Connecticut Bass Tournament Pics #2

Connecticut Bass Tournament Results

Connecticut River, Hartford, CT July 7^th, 2007: “It’s just Patriotic”, said Craig Mergins Parks Director for Riverfront Recapture. Referring to Connecticut’s National Guard Arm Forces, teaming together with the New England Paralyzed Veterans of America Bass Anglers for a commemorative one day 3-Man Team Bass Tournament on Connecticut’s Tidal Queen. “Especially since the event is being held during the July Fourth weekend!”

According to Tiny Lafontaine, Tournament Director for the NEPVA Bass Trail, the planning stages for the Salute to American Veterans 3-Man Bass Tournament were quite extensive and time consuming. Presenting an enormous logistics challenge for LaFontaine and Mergins, especially since the Bass Tournament had to coordinate with Home Land Security procedures.

As the National Anthem echoed throughout downtown Hartford, 25 Professional Bass Anglers accompanied by 25 Paralyzed Veteran NEPVA Anglers saluted ‘Ole Glory’ shoulder-to-shoulder each with an Active Military Partner dressed in camouflaged fatigues representing every branch of service.

Boat Captains Greg Mazur and Ct BASS Federation Nation President Bob Malloy smiled as tears of joy flowed down their cheeks, both men shared their boat with their sons who are Active Military Servicemen. Mazur’s son Bret just returned from Iraq.

Nam Knight White Mountain, NH Vice President ‘Iron Mike’ spearheaded his platoon of dedicated Harley Riding Veterans as the Knights systematically loaded and secured every paralyzed NEPVA Angler into their partners’ bass boats, for a day of competitive Bass’n! (www.namknights.com)

While Coast Guard vessels patrolled the Connecticut River, National Guard river crafts teamed with Hartford’s Elite Police Marine Patrol, and NBC Television crews vied for coverage of the history making NEPVA 3-Man Team Bass Tournament. Don Gauvin Editor and Chief of Angler Productions seemed simply blown away with true military compassion as his three cameramen covered every aspect of the tournament.

“We have never before covered a more Patriotic July 4^th tribute to Our American Heroes!” Adding with a smile, “Not only is history being made in the Bass Angling World, but the NEPVA has not forgotten American’s Foundational Strengths representing the Freedom we all enjoy in this wonderful country!” With that said, Angler Production cameras focused in on several of the antique motorcycles, accompanied by antique automobiles from Big “Y” surrounding the Marine Corp Tribute Bike, next to the Marine Flag Escort Truck. (www.marinetributebike.com)

Showcased with a drive through weigh-in each 3-man team was greeted with standing ovations, whistles, cheers and American Flag waving fans that came out in support of the 1^st Annual Salute to American Veterans 3-Man Bass Tournament. Savoring the delicious flavor and aroma of Big “Y” Hot-Dogs and Hamburgers, every participants received donated prizes, while the top three Teams were honored with Hartford’s Mr. Trophy’s. (www.mrtrophy.net)  

Before Anglers, friends and every military personal made their way along the Riverside Park Boardwalk to the Plaza for Riverfront Recaptures evening Fireworks Display, Marine USA, Inc’s Nitro Pro Angler Johnny Nee (www.marineusainc.com), and ESPN’s Rod & Wheels Harley Biker Joe Kowalski, (www.Trantololaw.com) asked for the microphone.

Presenting the Grand Finale of Donations, Kowalski, representing Trantolo & Trantolo Attorney’s at Law, presented the NEPVA Bass Trail with a check for $500.00. “On behalf of Marine USA, Inc. we would like to match that $500.00 donation and include three Marine USA, Inc Tracker/Nitro Gift Certificates each valued up to $1,500.00,” announced Nee. Catapulting Marine USA, Inc’s single donation for the Salute to American Veterans 3-Man Bass Tournament valued at over $5,000.00!!! 

Bill Decoteau is an outdoor journalist with a strong passion for pursuing the Black Bass. His activities include covering and photographing professional bass trails, the New England Paralyzed Veterans of America Bass Trail, as well as emceeing benefit tournaments. Bill may also be found holding bass seminars or sharing winning techniques utilized by some of the nationals’ top-bass pro’s at many of the regional sportsmen shows.

All NEPVA Bass Trail Tournaments are totally FREE to ALL participates and open to all individuals with disabilities whether veterans or non-veterans! Individuals interested in fishing the tournaments may contact Tournament Director Tiny LaFontaine @ 1.781.935.2480. As a non-profit organization the tournament trail is funded only by generous donations from its sponsors, with all sponsor donations being tax deductible. For information on becoming an NEPVA sponsor, contact the NEPVA office @ 1.800.660.1181 or visit their web site @ www.nepva.org.