Photo credit: James Overstreet/Bassmaster.com

Nov. 17. If you wake up Dec. 12 and see Santas fishing, don’t worry (unless you also also have visions of sugar plums). The “Ugly Stik World’s Largest Santa Claus Bass Tournament,” where anglers will compete in Santa outfits, aims to set a world record on Lake Norman.

Yes, this is a minnow in the world of world records. And what’s an Ugly Stik anyhoo?

Answer: It’s a brand of fishing equipment for “those who like to fish ugly…in slime-stained shirts with trusty jon boats that burn a little oil.”

Seriously, the Christmas spirit is alive and well in spite of the pandemic.

The event launches out of Queen’s Landing in Mooresville and benefits Toys for Tots. The $100 entree fee includes a Santa suit for both competitors as well as products from Ugly Stik and Berkley, another fishing gear and tackle brand.

First place nets $5,000.

“With the eyes of the world watching, an expected field of hundreds of competitors will gather to set the record for the most Santas competing in a bass tournament,” their press release said.

We’re floundering for a pun, but if you want to register, go to www.fomntt.com.