Casting a Win
He's seen it done about 100 times. So, when it was Bryan Rosier's turn to flip, pitch and cast his lure into a bulls eye-shaped target, the 7-year-old Martinez resident did it with ease.
Back
Bryan Rosier, 7, a first-grader at Martinez Elementary School, won first place in the CastingKids competition at the recent CITGO Bassmaster Tournament. Bryan will advance to the state competition in Atlanta. He won a new fishing rod and got to meet a pro angler.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
"I knew how to do it," Bryan said with confidence about competing in the CastingKids competition that was held March 5.
"I go fishing a lot with my dad."
More than 100 children competed in the competition that was held in conjunction with the CITGO Bassmaster Tournament at Thurmond Lake. But it was Bryan who walked away as the winner in the 7- to 10-year-old category, advancing him to the state finals in Atlanta. Bryan is waiting to receive information in the mail with tournament details.
Wearing a gold medal around his neck and a Bassmaster baseball cap, Bryan said his stellar performance made him feel like a celebrity.
"I was on TV, and (my name) was on the computer," he said, referring to ESPN's Web site. ESPN was a sponsor of the event.
Although he won a new fishing rod, Bryan said the highlight of his day was meeting pro angler Mike Iaconelli.
And with a little time to perfect his craft, Bryan, who said his professional dream is to become a fisherman, is already planning on another win.
"I think I'm going to cream everyone!" he said.
Bryan Lee Rosier, 7, poses with fishing pro Mike Iaconelli after Bryan won the CastingKids competition at the recent CITGO Bassmaster fishing tournament at Thurmond Lake.
Special photo
Bryan's father, Billy Rosier, said he was flabbergasted when his son won. But the next competition will be stiff, he said.
"He knew how to cast, but he doesn't have much experience casting at a particular object," he said. "He's really got to learn that. On that level, they have less tolerance for what you've got to do."
Win or lose, Gina Rosier said she's proud of her son.
"I'm just thrilled that he won."