Moose Lodge Children’s Fishing Tournament
For more photos go to Fishing Photos
A Story in the Biloxi-D’Iberville Press
by Cheryl Rasbury
With less than 15 minutes to go in the Kids Fishing Tournament, Saturday, August 2, everyone’s attention turned to the far corner of the piers as nine year old angler, Justin Goodwin struggled to land a big one. “It took him about 15 to 20 minutes to reel him in,” said his father, Theo Goodwin. As the fish broke the surface, it was obvious that it was a whopper. Three bystanders jumped in to help, climbing over the railing and putting a gaft in the side of the fish to be able to lift it out of the water.
The crowd cheered and young Goodwin beemed. “I thought it was a snag at first,” he said later. It was several minutes before an official weight and measurement could be taken. Organizers of the rodeo weren’t prepared for such a massive catch. The Black Drum tipped the scale at 44 pounds and was 44 inches long. That shattered the three-year’s standing record made when a contestant landed a six pound Red Fish.
Theo Goodwin explained that his son was using 15 pound test line and that he wanted to mount the catch.
“I’ve fished a lot of times, but this is the biggest I have ever caught.” said Justin.
“That’s wonderful!” Brenda Broussard, D’Iberville City Council Member said upon hearing that Justin and his family came from Stone County to enter the tournament. D’Iberville has been working hard to build the city’s atractiveness to visitors.
The tournament is hosted by the Moose Lodge and the D’Iberville Chamber of Commerse in cooperation with the City and with sponsors that include, Bailey Lumber, Judy Davis Fish Camp, Ft. Bayou Fish Camp, Beau Rivage and Glen Mineforte.
“This year, we registered 180 kids,” said Sean Mitchel event spokesperson. “It was a great day.”
Winners in the three age groups are as follows.
0-5 Year Olds:
1st Place - Tyler Smith with 16oz
2nd Place - Christopher Swinford; Wade Robinson and Christopher Reeves with 10oz.
3rd Place - Lana Harli with 8oz.
6-10 Year Olds:
1st Place - Justin Goodwin with 44 lbs.
2nd Place - Roy Johnson with 32oz.
3rd Place - Elliot Hunter; Joseph Spratley and Garlon Bryant with 16oz.
11-15 Year Olds:
1st Place - Mariah Masters and Cody Hollime with 20oz 2nd Place - Jordan Brook with 16oz.
3rd Place - Zachary Bosarge with 11oz.
Every child went home with a gift from trophies to new fishing poles.
