Fish with first responders at tournament in mid-May

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — The Warner Robins Police Department has a steady stream of events this year for Police Week, and the event most suited for the true outdoorsman takes place on May 12.

The department is planning their 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run Bass Fishing Tournament for that day, and yes, there will be prizes involved.

The premise is simple: hit the lake that morning with your gear and fish to your heart’s content. First prize is $750, second is $500, third place is $250 and the Big Bass award is $150.

Officer Greg Martin organized the event and provided details to The Journal. He has been organizing the tournament for over a decade, and the event has now grown to twice a year.

“It’s one thing I look forward to every year. It’s grown to the point where I do two tournaments a year, per the request of the anglers that have participated in the past. They request I do a tournament in the spring and I do one in October in the fall,” Martin said.

The tournament has drawn in a large turnout and made regulars over the years. The mid-week event gives participants a much-needed break, according to Martin.

“One advantage is that we fish during the week, so it gets somebody the opportunity to take a day off work to fish for a good cause. Even though we have it during the week, we still have around 30 boats sign up. This year is on a Friday, so hopefully with it being on Friday, more people will be able to take off and sign up,” Martin said.

The tournament started as a law enforcement exclusive, then morphed into first responders, and now the public is invited to participate alongside.

Over the past five years, proceeds from the tournament have gone to Georgia Special Olympics, and this year, the event will carry on the tradition, courtesy of Law Enforcement Torch Run.

As a member of LETR’s executive council, Martin explained the similarities to another iconic charity that works with first responders.

“Law Enforcement Torch Run is to Special Olympics, what the fire department is to [The Muscular Dystrophy Association.] It’s the largest grassroots fundraising organization in the world for Special Olympics,” Martin said.

According to Martin, it’s gaining momentum throughout the years.

“It’s progressively getting bigger, by doing the tournament, and word of mouth, things of that nature,” Martin said.

Martin is also an avid fisherman, using his connections in the both the law enforcement and fishing community to spread the word about the tournament.

Money raised during the competition will go on to help provide opportunities for Special Olympics athletes to compete in games throughout the year, an honorable mission, according to Martin.

“Part of the mission for Special Olympics is acceptance and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities. That is first and foremost,” Martin said.

To register for the tournament, visit letrbt.com and click “registration and waiver.” Registration is $60 per boat, with a limit of two anglers per vessel. Payment can be made online before noon on May 10, or the day of with cash.

You can also sign up the day of but registration determines launching order. The earlier you register, the earlier you can set sail.

The event will take place the morning of May 12, and the final weigh-in will be at 3 p.m. The boats will launch at the Dennis Station Boat Ramp at Lake Sinclair, located on Bagley Lane in Eatonton, Georgia.

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