This Bass Camp in 2010 marked our first official camp to get kids hooked on fishing.  We had a whale of a good time teaching, learning, sharing and catching some nice fish.  The weather was awesome and the schedule for the day’s events went wonderful!

Campers learned about the instincts of bass and how to catch them as well as several techniques that make for successful days on the lake.  I was amazed on how fast the kids picked up on casting!  We talked shop a little on the how to cast and pitch baits then the campers went to our casting range and started practicing their techniques.  At first it all seemed a little awkward, especially the pitching/flipping part, but after a while all the campers were hitting their targets. 

Campers also learned how retrieves (how you reel in the bait) make a fish bite.  I know the campers got better each day!  How do I know?  Well, the first couple of days of the camp there were not many fish caught by the campers.  But by Saturday, tournament day we had some really nice fish caught and the total number caught went up dramatically.  The guides for the camp (Mid-Valley Bass Club members) all commented on how much the kids improved. 

Tournament day was one of the best days I have ever had on the water!  I have fished tournaments for 15+ years and this day on the lake with the kids was one of my favorite memories!  We left the ramp at 9:00 am with great excitement and expectations!  Almost all of the 7 teams competing had some good catches by lunch time.  When we took a break for lunch the guides and the kids all tried to keep their success a secret (some did better than others).  Big Town Hero provided everyone with sandwiches.  Pepsi and Amp Energy drinks provided the refreshments and Bob’s Market provided chips and cookies.  We had our bellies full and we got back to the boats for the last few hours of fishing. 

The tournament rules were that the guides could only catch one fish and the campers had to catch the other four.  You could catch as many as you can, but only five fish could come to the weigh-in.

My team (Bruce Davis and his daughters Lucie and Mia) caught several nice fish!  We had five really nice fish for the weigh-in so we all thought we had a really good chance to win.  Then the monster (big bass) was weighed in by Corey Thomas and his team Jordan Jeffers and Wyatt Osborne.  The big bass of the tournament was a whopping 7.19 pound Largemouth Bass.  When they brought the rest of their fish to the scales they had 20.58 pounds of fish!  We were able to finish in second with 17.06 pounds and were followed by Dave Dunn, Parker Hill and Kody Osborne with 14.95 pounds.  Click here for all official results.

When all of the kids went home with prizes and their fishing equipment we (the member of the Mid-Valley Bass Club) reminisced about the week’s events and realized that more than fished got hooked this week.  Each man that came and helped with this camp felt a tug on his heart at being a part of such a worthwhile event.  The connection between the campers and the guides was more than just fishing but passing on a love for the outdoors that hopefully will stick with these young people for life.  The hook was set in my heart and I already miss hearing “I got one” from a youngster and then hearing the whole exaggerated story. 

When we pass on and God calls us home we won’t remember how much money we made or how many nice clothes or shiny cars or boats we bought.  These will be of no value to us then!  What will remain and resound in history is that we made a difference in the life of a child.  We passed on what we value so that it lives to be passed again. 

Thank you Mark Brady, Larry Rinier, Bob Brown, Corey Miller, Dave Dunn, Corey Thomas and Parker Hill.  The Mid-Valley Bass Club hit one out of the park with this event!  Congratulations on making a difference in the life of a child.

Bobby Brown and I would like to thank our sponsors: Amp Energy Drinks, Pepsi, Bob’s Market, Big Town Hero, All-Terrain Tackle, Plano, North Country Lures and Flies, and of course Mid-Valley Bass Club. 

We also want to thank the Ropp family.  Jess Ropp provided access through his property to fish the lake attached to his property. What a blessing it was to have such a nice lake with big fish all to ourselves.  May the Lord bless this family for providing such a great setting for the campers. 

Parents, we want to thank you for trusting us with your most precious gifts.  We received more than we gave.

Jim Hill & Bobby Brown