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Fay doesnt rain out fishing event
Bassmasters-2
Rains associated with Fay took a break to let the fishing tournament happen. Here, Denny George, Erica Cribbs and Brianna Oliver cast their reels. - photo by Ross Blair

Roughly 165 kids participated in the annual Bryan County Bassmasters kids fishing tourney on Aug. 23 at J.F. Gregory Park. This equals the attendance for the past two years but, in a weekend filled with extreme weather, organizers were thrilled with the turnout.

The event coincided with the same window of time that the heavy rain from tropical storm Fay relented.

"The good man upstairs looked out for us," Bassmaster President Joey Celeste said. "Everything went real smooth and we got some great feedback from the kids."

Every kid who participated in the free event got a complimentary rod and reel. In addition, four trophies per age group were given out. Those who caught one of the three dozen tagged fish were given an additional $100 cash prize.

Celeste said there is no charge for any of the activities, which is made possible by the 70-plus sponsors that contribute to Bryan County Bassmasters each year.

"The goal of our organization is to promote fishing among young people," Celeste said.

In addition to the annual kids’ tournament, held each year at Gregory Park, the group also conducts a junior boys bass program. The program teaches the art of fishing as well and also involves participation in two competitive tournaments per year. For more information, call Celeste at 653-2315.

The following are the results of this weekend’s event. First through third place winners were decided by total weight caught, with another award given for biggest fish caught.

 

Here’s the list of winners:

- Ages 1-3:

First place – Colton Gunter, second place – Peyton Barnard, third place – Amaya Grimes, Biggest Fish – Colton Gunter.

- Ages 4-7:

First place – Danny Jowers, second place – Jacob Lee, third place – Corey Adamski, Biggest Fish – Danny Jowers.

- Ages 8-11:

First place – Evan Page, second place – Brian Webster, third place – Henry Jowers, Biggest Fish – Evan Page.

- Ages 12-15:

First place – Damion Tatum, second place – Haley Lee, third place – Taylor Lee, Biggest Fish – Damion Tatum.

 

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