Redbone Celebrity Tournament Series
Redbone ~ Celebrating the Adventurous Lifestyle
2013 Spring Valley Fly Fishing Invitational


(Left to right) Link Robinson, Mike McFadden, Gary Ward, Jim Ward, & Brent LaRoche

Year two of the Spring Valley Fly Fishing Invitational had its challenges including freezing rain on day two and sleet on day three, but the anglers persevered and the tournament turn out to be a huge success raising over $50,000. 40 anglers (20 2-person teams) fished 2 half days, on morning session and one afternoon session, on the pristine waters on the Spring Valley Rod & Gun Club. Over two days close to 70 rainbow and brown trout were released successfully. This was a bit shy of last year's total due the uncharacteristic cold weather but not one anger or guide every complained. The host site, Spring Valley Rod & Gun Club, is an exclusive club tucked away in Decatur, AR only 35 minutes from the Walmart headquarters. This gem of a site has 8 miles of spring fed water allowing room for 8 sections (or beats) of water for exclusive fly fishing.

Rogers, AR residents Mike and Michelle McFadden's son Luke who has cystic fibrosis is the inspiration for the event. Because of that, we have name Luke the ambassador of the tournament. Luke was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when he was 8 months old. Fourteen years later Luke is an active boy who enjoys playing on his travel baseball team, golf and most any activity outside. Luke endures a daily regimen of 1.5 hrs. of chest physical therapy, inhaled antibiotics and takes over 20 pills a day to help with digestion and also fight infection.

The three day event included a guide/angler welcome reception, two days of fishing, and ended with an awards dinner with a live and silent auction held at the home of the 2013 AA Texas Minor League Baseball All-star game and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

The Grand Champion winners were Greg Ward and Jim Ward sponsored by LP Product and guided by David Burgher they released 15 trout as a team over the two days.

Runners up, Brad Tidwell and Cole Venske successfully released 12 rainbow and brown trout. They were sponsored by Scotts Company.

The individual awards were as follows:

  • Grand Champion - Brad Tidwell
  • Runner up - Jim Ward
  • Largest Rainbow - Jim Ward
  • Largest Brown Trout - Mark Anderson
  • Biggest Sucker - Jim Brady
  • High Point Guide - David Burgher

We recognize and thank Rich Products and the NWA Natural's for partnering with us as our title sponsor. Also, many thanks to our sponsors, anglers, and volunteers for their generosity and valuable time. Other corporate sponsors include Kimberly Clark, Tyson, Outdoor Products, Constellation Wines, & Scotts Company.