Bass classic, free fishing for kids is Saturday

The 14th annual Muransky Companies Bass Classic, hosted by Aqua Ohio, and benefiting the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, is Saturday at Evans Lake in Springfield Township and Pine Lake in Beaver Township.

Fifty teams of professional bass anglers and their amateur partners will compete for cash and prizes on the bass-filled reservoirs. Fishing begins at 6:30 a.m.

Prizes will be awarded for total weight and big bass after the tournament weigh-in at 2:15 p.m. at Evans Lake off Calla Road.

Additional sponsorship for the classic is provided by the DeBartolo Corp., Extrudex Aluminum Inc., Outback Steakhouse, and Whispering Pines Village.

In conjunction with that event is a “Fish & Fun” children’s event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Evans Lake.

Children need to bring fishing poles and will fish along the shore. Bait will be supplied.

The first 200 children will receive a goodie bag with a T-shirt. Hot dogs, pizza, chips, pop and popcorn will be provided. The event is free and open to the public.

Sponsors of the children’s event include AFL-CIO Community Services, Boardman Target, Coca-Cola, The Difference Makers, Kames Sports Center, Mohawk Valley Bass Club, The Rodmaker Shop, Sam’s Club, and Wedgewood Pizza.