The Bill Dance Mississippi River Monsters Mega Buc$ Pro Series Catfish Tournament is returning to Vicksburg and this year the stakes are even higher. Anglers will have a chance of winning what organizers are calling the biggest pay-out in tournament history. A total of $200,000 in cash will be awarded with the winning team taking home a $100,000.

With a “purse” this big, organizer of the premier tournament George Young Jr., said, “This event is a must-see for fishing enthusiasts and the general public alike.”

In addition to the premier fishing tournament, which attracts top anglers from across the globe, events for spectators will also be offered starting with a Meet the Anglers block party at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 25 at the RiverWalk Casino parking lot.

“This family friendly event offers a unique opportunity to meet the participants and enjoy music, food, and entertainment in a lively atmosphere,” Young said.

At 6 p.m. Friday, July 26 the fun will continue with the Boats and Bricks parade along Washington Street, which will showcase the impressive fleet of tournament boats.

“The parade promises to be a visual treat for spectators and a great way to build anticipation for the competition,” Young said.

The fishing competition will kick off Saturday, July 27 as anglers put their boats in at the Vicksburg waterfront. Weigh-ins will begin at 3 p.m. at the Vicksburg Convention Center, 1600 Dr. Briggs Hopson Blvd. All fish weighed-in must be alive and healthy. On day one, $2,500 will be awarded for the biggest fish caught on the first day of the tournament.

“Following Saturday’s weigh-in, the top 25 teams will return to the river on Sunday, July 28, for the final showdown to determine the overall winner,” Young said. In addition to the top prize of $100,000, teams placing second through 10th will split the remaining purse.

On both days, while anglers are out fishing, a Catfishing Expo will be held concurrently at the Vicksburg Convention Center (VCC) and will feature numerous vendors from the outdoor world.

“Visitors can browse and purchase the latest in apparel, tackle, and gear,” Young said. 

During the expo, concessions and adult beverages will be available for purchase, live music will be offered by Bubba Wingfield and Joey Massey and legendary angler Bill Dance and “Duck Dynasty’s” John Godwin will be on hand to meet with the public.

On the VCC’s upper level, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers will have a booth set up with information on the Mississippi River, the Red Cross will be on hand to share information on swimming safety, the Natural Science Museum will be bringing live animals and Layne Logue with Quapaw Canoe Company and Emily Tilman, head of the Belzoni Catfish Festival, will be sharing information about their respective enterprises.

Cartoon characters will also be on hand for photographs.

And if the MegaBuc$-Vicksburg event wasn’t already action-packed, Young said in addition to all the events, with the help of Riverwalk Casino Vicksburg and SeaArk Boats, anglers and spectators alike will have the opportunity at winning a brand new SeaArk-Protege wrapped in camo orange.

A drawing will be held for the SeaArk boat, Young said, and anyone can earn tickets when they get a player’s card and use for play in order to earn entries at Riverwalk Casino and Hotel. Anglers who sign up for the tournament will receive 1,000 tickets; the top 25 teams will earn an additional 500 tickets.

“And if you sigh up to stay at the Riverwalk Hotel using this link, https://book.rguest.com/onecart/wbe/offers/1253/Riverwalk-Casino-Hotel?offerCode=107, you will receive 1,000 tickets,” Young said, adding, a minimum two-night stay is required for the additional tickets.

Tickets are also available by getting player points from the casino. Every five points earned will garner one ticket for the drawing. Tickets will be loaded onto an electronic player’s card, which is then swiped at the hotel. All tickets are then put into the virtual drawing drum and a winner will be selected. The drawing will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 28 at the hotel.

“You must be present to win,” Young said.

“This is not just a fishing tournament,” Young said. “It’s a celebration of the sport and the community. So, don’t miss your chance to be a part of this historic event.”

For more information on the Bill Dance Mississippi River Monsters Mega Buc$ Pro Series Catfish Tournament, visit www.mississippirivermonsters.com or email George@bigriverwildlife.com.