Cape Fear Disabled Sportsman 2006
The Got-Em-On Live Bait Fishing Club of Carolina Beach held its annual Cape Fear Disabled Sportsman’s Tournament for our disabled friends and veterans on Friday, May 19, at the Kure Beach Fishing Pier.
Fishermen and women faced sunny skies and a breezy west wind for the tournament. The clear, flat sea and 68 degree water temperature brought numerous jellyfish to the surface, a real attention getter for the young kids. Pelicans even perched on top of the shed’s roof at pier’s end to watch the enjoyable event.
From 7:00 am until 12:00 noon, the 261 participants who had traveled from all over the state enjoyed free biscuits, doughnuts from Britt’s Donuts, and hot dog lunches from A&G, not to mention free t-shirts and tons of great prizes donated by area businesses. The crowd of volunteers, anglers, and attendants numbered near 500, and that count continues to grow each year.
The anglers were given a rod, tackle, and 100 lbs. of Blackburn shrimp to share as bait. All morning the participants lined the pier, dropping their bottom rigs over into the water and reeling them in, hoping that a nibble on the end of the line would result in the day’s winning catch.
Kristie Miles, a returning participant from the Myrtle Grove area, didn’t catch any fish during the event, but that didn’t make her lose her smile. “I had fun,” she stated, grinning with joy.
Wayne Davis, a returning participant from previous years, was the tournament’s grand prize winner. This proud man caught a 0.6 lb. pompano. He took home a cash prize, plaque, and a rod & reel combo.
D.J. Simpkins came in next place, also winning a cash prize, a plaque, and a rod & reel combo. He caught a 0.55 lb. bluefish on his shrimp bait.
The second place winner was Roger Kirkman with a 0.4 lb. whiting.
Third place went to Patricia for her croaker catch.
Fabio won fourth place with a flounder catch. It was the only flounder caught during the tournament and weighed 0.25 lbs.
Rounding out the leader board was fifth place winner Stacy for his 0.10 lb. spot.
The Suzanne Jones Memorial Award was awarded to Bary Dave. Suzanne Jones was a well-known, respected lady in the Kure Beach area. Several buildings and restaurants along the pier area are in her honor.
Got-Em-On gave away an award for most spirited during the event. That award was given to Robert Mulkey.
The Danny Eldrige Award was presented to Keith Blevins. Danny used to fish the tournament, but passed away four years ago. His parents still support the event.
For bringing the most people to the tournament, over 50+ participants, Columbus Industries won a $200 pizza party from Pizza Hut.
The Got-Em-On community has been able to donate money and be a sponsor of Step Up For Soldiers, a local charity that provides assistance to injured soldiers returning from the Middle East.
For more information, you can visit www.got-em-on.com.
