Families welcomed for day of fishing
Reeling in the big one was the goal of 44 families competing in the annual Parent-Child Bank Fishing Tournament at Mistletoe State Park on April 3.
Though six families walked away with hundreds of dollars in prizes, most saw the tournament as a bonding experience.
"I just want some quality time with my girls and try to show them some casting fundamentals," said Harlem resident Lewis Luke, who participated in the tournament with daughters Morgan, 8, and Ashlyn, 5.
Jim Blackwelder of Evans has competed in previous tournaments and said he cared less about winning than with spending time with his wife, Dana, and 12-year-old son Robert.
"It's just a beautiful day to spend with the family," he said. "If we catch enough fish to win something, great. If not, then hopefully we'll catch enough to get a good meal out of it."
Winning the grand prize with the most overall weight of fish, 8.25 pounds, was Johnathan, Matt, Kristin, Angie and Willie Rawlins of Appling.
The grand prize contained $400 worth of items including a tackle box, tackle, rod and reel, fishing net, gift certificates, a trophy and a two-night stay in a Mistletoe cabin.
"I was just having fun," Johnathan Rawlins said. "Winning something was icing on the cake."
No one was allowed to win in more than one category.
The event also included a raffle.
"No matter what, we're making sure every child competing in the tournament walks away with something," Mistletoe Park Manager Bill Tinley said.
Winners by category
Most Overall Weight: 8.25 pounds; Johnathan, Matt, Kristen, Angie and Willie Rawlins of Appling
Most Weight Game Fish: 5.95 pounds; Dewey, Emery and Ricky Johnson of Appling
Largest Game Fish: 1.55 pounds; Ronald and Ethan Baurs of Hephzibah
Most Weight Nongame Fish:1.65 pounds, Gordon, Jeff and Adam Perdue of Wrens
Largest Nongame Fish: 0.95 pound; Brian, Ginger, Cody and Kyle George of Covington, Ga.
Least Overall Weight: Less than one-tenth a pound; Tommy, Linda, Eric and Alison Luckey of Dearing