, those strange carp jumping from the Bath Chute of the Illinois River.

[joe]

they should do this more than once a year to get rid of alot more of those carp!

[andrew byington]

i love fishing and i was wondering wen do u have ur tournaments for the asian carp thing and how much does it costs. ive always want to see fish jump out of the water like that and then catch them

[Anonymous]

The Asian carp tournament was held the 3rd weekend in July this year. For any and all information contact Kenny and Betty DeFord. If you email Ted directly I'm sure he can get you thier phone number as I don't not want to list any phone numbers on here.

[this was my first year]

this was the first carp tournament we were a part of.. it was a blast!! it's amazing what these fish do.. it's definately worth getting in.. it's fun! they are nasty if they get in your boat but it's nothing some clorox clean up and a rag can't take care of..

[Steve]

Check out http://www.RedneckFishingTournament.com

[RFT]

Watched a program on National Geographic channel last night. It featured hand fishing or "hogging" for catfish in Oklahoma and the Redneck Fishing tourney in Bath! Go Betty DeFord...You are awesome!!!!
Please let us know a.s.a.p the date of the 2009 Redneck Tourney!

[matt]

thanks steve for the link
i think i will marke the drive do you need a illinois fishing licance
Redneck Fishing Tournament: July 10th & 11th, 2009*
*Dates & times subject to change. Check back periodically.
Friday July 10, 2009: Sign in begins 4:00pm, 1st heat 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturday July 11, 2009: Sign in begins 8:00am, 2nd heat 9:00am - 11:00am
Saturday July 11, 2009: Sign in begins at Noon, 3rd heat 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Saturday July 11, 2009: Sign in begins at 4:00pm, 4th heat 5:00pm - 7:00pm

[slothrunner]

seeing those fish is the greatest when they jump out of the water. I can remember few years back me and some friends went one of my buddies girl friends got slapped in the face by one. it was the funniest thing I have seen. She was a pain in everyones a$$

[Steve]

Yes, you do need an Illinois fishing license if using a dip net. I don't know about if using baseball bats, lol. :o)

[havana native]

i had so much fun on the river that day...we have been taking monthly trips back "home" for the past 10 years and have not been able to visit our family plus have a day to ourselves... everyone was having a great time, there were boats everywhere, we made stops on the beach along the way, i loved it.. got to see old friends, meet new ones.. i'm glad to see it come back again.. it was great!!

[Mike]

Matt seems to know more about the event than the committee has had a chance to plan for. I am working with Betty and other committee members on the 2009 event. Whenever the date and heats are announced, they will be on the official website of the Original Redneck Fishing Tournament www.lighthousetelevisual.com of which I am the webmaster. The dates,heat times, entry forms and rules and regulations will be included. There will be lodging and camping around the Bath (anywhere from Havana, Petersburg, Beardstown and Springfield).

[Ted Connolly]

Seems there is another site with information that someone has posted. http://www.redneckfishingtournament.com/

[Bob]

That website is correct for the dates. It has been confirmed by the state here:

http://dnr.state.il.us/oi/2009_Events.pdf

However, dates and times are always subject to check, so as the site says, check back periodically or call the Boat Tavern and speak with Betty.

[Steve]

Start the following video at the 2 min. 35 sec. mark and be PREPARED to watch an UNBELIEVABLE flying fish extravaganza!

http://www.youtube.com/watch...

[Tim]

matt wrote:

thanks steve for the link
i think i will marke the drive do you need a illinois fishing licance
Redneck Fishing Tournament: July 10th & 11th, 2009*
*Dates & times subject to change. Check back periodically.
Friday July 10, 2009: Sign in begins 4:00pm, 1st heat 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturday July 11, 2009: Sign in begins 8:00am, 2nd heat 9:00am - 11:00am
Saturday July 11, 2009: Sign in begins at Noon, 3rd heat 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Saturday July 11, 2009: Sign in begins at 4:00pm, 4th heat 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Yes, you have to have a sport fishing license. You can access it online at www.dnr.state.il.us . Or purchase it locally when you arrive.(online is very simple) Make sure you check on the State's boating rules as well. In Illinois, it's ok to drink in a boat, but it's not ok to be drunk.

[Fan of the Tournament]

If anyone has photos from past tournaments, feel free to send them to me and I'll post them on my blog for the tournament. Here's the address: http://redneckcarptournament.blogspot.com/

We have been the past two years and just love the event. The attendees and participants have such a great time. It's like Mardi Gras in the middle of rural Illinois. But obviously, the fish are just amazing!

Looking forward to this year's tournament.

[Betty DeFord]

for fliers and registration forms write to me at PO Box 115 Bath, IL 62617 Heats start each day at 1pm and 5pm Fri and Sat July 10th and the 11th, 2009. Kids 2 to 12 need to pre-register for the free fishing event Sat am We are already receiving registrations for all 4 heats. Added attractions this year a chance for 2 people to ride with CMT's Mabe In America host Tom Mabe and a chance to win a new 16ft all welded jon boat with trailer & 15hp yamaha.Tickets on sale now.

[Steve]

Just a reminder as time draws nearer:

http://www.RedneckFishingTournament.com

[Tina]

I am helping Betty with the Redneck Fishing Tourney this year.. It will be better than ever.. If you cant reach Betty and need info, I can try to help.. Log onto www.myspace.com/rednecktournament or [e-mail] and I will try to help you out, The Boat Tavern is under water right now, so the phone number given is not working please use the email or web address and I will get you the correct number to call
Hope to see ya there....
Boat raffles and Tom Mabe Raffles are going on now, so inquire thru the myspace website...

[ARe]

I can't make the tournament, but would like to know of any guide/boat rental places that take people out to see & experience this.
Please email me if you have info (I'm not a regular here): [e-mail]
Thanks.