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TAKE
A SPECIAL PERSON FISHING
By: Ron
Wilson
May 15,
2003…. There were no losers at this event as every special person got
trophies, a rod and reel and a
tackle box to take home.
Saturday
I was back at Kelsey Bass Ranch, but this time it was to enjoy watching
the excitement of special people catching fish at the annual take a
special person fishing event!
Retired
Sheriff Glenn Todd holds two Badgepacker black bass tournaments each year
at lake Don Pedro to support this event. He takes 20% of the entry fees,
which enables him to rent the lake and help supply goodies for the 20 or
so special people that he invites to the lake for a fishing tournament
each year.
Black
bass fishermen not only support this cause by fishing his events each
year, but they also donate their boat and time to take a special person
out on the 140 acre bass pond to catch black bass.
While
there is some controversy about holding black bass tournaments, here is a
prime example of what good can come out of these events.
There
are lots of black bass fishermen who want to help with this event, so Glen
has turned over the organizing of bass fishermen to the Modesto
Ambassadors, who along with Nor-Cal Bass supply all the boats needed for
this event each year. Check with the Modesto Ambassadors about helping
them out with next year’s event.
The
day couldn't have been ordered with any better weather, sunny and warm
with just enough of a breeze to keep you from getting overheated.
The
kids got on the water at 9:30 a.m. Paired with Norval and myself was Katie
Louise Soars and Anna Garza. We couldn't get a word out of Katie who just
sat there and fished, but Anna was like a radio player! She must have
changed channels a half dozen times, as there was no quiet time for her!
The
bite was slow. Norval splitshot one, which was a good fish that tossed the
bait at the kids as it jumped and got away.
I
soon had a watermelon red brush hog bite going and the girls quickly had
their two fish limit in the boat. Anna had a couple in the 2-½ pound
class while Katie’s were a little smaller.
I
hooked a good one for Katie, but as I handed her the pole the fish leapt
high in the air and threw the bait. You just can't give these fish any
slack with barbless hooks otherwise they’re gone. I told Katie that that
was the fish she needed to win the event and all she did was shrug like no
big deal!
Fishing
was slow as the pattern was to throw the bait out and let it slow fall
with a light jig head. The fish would hit it on the drop if it came close
to them.
Shelly
Gentry came by with Jacob Azevedo in her Ranger Camanche bass boat.
The wheel chair fit nicely on the back deck. Jacob had plenty of fishing
room to work with. He had a nice limit of fish in the boat and was all
smiles as I snapped a few frames as they went by.
I
watched the area around the dam, and when everyone that was fishing it
left, we headed in that direction. I told Norval that I thought a couple
good tournament fish should be in the deeper water at the end of the dam
where the wind was causing some current.
All
morning long Katie sat there quietly and then suddenly she came alive.
“Hey that's my mom and dad walking on the road over there”. Good
eyesight as the two people were at least 100 yards away, but there was no
mistake in Katie’s eyes. “Yep that's my mom and dad,” she said. No
excitement at reeling in some nice fish, but seeing mom and dad on the
bank and she just lit up with excitement.
We
fished the dam without a bite so I pitched out into deep water and the
bait got heavy. I set the hook and there was weight, Norval said, “you
hooked the end of a stick!” I was about to believe him after I reeled in
a few feet, but then the stick suddenly shook its head. “Good fish,” I
said as I handed the pole to Katie. Katie had her hands full as the fish
started fighting. She got the fish to the net and just as Norval started
to swoop it in, the fish felt the edge of the net with its tail and went
airborne! Katie turned the fish toward the net again and this time Norval
scooped it up. It was a nice one that should put her near the top in the
event. It was 10 after 12 and the 12:30 weigh in was fast
approaching. Time really flies when you are having fun.
Katie
Louise Soars had 6.55 pounds to win the event. 2nd was Robert Campbell
with 6.10 pounds and 3rd was Jacob Azevedo. I am not sure who had the most
fun at this event. Was it the special people who caught the fish or the
special fishermen who donated their time and expertise to help them catch
them!
I
know this is one event I will always be happy to lend a hand with! Check
out the rest of the pictures
here.
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