Redneck fun

Tyler Six of Bluffs lifts his net after catching a pair of Asian Carp during the Redneck Fishing Tournament at Bath. This was the seventh and largest year for the Redneck Fishing Tournament. Betty DeFord came up with the idea because of her love of the water. She has lived around Bath all her life and manages the Boat Tavern, 218 W. First St. “This is what we deal with on a daily basis,” she said. “We’re here to try to get rid of these fish that jump in your boats so that you can’t take your kids or grandkids. We’re personally trying to do something, a small part, and it’s turned into this big event.” Bath, a village of 322 people, will see about 5,000 people from all over the nation before the weekend is over, she said. Last year, the crews caught about 7,000 Asian carp. The goal this year is 10,000 to 12,000, DeFord said. After covering expenses, the money raised will go to help Madelyn Whitehead, who was born earlier this year with a condition that requires a generator full time to help her brain function, DeFord said.