The 7th annual Fish-N-Friends open Bass Tournament benefiting the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program took place Saturday, July 8th, 2017 on the Pocomoke River in Snow Hill Maryland. As a member of the Delaware TBF, the Wicomico/Nanticoke Bass Club holds 9 tournaments each year, but this fund raiser event for Toys For Tots is always a “classic”.
Wayne Gorrow assisted by Delaware TBF Tournament Director Brian Barnes said 30 boats containing 55 anglers from 11 different bass clubs from Maryland, Delaware and Virginia participated in the event. Although the river was fishing “a little small”, weighmaster Fabian Rodriguez, tallied over 200 pounds of largemouth bass with more than 121 toys, gifts and fishing tackle donated by the anglers, Mr. Gorrow, notes that the heartfelt spirit of all those who participated was a true testament to the Delaware TBF, its members and the bass fishing community as a whole. Thanks to everyone for their generosity and support. After the tournament all anglers were treated to some burgers and hot dogs cooked on the grill by Delaware TBF President, Bob Chango.
1st Place Winners (L) Kenny Spicer, with Delaware TBF President Bob Chango, (R) Jeremy Birmingham. Jeremy holds the days 4.57lb lunker 1st place 12.42 pounds
2nd Place (L) Delaware TBF Vice President Bobby Smith, Bob Chango (R) Larry Taylor 2nd place awarded for 10.45 pounds
3rd Place Mark Hogan with Bob Chango, and Cindy Hogan. 3rd place awarded for 9.48 pounds
4th place winners (L) PJ Martin (C) Jim Smith with Bob Chango 4th place awarded for 8.84 pounds
Founded in 1947, The Toys For Tots program collects new, unwrapped toys that are distributed as Christmas gifts to needy children in the local community. The primary goal of the program is to deliver a message of hope to these youngsters especially at Christmas. Youth who range in age from 3-15, and who likely would not receive presents at Christmas are blessed by these gifts.
All photos by Ralph Newberry
The California Junior Angler State Championship tournament was held on 28 May, 2017 at Russo’s Marina. Although the bite was tough, every angler brought at least one keeper to the scales and other anglers were able to boat some very impressive large mouth bass. Five junior angler teams qualified 4 anglers each from San Diego to Yuba/Sutter to compete in this Championship on the California Delta.
Jared DeFremery representing Delta Teen Team in Oakley, CA, caught a giant 9.08 lb. Largemouth and brought in a total of 5 bass for 14.43 lbs. for the win. Second Place Angler Manual Nevarez from Yuba Sutter Youth Fishing Club also caught a very impressive 7.26 lb. kicker fish and had two other keepers for a total of 11.90 lbs. Miles Kaneko, also of local Delta Teen Team failed to boat a kicker fish and brought in a very impressive 5 fish limit for 11.42 lbs. Jackson Paluczak form San Diego also bested 10 lbs with 5 fish for 10.54 lbs.to land in 4th place. Michael Alaga from Watsonville, CA captured 5th place with 9.44 lbs for 5 solid keepers.
Thanks out to the junior anglers team administrators, parents, and other family members for traveling as needed to allow these kids to compete. Also a shout out to volunteer boaters and vendors who volunteered their time and/or product so each competitor received a nice tackle pack at the conclusion of the awards ceremony.
