Big bass and big bucks for a worthy cause go hand-in-hand every year when hundreds of people — fishermen and organizers — get together for the Top Rod Big Bass Classic.

That time is fast approaching, Classic founder Elvis Jeanminette was happy to report last week as he announced the first organizational meeting for 6 p.m. Monday at Lipari Sporting Goods along U.S. 90. Jeanminette announced several months ago the date for the Top Rod Big Bass Classic, an event unique to this area, as Feb. 27.

Jeanminette and a dozen or so volunteers are chomping at the bit to finalize plans for the fundraising event, one that benefits the Louisiana PepperPlex. The sports complex along Sucrose Road near Center Street is home to the Iberia Soccer Association and the Evangeline Little League.

The U.S. Postal Service employee and radio fishing show host said four Teche Area residents have called him to volunteer their service as directors since the notice in this space in October announcing the date for the Classic. They were Richard Gary and RonBoutte, both of New Iberia, Chad Guillotte of Loreauville and Ralph Leleux of Delcambre.

“It’s nice seeing people who want to be part of something that we’ve got created already, something that benefits the community, the PepperPlex,” Jeanminette said Friday. “And there are so many local merchants, since they read that article, who expressed an interest and desire to help us.

“But the best news of all is I got a call yesterday from Academy Sports + Outdoors. It’s definite. They will be giving us another 12-foot aluminum boat” that will be in a drawing for boys and girls 6 years old to 16 who fish the Classic, which will be held out of Marsh Field Boat Landing near Loreauville.

A similar boat was donated by the sporting goods store for the first time last year.

“That’s going to be a big, big push,” he said.

The Academy spokeswoman also talked to him about other donations, possibly a fishing rod and reel for each child who fishes and T-shirts or caps to everyone who fishes. “They were very excited to talk to us about it. We’re at the top of the list,” Jeanminette said.

The Classic itself is at the top of the list for Iberia Sports Complex Commission president Troy Comeaux, a local contractor and Iberia Parish Council member. Comeaux has welcomed the association with the fundraiser and helped out on some bitterly cold days when it has been held in the past.

“We’re looking forward to it again this year. We’re trying to get some more volunteers involved from ISA and Evangeline Little League to try to make it bigger and better this year than it’s ever been,” Comeaux said.

“It’s good being able to team up with Elvis and his committee. We all have the same goals in mind — to keep the young people busy and give them opportunities to have some good, clean family fun.”

If Old Man Winter doesn’t hang on too strong, this one is shaping up to have one of the biggest turnouts ever. Jeanminette said apparently there are no conflicts with bass club tournaments being held on the same date as the Classic.

“That’s good news. No one else has a tournament that weekend,” Comeaux said.

Entry fee is $100 per boat.

DON SHOOPMAN is outdoors editor of The Daily Iberian.