The cloudy skies over Lake Eufaula were no match for the light in the eyes of 15 local area kids who joined professional bass anglers from the Women's Bass Fishing Association for a Sunday morning fishing experience. As part of the WBFA Tour 2002 Classic Championship week, the ladies took time from their active schedule to conduct a Catch A Special Thrill (CAST) for Kids program.
Each child carried home a plaque displaying a picture of them and their pro-for-a-day, a rod and reel, a stocked tackle box, and a lifetime memory. Bream, channel catfish, and bass were proudly displayed by each child from the WBFA weigh-in stage.
Sunday evening, the lady anglers met their hosts from the Eufaula/Barbour County Chamber of Commerce and the state of Alabama. The reception was held at the Lake Point Lodge.
On Wednesday morning, the ladies will take another break and host a VIP/Celebrity Fishing tournament. Local amateurs will join the ladies for a morning tournament. The celebrity winner will win $500.00 to be donated to an Alabama charity of their choice.
Actual competition for the ladies will begin Thursday morning at safe daylight. Before the starting gun is sounded, there will be a tribute to all veterans and a dynamic fireworks display.
Competition will continue on Friday and Saturday. Weigh-ins will be held each day at the Lake Point Resort starting at 3:00pm.
Final weigh-in Saturday will be a spectator and family event. Tournament Director Willie Cook has announced that the first 80 kids less than 15 years of age who arrive at the weigh-in area will receive a free rod and reel. Starting at 2:00pm, the Worlds Greatest Fishing Band will perform. Sammy Lee, host of "Tight Lines" radio show, will emcee the program and weigh-in activities.
When the 2002 Champion is announced she will not only claim the title but will also pick up the keys to a 2003 TR19 Triton bass boat equipped with a Mercury 150, Minn Kota Trolling motor, Hummingbird electronics, and DEKKA Batteries. Additional WBFA sponsors include Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits, Eidolon Bait Company, FlowMaster, and Kick'N Bass scents.
"I urge everyone in the Eufaula area to head out to the lake for the weigh-ins and especially on Saturday afternoon," said Cook. "Unless you are right there, you can not believe the excitement and suspense in the air as these ladies bring their fish to the stage."