NEPVA Tournament Sets New Attendance Record On Historic Charles River

The scenic shorelines of river front parks, recreational areas, all back-dropped with a panoramic view of Boston's high-rise buildings and historic landmarks, greeted the record setting thirty-two teams of bass anglers launching from the Newton Yacht Club on June 12th.

As the P.V.A. anglers waited on the secured docks of the Newton Yacht Club, a "Who's-Who" line of New England's best bass pro's assembled in numeric order, as Nam Knight Motorcycle Club members helped the paralyzed anglers into their draw partners bass boats.

"I can't believe this turn out, it's absolutely awesome", stated B.A.S.S. Professional Angler Danny Correia of Marlboro, Massachusetts. As Danny's partner Don Jenkins took up residence in the fishing seat on the rear deck, Correia helped Jenkins don his life jacket.

Seating at the helm of his USA Marine Nitro Bass Boat with the America flag on his bows pro-pole, glancing over the crowd Keith Wilson felt a sense of pride and patriotism run up and down his spine. Turning to my good friend Nam Knights New Hampshire Chapter president Hunter, I realized how quickly and often we let the trivial things of life steer us away from those that are of real value and importance. Friends - Fishing - Fun!!!

"Over forty organizations helped sponsor the Charles River New England Paralyzed Veterans of America Bass Tournament, as others made donations and volunteered their time to make sure the entire event runs like clock work," said NEPVA Tournament Director Tiny LaFontaine. Adding, "There is no entry fee for any of our participating anglers, thanks to the generous sponsors of the tournament who have donated cash, prizes and food for our weigh-in cookout!"

"The uniqueness of the Charles River is the speed limit regulated on the river at a safe steerage speed. This allows the anglers to all stay in a safe 5-6 mph speed limit eliminating any run and gun patterns. And it also allows our N.E.P.V.A. anglers to feel more comfortable", explained Bob "Soups" Campbell of the American Eagle Bass Anglers.

Most anglers headed down river toward the "Basin", an area in the downtown Boston section with water fountains, bicycle trails, and rocky shorelines. "This has to be one of the most historic and scenic fishing spots in the world", remarked Skeeter Pro Angler Scott Smith as he and his partner Justin Melanson landed their fifth bass of the day.

With the bass anglers working on patterning a five bass limit under the beautiful sunny skies of downtown Boston, volunteers were busy assembling the weigh-in site at the Newton Yacht Club, and preparing for the afternoon "Cook-out" in conjunction with the 2 p.m. weigh-in. (All part of the totally entry fee "Free" tournament for all anglers, family members and volunteers!)

One by one each team made their way to the scales with the assistance of the Nam Knights, while emcee Sandy Oja of Northern Bass Supply called out their boat numbers as their weight was tallied on the scales. Cheering fans, competitors and family members filled their palates enjoying the comfort of shade provided by the Newton Yacht Club's pavilion, and didn't mind adding a few heckling comments every now and then between bites either!

When the scales were finally closed Jason Bacon and his partner Joe Ayers won top honors with a five bass limit weighing 13.22 lbs. When questioned by emcee Sandy Oja as to their techniques, NEPVA angler Joe Ayers replied, Drop-Shot rigs produced most of their winning weight, including their tournament winning Lunker Largemouth.

Second place finisher Jim Halpin remarked, "It has truly been an honor for me to have had the opportunity to fish with Larry Harris." Halpin and Harris weighed in five bass totaling 9.20 lbs. "White 3/8oz HOG STICKER Spinnerbaits were the key to our success today," revealed Jim Halpin as he and Larry Harris accepted their second place trophies and prizes.

Keith Kline and his partner Frank Vogeli locked in third place with a five bass limit weighing 8.96 lbs. "I learned an enormous amount today fishing side by side with Frank as I watched him maneuver around the boat. I have a great respect for Frank and his ability to over come adversity, let alone his awesome angling skills."

1st Place Winners Jason Bacon and his partner Joe Ayers Lunker Largemouth was the talk of "Bean Town' and their 3.70 lb Largemouth Hawg earned them gorgeous American Eagle Bass Anglers N.E.P.V.A. Lunker plaques, to go along with their first place trophies and prizes.

In a special raffle drawing designed exclusively for All participating NEPVA Anglers a host of prizes where given away, including a 12' Prince Craft Aluminum boat donated by Prince Craft via Tom Burke owner of Irwin Marine. With tears of excitement an overwhelmed lucky winner N.E.P.V.A. Angler Lloyd Jones of Maine replied, "I just don't know what to say? This is just too much, but how do I get it home?" Quick to respond Irwin Marine owner Tom Burke said, "I'll deliver it Lloyd."

As a token of appreciation, NEPVA Tournament Director Tiny LaFontaine handed out certificates of appreciation to all sponsor representatives who had volunteered their time at the Charles River tournament. Including a hand crafted wooded plaque presented to the Newton Yacht Club, who has offered their club facilities as the official site for all future NEPVA tournaments on the Charles River.

With Tiny LaFontaine in the process of thanking everyone and wishing them a safe trip home, Northeast Skeeter Boat Representative Mark Burgess came forward, "I have just one more thing I'd like to add if I may." Then with a smile and a hand shake Burgess handed a teary eyed NEPVA Tournament Director a check for $1,000.00 from Skeeter Boats.

God Bless and Best Bass'n.

Individuals interested in participating in the NEPVA Tournaments or desiring additional information on becoming sponsors may do so by contacting Tiny LaFontaine @ 1.781.935.2480. Visit the NEPVA web-site @ www.nepva.org