By Billy Davis

Organizers of the second annual North Mississippi Sportsman’s Extravaganza might have snagged a catch when they recruited professional bass angler Clay Dyer as the featured speaker.

Dyer, 33, was born with no limbs except a portion of his right arm. But he began fishing at age 5 and never looked back.

He became a professional angler in 1995 and competed in FLW, the prestigious bass-tournament circuit, from 2006 to 2009.

Dyer announced last year he was participating in the 2012 Bassmaster Southern Open, where he hopes to win an Open tournament and secure a Bassmaster Classic seat according to Bassmaster.com.

Dyer is a sought-after speaker and his appearance at the Extravaganza — tonight at 6 p.m. at the Batesville Civic Center — falls between speaking engagements in Arkansas and Indiana.  

His schedule also includes the Southern Open beginning April 1 in North Carolina.  

In 2010 local hunters and fishermen were kicking around the idea of an area-wide wild game supper when their vision to spread the Gospel merged with the idea of an outdoor show.

Nine months of planning kicked off the first annual Extravaganza, which was also held last March at the civic center.

The first-ever Extravaganza featured bow hunter Troy Ruiz of Jackson, known for his appearances on the Primos hunting shows.

The Extravaganza also features hunting and fishing seminars, children’s games and activities, “big buck” and “big crappie” contests, vendor booths, and other activities.

The show hours are 3 to 10 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Admission is $5 with children 12 and under admitted free.