Despite unusually hot summer temperatures, 80 pro-teen teams launched out of Russo’s on the California Delta July 16th, 2006. The volunteer staff (Cooch, Tony S. and friends) made all the teams feel like winners with one of the most professional check in and launch processes to be found on any tournament circuit. Teams were treated to great giveaways along with valet boat launch, trailer parking and pick-up. The 4 flight blast off was flawless… clearly a reflection of the staff’s professionalism and commitment to this priceless annual cause.
While there was some great fishing in the day to come, the real reward was found in the faces of the teen boys and girls as they waited in anticipation to be assigned a pro for the day. I had the honor of fishing with 13 year old Ryan… a first time tournament fisherman. As we waited to launch in the first flight, Ryan got in a few lessons on casting and pitching… something that would come in handy later that day. Ryan’s proud dad stood on the dock watching as we idled out of the marina in my Ranger 519… we were on our way.
After a quick 5 minute run to our first stop it was wasn’t long and we were hooked up on a frog fish. Ryan did a great job with the net and the skunk was out of the boat… a 2 pounder… nice start. A few casts later and Ryan was hooked up on a chatterbait… another 2 pounder and his first bass… high fives all around. A little ways down the bank another fish explodes on a frog… a short fight and a 4.5 pounder into the net (our largest fish for the day). Now Ryan wants a frog on the business end of his rod… I oblige. A couple more small fish and we’ve got a limit by 8:30am… nothing but smiles on our boat and off to a great day.
We had a chance at a nice limit as large fish continued to explode on our frogs. With a brief instruction Ryan was pitching to cover like a pro… it was quite rewarding seeing him progress so quickly. But the big bag was not to be as we left a number of quality fish for the next trip… we finished with about 10.5 pounds for the day.
A very large crowd gathered at the weigh-in. Lots of good bags were on display as pro and teen partners listened to Cooch announce the weights. Though the winners had around 16 pounds, they were not the only ones smiling. The post-event barbeque and prize giveaway was just the thing finish off a great time for all. Moms, dads, teens and pros sat together enjoying the wonderful food while recounting their day on the water. More than one teen could be heard discussing the strategy they’d be using at next years pro-teen event.
A special thanks to the Western Bass staff for their efforts putting this event together each year. Their work, along with the pros who volunteer their time and their boat (not to mention fuel), is positively impacting today’s youth in a time when there are many less than positive influences competing for their allegiance and their lives. As a father of two delightful daughters now in college, I’m blessed to now be able to extend my care for kids to a few others outside of my family.
The CBAF was honored to be a part of this year’s event. Maybe we’ll see you there next time around.
