The weather Saturday was perfect for fishing, and the folks at Hampton Island caught a mess of bass at their first annual Bass Classic, then donated some of their catch to America’s Second Harvest of Savannah.
According to Capt. Roger Burge of Hampton Island Outdoor Pursuits, Hampton Island Club LLC Owners Representative Ronald S. Leventhal and the staff at Hampton Island helped him organize and host the event on Hampton Island’s 52-acre Harvest Lake.Twenty-six teams participated in the tournament and the competition ranged from young anglers fishing on the banks of the lake to seasoned anglers fishing off their boats.
Burge said their goal was to donate fish to America’s Second Harvest of Savannah, entertain guests and properly manage Hampton Island’s bass-filled lakes.
“To achieve these goals, the rules provided that contestants would harvest all bass 16 inches and under and release all that were over,” he said. “The team which caught the most bass won.”
Burge said more than 600 bass were caught and 400 of them were donated to America’s Second Harvest. 
“The day was topped off by an amazing barbecue dinner from our chef, Hogan Kaney, and our culinary department,” Burge said. “It was a great event with lots of fun shared by all. Hampton proudly looks forward to the next tournament.”
The winning team of Don Padrick of Hinesville and Tony Vaughn of Savannah caught 82 bass.
In the kids’ category, Steven Bradley of Brooklet took first place with 15. Second place went to Will Chambers of Shellman’s Bluff, who caught 14 bass. In third place was Abby Chambers, also from Shellman’s Bluff, who landed seven bass.