The 13th Annual Catch Bubba Catfish Tournament

to benefit the Downtown Ecumenical Services Council (DESC) will be held on Saturday, October 18th, 2008 beginning at 10am. About 150 volunteers run this tournament. There are only 100 fishing spots for 2 anglers at each. Entry fee is $275.00 per spot, and these sell out very quickly every year! First prize for the first angler catching a Big Bubba- a catfish weighing 30 pounds or more is $5,000. If Big Bubba is not caught, a first prize of $3000 goes to the angler catching the largest catfish of the day. Second prize is $1000 for the second largest catfish and $500 for the third largest catfish. Donated gifts, such as a VIP Party for 6 at Mavericks, go to the 4th through 10th place catches.

BBQ dinners cooked by the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters IAFF Local 122 are available for $25 per dinner. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Many people come for the BBQ and to cheer the anglers, listen to the band and have a fun day supporting DESC in their ministry to the poor and homeless.

DESC is an emergency services ministry to our neighbors in the Northeast Florida who need a helping hand. Now in its 27th year, DESC assisted nearly 5,000 families last year with financial assistance, groceries, and clothing.

Financial support for DESC comes from foundations, churches, individuals and the annual Catch Bubba Tournament. The Dignity U Wear Foundation is a major contributor of clothing.

The host for the Catch Bubba Tournament is Longleaf Timber Company. In early September, a Big Bubba along with some of his smaller cousins from Ken’s Hatchery are donated by Northeast Florida Builders Association will be released in the fishing pond to join the Big Bubbas of prior years. The tournament is catch and release.

For fishing entry forms or to purchase tickets for the BBQ dinner, please call the Bubba Hotline at 904-403-3859. Directions to the fishing pond will be sent by mail to fisherman who pay an entry fee and to those who purchase BBQ tickets.

For additional info you can contact me at 904-237-9959, or our DESC contact, Mary Spuhler at 904-358-7955.