Tackling a good cause - Plans underway for Dr. Bill Shelton's "Totally Awesome Fishing Adventure"

It's time to get out the fishing gear, get on the lake and tackle a good cause.

Dr. Bill Shelton's Totally Awesome Fishing Adventure will begin at 6 a.m. Saturday, May 19 at Shirley Creek Marina on Lake Sam Rayburn. All proceeds of the tournament benefit families in need at The Arthur Temple Sr. Regional Cancer Center in Lufkin.

The first place winner will receive $2,500, based on 90 teams participating. Other cash prizes will be awarded to the top fishermen and everyone will have a chance to win some great prizes, including a $500 trolling motor.

There is a five-fish limit, and culling is allowed. Entry fee is $150 per team, one or two-person teams.

For entry forms and a list of rules and regulations, call Lindsay Mott at (936) 639-7613. Entry forms need to be postdated no later than midnight, May 10. No mail registrations will be accepted after that date. However, fisherman can register from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, May 19, at Shirley Creek Marina.

In its 13th year, the fishing tournament was begun by Dr. Bill Shelton, who deeply cared for his patients. He understood many were having trouble affording their cancer medications as well as other medical expenses necessary for cancer treatment. The funds go directly into the Indigent Care Fund for cancer patients. That very first tournament raised $7,500 and 83 teams participated.

About 90 teams are expected to fish in this year's event, which will be the first without Dr. Shelton, who died last year. Dr. Shelton's grandson, Chip, step into his grandfather's shoes as emcee of the festivities.

Memorial Health System of East Texas is a private, not-for-profit hospital with special programs in heart care, women's care, cancer care, seniors' services, diabetes care, surgery, and emergency services. For over fifty years, Memorial Health System of East Texas has served Angelina County and surrounding areas, providing state-of-the-art care in an environment that promotes comfort and healing.

See ad below for more details.