4th Annual Event Honors Military, Celebrates Freedom, Recreation; Benefits USO Fort Drum and Carthage Hospital
Registration is now open for military and civilian anglers to participate in a unique professional-grade, amateur bass and walleye tournament in the magnificent Thousand Islands.
The 4th annual Fishing for Freedom Thousand Islands Bass & Walleye Tournament, hosted by Carthage Area Hospital and presented by Waite Toyota is set for Saturday, Aug. 5, at Bonnie Castle Resort & Marina, 31 Holland St., Alexandria Bay. The two-day event pays homage to Fort Drum, our military and their families by celebrating freedom and outdoor recreation in Northern New York.
With spectacular views of the Thousand Islands, the St. Lawrence River is home to plentiful smallmouth and largemouth bass and walleye. Anglers can compete for the largest bass and walleye of the day for a $400 purse and for the top four bass and walleye during three event weigh-ins at 9 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Weigh-in prizes are $200, $150, $100, $75, for first through fourth place, respectively, and are up for grabs at each of the day’s three weigh-ins.
This year’s celebration kicks off Friday, Aug. 4, at 6 p.m., with fun for the entire family during a downtown block party and public auction in Alexandria Bay. The block party features food, entertainment and a live auction with proceeds shared between the USO Fort Drum and Carthage Area Hospital’s Foundation. All are welcome to attend, not just registered anglers.
This professional-grade, amateur tournament is run by the New York B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation. The tournament is open to all amateur anglers. Registration is $60 for active and retired military and $65 for all other anglers. Visit fishingforfreedomti.com to download a complete copy of 2017 tournament rules and registration forms.
The 2017 Fishing for Freedom Thousand Islands Bass & Walleye Tournament is sponsored by Waite Toyota, AmeriCU Credit Union, Martin’s Point Health Care, Bonnie Castle Resort & Marina, AUSA Northern New York-Fort Drum, Hutchinson’s Boat Works, Uncle Sam Boat Tours, Dark Island Spirits Distillery, the Carthage Area Hospital Medical Staff, Carthage Area Hospital, New York B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation and Army Bass Anglers, Staie on the Seaway Real Estate Services and Nav’s Popcorn Thousand Islands. WWNY TV 7 and WNYF Fox 28, Froggy 97, and Newzjunky.com are proud media sponsors of this year’s tournament.
The 2016 Tournament hosted roughly 94 anglers in Alexandria Bay on the majestic St. Lawrence River.
About Carthage Area Hospital
Carthage Area Hospital was established as a not-for-profit rural community hospital in 1965. It operates today as a fully accredited 25-bed Critical Access Hospital, serving approximately 83,000 residents in Jefferson, northern Lewis and southern St. Lawrence counties.
The hospital also operates a network of community-based clinics, including its Family Health Center, Pediatric Clinic and Women’s Way to Wellness and provides a range of specialty care, including general surgery, orthopedics, urology, physical therapy and behavioral health, Visit carthagehospital.com to learn more.