SHREVEPORT, La. (May 21, 2011) – Sgt. Major Wesley of Pineville, La., won the FLW Soldier Appreciation Bass Fishing Tournament held on Caddo Lake Saturday. The team, fishing with Brett Hite, caught three bass for a total of 10 pounds, 9 ounces to take the title and bragging rights amongst their peers.
“Fishing was tough today,” Wesley said. “There was a lot of wind and I was on unfamiliar waters, but I had a pro that showed me the ropes and it turned out to be a great day. I had a great time.”
Hite and Wesley fished the cypress tree-filled lake by looking for hydrilla and milfoil and found grass in a creek and attacked the bass with a green pumpkin Phenix Vibrating Jig. The pair focused on grass lines around cypress trees in 2 to 5 feet of water.
“The National Guard is fully engaged both in the state of Louisiana with the flood and deployments overseas,” Wesley said. “I’d like to thank FLW for giving the soldiers here in Louisiana the chance to do this. The support we get from FLW is amazing. So is the support we get from our communities and our families.”
Each of the participants in the FLW Soldier Appreciation Tournament are members of the Louisiana National Guard. In this tournament, Walmart FLW Tour pro anglers took teams of two, which consist of members of the National Guard, fishing to compete amongst their peers. Each team was allowed to bring in three bass. FLW Outdoors is operating the tournaments in conjunction with the National Guard to show appreciation to our service members.
“It’s really awesome to come down here and be a part of the National Guard team,” Hite said. “It’s really cool to hear their stories and what they’ve done in this area. It’s really a great honor for us.”
A total of 13 service men, seven teams, participated in the tournament. Rounding out the teams was:
2nd: Sgt. 1st Class Luneau, Marksville, La., and Command Sgt. Major Lonider, Marksville, La., fishing with Randall Tharp, 10-1
3rd: Sgt. Garland, Ball, La., and Sgt. 1st Class Little, Minden, La., fishing with Randy Blaukat, 5-10
4th: Staff Sgt. McDowell, Pineville, La., and Staff Sgt. Fletcher, Turkey Creek, La., fishing with pro Cody Myer, 4-15
5th: Master Sgt. Bordelon, Marksville, La., and Staff Sgt. Paulk, Marksville, La., fishing with Justin Lucas, 3-11
6th: Spc. Gallent, Ball, La., and Sgt. Hayes, Shreveport, La., fishing with pro Jay Keith, 3-2
7th: Sgt. 1st Class Gauthier, Pineville, La., and Staff Sgt. Humphries, Pineville, La., fishing with Jonathan Newton, 2-12