August 3, 2024
Bath, Illinois
By: Jenafur Schlangen
The Redneck Fishing Tournament in Bath, Illinois, is a one-of-a-kind event, founded in 2005, by Bath’s own, Betty DeFord. It brings together conservation, community, and a great cause. Held annually along the Illinois River, this tournament is dedicated to combating the invasive Asian carp population in a truly unique way—using nets instead of traditional fishing rods to catch these leaping, pesky fish, creating a chaotic yet entertaining spectacle…not to mention the team costumes that are also adorned.
What makes this event even more special is its philanthropic twist: Proceeds from the tournament go towards supporting homeless veterans in the area. The entry fee ranges from $50-$60 per boat, per heat. For example, over the past two (2) years, the tournament raised well more than $10,000 (before all expenses). After expenses were calculated, $3,625 was presented to Midwest Veteran’s Association; and $3,625 was presented to the Schuyler Veterans Homes in Rushville, Illinois. This was a nice little boost for Illinois veterans and the tournament should be proud of their efforts. Speaking of effort, a special shout-out goes to organizer, Nikki Gregerson and her special group of angels (family and friends), who devote countless hours to making sure the event is a complete success.
This blend of environmental conservation and community service creates an atmosphere of purpose and camaraderie, drawing participants from all over to take part in something bigger than just fishing. The tournament itself is a wild, high-energy affair, with participants often donning hilarious costumes and jumping into boats armed with nets to catch as many airborne carp as possible. The spectacle is as entertaining as it is effective, with thousands of fish caught each year, helping to restore balance to the river’s ecosystem. This year, despite high water levels and a heavy downpour, nearly 2,000 invasive carp splashed out of the water and into the nets of tournament-goers, leaving the Illinois River in better shape than it was before the first air-horn of the tournament sounded.
Beyond the fishing, the tournament offers live music, food vendors, and a variety of activities, making it a family-friendly outing with a significant impact. Whether you’re passionate about conservation, eager to support veterans, or just looking for some unconventional fun, this tournament offers something truly special and is highly recommended.
Again, the Redneck Fishing Tournament is a must-attend event that not only showcases the power of local action, while having a blast on the water, it is a win-win for the Illinois River ecosystem, as well as local veterans homes/facilities in the area. Please visit the official website of the Redneck Fishing Tournament —> HERE.
