OBSFC Take the Troops Fishing 2006
The Onslow Bay Saltwater Fishing Club (OBSFC) wanted to find a way to say thank you to the military men and women who serve our country, and from this thought was born “Take the Troops Fishing.”
“Take the Troops Fishing” is an event where OBSFC club members take Wounded Warriors and other military personnel out for a day of saltwater fishing. This is the fourth year of the event, and the club recruited a record number of boats (35) and a record number of military (65) to participate.
Osprey Oaks Marina, in Newport, NC, was the host site again this year.
The focus of the day is to have fun on the water, but the club does give away a number of prizes.
One of the winners was Corporal Justin Kilgore. He released a white marlin. Kilgore was fishing at the D Buoy with club member Tony Fincher on the “Open Wide.” The white hit a live bait with a Cape Lookout blue/white skirt.
The “Open Wide” had two other prize winners onboard. Sergeant Mike Carlton landed the tournament’s largest dolphin (9 lbs. 15 oz.), and Staff Sergeant Ruben Diaz weighed in the heaviest triggerfish (3 lbs.).
The prize for the most fish went to Corporal Jonathan Viveiros. He brought in several flounder, with the heaviest in the 3 pound class. Viveiros was fishing with Chuck Spaulding and John Williams, both connected with event sponsor Berkley and Pure Fishing. Viveiros caught the flounder two miles off the Emerald Isle beach on Berkley Gulp baits.
Lance Corporal Leroy Thomas brought in the day’s heaviest king, a 16 lb. 3 oz. fish. He caught the king right on the beach with a naked cigar minnow on top while fishing with club member Bob Earl.
Gunnery Sergeant James Fogel brought in a 42 lb. 12 oz. yellowfin tuna that was the heaviest of the event. It was caught at the Rock South of the 13 Buoy. Fogel, and fellow military CWO2 Gerald Washington and Captain Chris Kemp, were fishing with club member (and an active Major) Park Davis.
Staff Sergeant (retired) Brad Sterett caught and released the largest amberjack. It measured 4 feet and was caught off of the Hutton Wreck. He was fishing with First Lieutenant Mike Kusnerak and Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Bob Pierce with club member Joe Goldstein.
OBSFC members donate their boats, time, gas, tackle, and bait. Several of the club wives facilitate all of the day’s events. It’s clearly a group effort.
“We want to honor the troops and get them out fishing,” said Lewis McLeod, VP of the club. “It’s a thank you to all the military for what they do for us.”
Charlie Cone, the event’s Chair, thanked the sponsors that helped make the day a success: Berkley, Boaters World, Coastal Outdoors, Country Aire Rental, Ed and Mary Ann Watkins, Flying Fisherman, Goose Creek Marine, Henry Tackle Company, Lance Crackers, Matt Mullady, Minges Pepsi, Osprey Oaks Marina, Rod Rax, and The Reel Outdoors.
