It is not often that bass anglers are called upon to fish for a cause, only a few opportunities arise per year where tournament anglers can compete for a cause. There is at least o ne more opportunity to do just that in 2009, Lynne Peterson of National Bass West has helped organize a fundraiser tournament for cancer patient Carrol Morrison on October 17th at El Capitan.

Carrol Morrison, a Registered Nurse at Scripps Hospital and a single mother of two (ages 9 and 11) worked out regularly at the gym and lived a healthy lifestyle. After beginning to experience pain in her neck she visited the doctor, where she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer in her neck, spine, breast and liver.

Carrol is a personal friend of Alan Clowers, a long-time tournament fisherman in San Diego who recently beat cancer as well. He received a lot of support from his friends during the time he was battling cancer, both financially and emotionally. His friends brought him presents and cash to get him through, allowing him to focus on what was most important; fighting for his life. Alan brought forth the idea to host a bass tournament to benefit Carrol, hoping the bass fishing community can step up once again and support a noble cause; allowing Carol to focus on beating cancer. 

As mentioned above, the tournament will be hosted at El Capitan on October 17th, 2009. This is an open event, no membership with National Bass West or any other tournament organization is required. The entry fee is $200 per team with an optional $25 big fish option available. Lake fees are not included in the entry fee, and must be paid at the lake.

$100 of the entry fee will go to Carrol, while the other $100 will be paid back to the tournament purse. The entire purse of option money will be paid back to the anglers in the option for the top 3 big fish of the tournament. There will also be a raffle at the BBQ following the weigh-in, with proceeds from the raffle also going to Carrol.

You can register for the event by faxing your completed entry form to Dave Seaberg at (858)435-4307 or drop it off at Anglers Marine in Santee or Fisherman's Outpost in Poway. Entry forms are available at most tackle stores around the county, or you can print one out with the link to the right. The draw for blast-off positions will take place Friday evening at Anglers Marine, teams that wait to sign up at the lake in the morning will not be included in the drawing, and will go out last. 

If you're not able to participate in the tournament, but still wish to help Carrol Morrison, you can donate with a check written to Carrol Morrison and drop it off at Anglers Marine or Fisherman's Outpost. 

National Bass West San Diego Director, Dave Seaberg will run the tournament with the assistance of myself.

If you would like to donate any items to the raffle, or know of someone that would, please have them contact either Lynne Peterson, Dave Seaberg, Kellen Ellis, Garrett Mercer , or Alan Clowers.