Looking out the window of my Boston hotel room, I watched the early morning sun slowly make its daily climb upon the horizon. Showering downtown streets of Bean Town with rays of sun-light, the most inconsequential architectural lines suddenly were framed with distinction. It was as if Frank Lloyd Wright himself was saying, "Yes, you too make a significant difference!"

So often in life our 'Main Stream Tunnel Vision' has a tendency to freeze our computer orientated intelligence in the 'Me-Me-Me' mode, we forget there are other travelers along The River of Life!
The thought of BJ, my PVA (Paralyzed Veterans of America) fishing partner, unable to attend the American Eagle Bass Anglers Charles River tournament rested heavily upon my heart. This would be the first PVA tournament in four years whereas I/we would not be competitors. I would be on the outside looking in….or so I thought!

The Brighton ramp activity was under control, as Soup's Campbell and his crew of American Eagle Bass Anglers, flawlessly organized their Bass-Boat valet service. "Where's BJ," echoed a voice from the ramp. Trying to ignore the question, I paused and replied, "BJ couldn't make this tournament! He'll be at Winni in September."

Watching the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club of America escort their fellow comrades unto their tournament partners' bass boats, reflected a feeling of patriotic devotion, as in the background 'Ole Glory' danced in a gentle breeze. Without hesitation these leather clad, burly bearded Harley-Hog riding Americans with their tattooed arms gently picked up their brother PVA Anglers, placing them comfortably within each bass boat, secured life vest, then saluted each with a smile of gratitude.

Standing alone on the dock, as the last boat idled down the Charles River; I glanced over to the parking lot, where the Nam Knights were busy arranging the PVA Anglers wheelchairs in an orderly fashion. While, other Knights and volunteers verified each vehicle was securely locked with lights turned-off.
With Tiny LaFontaine, president of the American Eagle Bass Anglers, mingling among the volunteers, making sure everyone received their share of N. Wolburn Dunkin Donuts sponsored coffee and donuts, I was amassed to watch three tents, a weigh-in stage, gas cooking grills, sponsors banners and an array of other activities assemble smoothly under laugher and jester wrapped with pride as these volunteers recognized some of our countries fellow American Veterans via their unselfish efforts.

Instantly this enthusiasm became contagious and I found myself snagging Skeeter's B.A.S.S. Pro-Angler Vance Manchester into a guided tournament tour, for some 'On the Water' photography work. I invited Jennifer Runkef and Melissa Rinaldi, Northeastern College physical therapist grad-students working with the New England PVA to join us.

"Most of the twenty-nine teams steered their bass rigs south easterly heading towards scenic downtown Boston," voiced Castaway's Manchester. Adding, "We're going to witness New England's most celebrated bass anglers and their PVA partners engage in a day of 'Bass Battle' on the historic Charles River!"

Lounging on Vance's flipping deck listening yet not hearing, reflections of skyscrapers towering above gothic turn of the century buildings revealed pages of yesterday as each wave told another story of another time, claiming that indeed each step along The River of Life makes a significant difference to its traveler!

In the middle of the river, we floated upon Scott Smith and his PVA partner Ken Mumford as they were culling a bass limit of largemouths. "We might have just over nine lbs," smiled Smith as Mumford held a two-pound bass.

Without warning the sky suddenly opened up as showers of rain became the venue for the rest of the day. Under an umbrella of laugher, smiles and astonishment my Canon Camera secured treasured moments viewing soaking wet anglers, jumping bass, physical therapist and a cameraman savoring each Raindrop of Life.

Northern Bass Supply's Sandy Oja filled the audiences appetite with laugher and good humor, her professional enthusiasm encouraged wet-anglers to disclose their bass-patterns, revealing several hilarious casting incidents. While, the welcomed aroma of, 'Mutual Beef Co.', Hamburg/hotdogs greeted wet-anglers arriving at the scales for the 2:00 pm weigh-in.

Professional B.A.S.S. and FLW Skeeter Boat angler Mark Burgess and his son James Boulanger, managed to catch a limit of bass, topping the scales at ten-pounds, claiming the 2003 Charles River PVA Crown. "Jamie was the Pro today," said Dad. "Our two largest bass are the ones he caught!" "We sure had a good day. My secret black Senko did the trick," smiled Jamie, excepting his 1st place trophy.

Standing in the bridesmaid position Princecraft representative Scott Smith and PVA-Angler Ken Mumford missed the top-slot by .3 lbs! However, their smiles were those of champions! While seasoned PVA-Angler Jim Wallack and 'Mass Bass' Keith Kline, anchored third with the tournaments Lunker 3.42 lb largemouth.

Once the Top-10 Teams received their prizes, a random drawing was held for all PVA-Anglers, with prizes ranging from tackle-paks to a Princecraft Aluminum boat equipped with a Motor Guide Trolling Motor. (Courtesy of Princecraft Boats)

"Hey, that's me," shouted an elated Ernie Lundsford, as Emcee Sandy Oja called out his name. "This is awesome! My first PVA tournament and here I am going home with a boat/motor, rod/reel combos and a ton of tackle!"

With every PVA angler going home with some type of prize, American Eagle Bass Anglers President Tiny LaFontaine, made a special announcement, "We will be hosting our second 2003 PVA tournament on September 13, at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, and yes it's open to any disabled angler!"

Twenty-nine angling teams sharing their day on the Charles River huddled under a tent, while a camera lens framed their precious moments of distinction! There was one very common denominator existing, it was indeed the universal language of all mankind……Smiles surrounded with laughter!

American Eagle Bass Anglers, thank you for inviting "THE BASS BUREAU" to the fourth annual New England Charles River P.V.A. Tournament.

(For information on PVA-Tournaments or PVA-Sponsorship sponsor call Tiny @ 1.781.935.2480 or NEPVA @ 1.800.660.1181)

God Bless and Best Bass'n