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Optimist Club of Cave Spring 2008 Fishing Tournament. Courtesy of Carol Landrum.

The Optimist Club of Cave Spring will hold their 1st Annual Fall Fishing Tournament at FoxPort Marina, Smith Mountain Lake October 3, 4 and 5. This is the first fall fishing tournament, but the Optimist Club has held a Spring fishing tournament for 40 years.

The first annual fall tournament will include a $10,000 Muskie Bounty and additional cash prizes will be awarded up to $15,000.

The tournament will begin at 7:30 a.m. on October 3 and conclude at noon on October 5. The youth tournament will be on Saturday for youth ages 12 and under. Children have the opportunity to win saving bonds and fishing tackle. Youth 12 and under are free with a paying adult.  Tickets for adults are $40.

All of the profits will go to Roanoke Valley youth programs and Childhood Cancer Campaign.

Advance ticket purchase is required to participate in the tournament .   For Ticket Information Call:  540-537-7981  or  540-989-8488. Or contact FoxPort Marina at 540-721-2451.

According to the President of the Optimist Club of Cave Spring, Carol Landrum said, "At one time our tournament was the largest freshwater tournament in Virginia. People come by just to look at the fish too, because we have big tanks with all the live fish. People are located on the dock, day and night to check in the fish."

The Optimist Club of Cave Spring has been serving our community for more than 42 years.  Optimists have the motto "Friend of Youth".  The projects we hold help us accomplish our mission of "Bringing Out The Best In Kids".

Optimist Club of Cave Spring 2007 Fishing Tournament. Courtesy of Carol Landrum.

Landrum also said the Optimist Club is always looking for new members and hold a monthly meeting at Fiji Island Restaurant and that most of their members are from or work in Southwest Roanoke County.

For more information about how to get involved in the tournament or to join the Optimist Club call, 540-537-7981  or  540-989-8488.