Hard work leads to big catches

The high school fishing season may be over but the fish are still biting and several area middle school and high school anglers were competing recently in a Bassmasters event on Cedar Lake in Gun Barrel City.

The highest finishing team from the area was the Weatherford duo of Ryan Stephens and Noah Camfield. They placed 14th out of 67 teams with a two-day weight total of of 16.83 pounds.

Aledo’s Max Moore had a two-day total of 10.79 pounds for 24th place. Moore accomplished this despite competing by himself.

"Impressive, considering the quality of anglers he fished against in the high school division," said Weatherford coach Pete Hernandez.

Hernandez praised the competition, saying, "It teaches them that you have to work hard and put in the effort and time preparing yourself for the tournament. A lot of things can happen in a tournament, you essentially 'live and die by the decisions you make during preparation and on competition day. 

"This is important to learn, especially during the time we live in now, where some think everyone deserves an award even if you didn’t put in the work to earn an award. The real world  is not like that once you go to college and into the work force."

Aledo’s Marc Cerja, now a sophomore, competed in this event and advanced to the national championship, winning the junior division two years ago.   

The competition was part of the Texas B.A.S.S. Youth Tour.

Aledo's Christopher Moore helped coach the local youth in the event. He said it is a sport that is rewarding for the youngsters, and probably more for the parents.  

The youth are not allowed to drive the boats so they must have a captain. To be a captain you have to be a school official or relative.  

"I captain my son Max. He told me at the regional championship on Eagle Mountain Lake last month that 'If I ever have a son, I couldn’t do what you do. I couldn’t be on a boat all day with him and not be allowed to fish,'" Moore said. "I simply replied, 'If you ever have children, you’ll understand why I do it and gladly do the same for yours. I get more enjoyment watching you do this than I ever do holding a rod and reel for myself.' 

"As a captain, we are not allowed to fish - just drive the boat and help the kids net fish and remove hooks if needed."

Moore said the camaraderie between the young anglers and families is second to none.  

"The boys have made lasting friendships through this sport. At 12:30 a.m. my son is out in the shop pouring soft plastics into molds to make fishing lures to use in the morning with Trenton Sowden, a recent graduate from Weatherford High School," he said. "It’s been life changing for our son."