Last modified Wed., April 15, 2009 - 05:35 PM
Originally created Thursday, April 16, 2009

Anglers reel in lunkers at MWR Bass Tournament BASS TOURNEY: With help from friends

By Shannon Leonard, MWR Marketing Manager

Eric Roberts proudly displays the fish that he and his father, Billy caught during the tournament.

At the crack of dawn, Saturday, 78 anglers headed out from Mulberry Cove Marina to participate in the 27th NAS Jax Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Bass Tournament. Famous for its motto, "Relocating confused bass since 1982," the April 11 event attracted active duty members, reservists, retirees and Department of Defense civilians. Teams consisted of two anglers per boat and they fished from first light until late into the afternoon.

The St. Johns Bass Anglers Club provided officials for the event. Competitors began arriving at the Mulberry Cove Marina around 3 p.m. to weigh in their catch. The day proved to be very breezy and anglers looked exhausted, ready for rest and relaxation after a rough day on the St. Johns River. Their first priority was to get their fish weighed, followed by enjoying complimentary hamburgers and hotdogs with all the trimmings as teams swapped fish stories.

"We had a good day on the water," said Jason Stake, who placed first in the event with this teammate, Mike Blackburn. "It was a really windy day and we had a well-thought-out plan of fishing spots - however we ended up going to our third spot first because it was out of the wind and we never left. We caught a double hook-up, two at the same time, then caught six bass and our seventh one was over 7 lbs. Things just worked out for us today," said Stake. He and Blackburn also won the 'Biggest Bass' category.

Buzz Broughton and Lee Kitchens arrive back at the NAS Jax Mulberry Cove Marina.

"I have been fishing this tournament since I was 10 years old. It is a good event, multiple fish are caught and we always have a great time," said Eric Roberts.

"This event would not be possible without the many great MWR sponsors and volunteers. They really pull together to make this tournament a success," said Phil Collins, MWR marina manager.

Participants received a free tournament shirt and sponsor bag with promotional items. Thanks to the very generous support from area businesses, the anglers received more than $2,500 in door prizes and gift certificates.

NAS Jacksonville MWR thanks the many volunteers and sponsors that made this event a success: Penn, Abu Garcia for Life, 3 Layers, Best Western, Busch Beer (North Florida Sales), Anomaly Five Points, NAS Jax Commissary, Subway and VyStar Credit Union.

A group of fishermen head back to the marina with their day's catch.

from left, Mke Blackburn and his teammate, Jason Stake placed first in the tournament and in the Big Bass category.

Al Davis throws back the bass he caught during the tournament.

From left, Mike Blackburn and Jason Stake display the Biggest Bass award plaque. The team also finished first overall in the tournament.