What could be better than a day on the water bass fishing? Good times, and almost always good folks involved. We are blessed to live in one of the best bass fishing states in the country, and to top it off we also have one of the most engaged and philanthropic bass communities you could ask for. Ever eager to get on the water and to serve a great cause, benefit bass tournaments continue to grow in popularity and purse size. For many anglers we know that love to fish competitively, these benefit tournaments offer more competition and typically bigger purses than fishing club tournaments. This could be one reason many Louisiana bass anglers love to fish them. The other reason is obvious. The Louisiana Bass Fishing Community loves a good cause and is always eager to serve our fellow man with a good day on the water!
An absolutely amazing opportunity to fish one of the best bass lakes in the country and help out a family going through a recent cancer diagnosis and treatment is this month on Lake Caddo on April 17th. The tournament is a Benefit Bass Fishing Tournament for Leyton Higdon. Leyton, a twelve year old northwest Louisiana native was recently rushed to the hospital due to severe stomach pains and stomach virus like symptoms. Thinking appendicitis doctors immediately took him into surgery and found instead a case of “intussusception” where the intestine will fold and slide in on itself like a retractable telescope.
LET'S HELP LEYTON KICK BURKITT LYMPHOMAS BUTT!
April 2021, Volume 124
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This condition can be fatal if not treated and causes intestinal blockages. While correcting the intestinal issue, surgeons found and biopsied some lumps in the intestine. These biopsies came back as Lymphoma and were removed. Unfortunately cancerous tumors were also located on Leyton’s Liver and he was rushed to St. Judes Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. This tournament is hosted by family friend Kimberly Albright as a way to just give back and help provide for family expenses during this time of need so the Higdon family can be focused on battling Leyton’s illness. While out of state and seeking treatment the family will forego much of their work to be there for Leyton and will need support for day to day expenses and regular household expenses. Kimberly says “Every family has challenges and it's just nice to know that you don't have to face those challenges alone, especially in a case such as Leyton's.” She is absolutely correct! We know the bass fishing community will show up strong for Leyton.
Fishing out of Earl G. Williamson park on the east side of Caddo Lake, first cast for the benefit tournament will be at 6:02 a.m. Lines out will be 3:00 p.m., and you must be in the weigh line at Earl G. Williamson no later than 3:30 p.m. With a minimum 40 boat field, prizes will be $800 for first, $600 for second, $400 for third, and $250 for big bass of the tournament. 5 fish limit per two person team with a $100 entry fee. All proceeds will go to support the Higdon family in this difficult time so they can be with Leyton as he kicks
Burkitt Lymphoma’s butt! If you can’t make it but still want to contribute, click the link below for the fundraiser page to assist with expenses for Leyton’s battle with cancer. The anglers I know sure love to show up and show out for a good cause, contribute to their fellow man, and of course take the bragging rights for best bag of the day. As Kimberly says on the support page for Leyton, “EVERY SINGLE PRAYER HELPS, EVERY PENNIE HELPS, EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS... And please always remember you will be blessed by being a blessing to others!!!” So GeauxBassin to GeauxBlessing!
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Links below to support Leyton's Battle With Cancer and Tournament Facebook Page: