Bobbin' for bucketmouth

"We have been very lucky with the weather for the last five years. I think the worst we have ever had was some high winds three years ago. The emphasis for the tournament is not only to have fun, but also to insure that the large mouth bass stay healthy so they can be released back into the water, a little confused, but alive and kicking for next year," said Mulberry Cove Marina Manager Phil Collins. "Four years ago, I started giving out small rod and reel combos to the kids at the awards ceremony. I think it is really important to keep the next generation of fishermen (boys and girls alike) interested in the sport and in protecting our natural resources."

Christine Rodriguez and Wade Brown from VyStar Credit Union present a plaque to Brian Wylie for catching the biggest bass during the annual tournament on Saturday.Ê Wylie took home $500 for catching the fish.

"Putting on a tournament like this is a lot of work for the marina but thanks to all the volunteers who help out every year, the event is a huge success. If it weren't for them we would not be able to continue to hold the tournament," added Collins.

This is our eighth time fishing in the annual NAS Jax Bass Tournament. This is always one of the most fun tournaments we fish in and we have participated in quite a few," said Steve Martinez and Chuck O'Connor. The St. Johns Bass Anglers Club provided officiating duties for the event. In the afternoon, as each team's catch was weighed, a crowd began to gather around the scoreboard. The lead changed many times as everyone enjoyed free food and beverages.

Glenn Piknton proudly holds two of the bass he caught with partner, Wyndall Hane during the tournament sponsored by the Mulberry Cove Marina Saturday.

The final top seven place results were:

Big Bass Brian Wylie 5.80 pounds
First Place Stephen Jimeniz and Stanley Hunt 19.33 pounds
Second Place Mike Anderson and Tom Anderson 17.46 pounds
Third Place Todd Mowery and Loren Murwin 17.17 pounds
Fourth Place Randy Ruffin and William Wilson 15.94 pounds
Fifth Place Mike Blackburn and Robert Gilg 15.83 pounds
Sixth Place Chad Cox and Terry Cox 13.60 pounds
Seventh Place Billy Roberts Jr. and Eric Roberts 13.14 Pounds

"The sponsors are always a huge part of the tournament. I get more and more interest each year in them donating door prizes," said Collins.

Hungry anglers enjoy hamburgers and hotdogs after a day of fishing at the Mulberry Cove Marina.

All 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 $3,000 in door prizes and gift certificates. NAS Jacksonville MWR thanks the many volunteers and sponsors that made this event possible. This year's sponsors included: NAS Jacksonville Commissary, Coca-Cola, Inc., Jack Links Beef Snacks. Jacksonville Suns Baseball, Jiffy Lube Service Center #2771, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Quality Inn, North Florida Sales, Ramirez Restaurant, Subway, Sunbelt Coffee and VyStar Credit Union.

Christine Rodriguez and Wade Brown from VyStar Credit Union pose with the winners of the annual Bass Tournament, Stanley Hunt and Steve Jimenez.Ê The winners took home $1,008 for having the most weight in bass during the tournament.

Neither the Morale, Welfare and Recreation nor the U.S. Navy or any other part of the federal government officially endorses any company, sponsor, or its products or services.