Yamaha and Skeeter Boats are once again casting their support behind a cause that reaches far beyond the water, returning as presenting co-sponsors of the 2026 Dick Hiley St. Jude Bass Classic. Set for May 1–3 in Wabasha, Minnesota, the annual tournament invites anglers from across the Upper Midwest to compete, connect, and give back—and registration is now open.
Teams can secure their spot with a $500 entry fee before the April 22 deadline, joining a field united by more than a love of fishing. At stake is not only a chance to win a new 2026 Skeeter ZX200, awarded to top fundraisers, but the opportunity to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Along the banks of the Mississippi River, this tournament has become something of a tradition—one built on generosity as much as competition. What began in 1999 as a small gathering of anglers from Minnesota and Wisconsin has grown into a powerful force for good, raising more than $8.7 million to date.
By the time boats launch each morning, the focus is clear. Yes, there is strategy and skill in every cast, but there is also a shared understanding that this weekend is about something bigger.
“Competitive fishing is more than just a sport, it’s a family,” says Scott Higgins, Division Manager of Outboard Marketing. “That sense of community is what drives us to step up when there’s a need. There’s no greater need than supporting the future of our children, especially those facing illness.”
Throughout the weekend, that spirit is on full display—from the excitement of live weigh-ins to the camaraderie of a Saturday evening banquet, where stories are shared and fundraising milestones are celebrated. The tournament concludes Sunday with an awards ceremony, but the real measure of success is felt far beyond the final standings.
For those willing to cast a line, the invitation is simple: come for the competition, stay for the cause, and be part of a community that continues to turn time on the water into hope for children who need it most.
To learn more or to register to compete, please visit https://www.stjude.org/get-involved/find-an-event/dinners-and-galas/dick-hiley-bass-classic.html
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Teams can secure their spot with a $500 entry fee before the April 22 deadline, joining a field united by more than a love of fishing. At stake is not only a chance to win a new 2026 Skeeter ZX200, awarded to top fundraisers, but the opportunity to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Along the banks of the Mississippi River, this tournament has become something of a tradition—one built on generosity as much as competition. What began in 1999 as a small gathering of anglers from Minnesota and Wisconsin has grown into a powerful force for good, raising more than $8.7 million to date.
By the time boats launch each morning, the focus is clear. Yes, there is strategy and skill in every cast, but there is also a shared understanding that this weekend is about something bigger.
“Competitive fishing is more than just a sport, it’s a family,” says Scott Higgins, Division Manager of Outboard Marketing. “That sense of community is what drives us to step up when there’s a need. There’s no greater need than supporting the future of our children, especially those facing illness.”
Throughout the weekend, that spirit is on full display—from the excitement of live weigh-ins to the camaraderie of a Saturday evening banquet, where stories are shared and fundraising milestones are celebrated. The tournament concludes Sunday with an awards ceremony, but the real measure of success is felt far beyond the final standings.
For those willing to cast a line, the invitation is simple: come for the competition, stay for the cause, and be part of a community that continues to turn time on the water into hope for children who need it most.
To learn more or to register to compete, please visit https://www.stjude.org/get-involved/find-an-event/dinners-and-galas/dick-hiley-bass-classic.html
Back to Blue Life