Anglers can cast their lines at Foss Lake this weekend in search of two prize catches: the heaviest fish and progress in the fight against cancer. Proceeds from Sunday’s Frank Wohl Memorial Bass Tournament will benefit cancer research at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.
The fishing tournament began 20 years ago in memory of Wohl, a Clinton businessman who died from cancer complications in 1985 at age 61. Fishing was Wohl’s favorite pastime, to the point that he was a Bass Anglers Sportsman Society pro fisherman.
To date, the annual fishing tournament has raised more than $34,000 for OMRF. Lance Brooks, owner of Brooks Marine, took over the event last year and hopes to raise about $8,000, which would be the group’s single largest donation yet. Brooks expects a grand prize added this year—a new Fisher aluminum modified boat, motor and trailer valued at $12,000—will bring more fishermen to the tournament.
“We wanted to increase the stakes for the fishermen and raise more money,” Brooks said. “Cancer touches everybody’s life in some way or another. It’s real satisfying to know that we’re able to continue a tradition that has meant so much to many families.”
An auction and banquet will take place Saturday at 4 p.m. The tournament begins Sunday morning with boats heading out onto the lake at 7 a.m. and returning for a 3 p.m. weigh-in. The top fishermen will receive trophies and cash prizes, including a special prize for the largest bass.
Entries are still being accepted. For more information, call Brooks at (580) 243-2484.
About OMRF:
Celebrating its 60th birthday in 2006, OMRF (www.omrf.org) is a nonprofit biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding and curing human disease. Its scientists focus on such critical research areas as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, lupus and cardiovascular disease. It is home to Oklahoma’s only member of the National Academy of Sciences.
