Fishing For Freedom Tournament Back on Schedule

This year’s Fishing for Freedom Tournament is back on, according to event organizers.

Tournament organizer Rick Smith tells KTEM that as of noon Thursday the tournament was set to take place on Lake Belton following the news that Congress had reached a temporary budget agreement. Area parks and boat ramps have been opened, meaning volunteers will be able to launch their boats and take our soldiers out for a well-deserved day on the water.

“We’re just thrilled the government got a budget put together,” Smith said during a telephone interview Thursday. “The ramps have been reopened to the public and sportsmen. Of course, we feel they should never have been closed in the first place, but we’re just glad people can get back to enjoying the lake.”

Rick added that all the tournament’s sponsors were still on board and that prizes will still be given away.

“We’re thrilled with our sponsors and volunteers and, of course, the soldiers for their support and understanding.”

Event times

The tournament kicks off Friday night with a banquet at the Killeen Convention Center. Doors will open at 3 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Boats will begin launching Saturday morning as early as 5 a.m.

For more information on the tournament and how you can get involved, call Rick Smith at 254-773-9931 or 254-534-5399.