It's heartening to see communities come together in difficult circumstances, and the North Florida angling community--and the community as a whole--is a strong, tough and generous one. Earlier this fall, that community suffered a great and tragic loss, the death of a young girl, Somer Thompson.

You may or may not know the story, but a group of anglers and community members who are close to that loss have joined forces to benefit the Somer Thompson Fund. At times, nothing can be done to bring back life that has been lost, but to be able to rely on a community of friends, and friends who share the love of something good like angling, may help people get through the most painful and difficult times. Those people who can face such loss and such times with courage and prevail deserve admiration.

There's more information about the Somer Thompson Benefit Tournament below. --David Conway, Managing Editor

Benefit Bass Tournament

Somer Thompson Fund

Sponsored by North Florida Bass Masters, Whitey's Fish Camp, and Florida Bass Network

$40.00 entry fee per boat (50% payout)

$10.00 Optional Big Bass Pot (100% payout

This is a benefit tournament and 50% of entry fee will go to the Somer Thompson Fund

The other 50% will be paid out to the Top 5 Teams based on number of entries:

1st Place 30%

2nd Place 25%

3rd Place 20%

4th Place 15%

5th Place 10

Launch from Whitey's Fish Camp

2032 County Road 220 - Orange Park, FL 32003

November 22nd, 2009

First Light to 3:00 PM

For more information call

Sid (904) 759-3846,

Eddie 923-4862

or Jerry 434-3855.

Email: earlleejr@bellsouth.net

or jerry@floridabassnetwork.com