Barclay’s Catchin’ For Kids Report

A team of anglers representing the PSWSFA participated in the 7th Annual Catchin’ For Kids Rockfish Tournament from December 10 – 12, 2010. The purpose of the tournament was to collect new, unwrapped toys, as well as monetary donations to support underprivileged children in the local community. Over the last seven years, donations raised during Catchin’ For Kids events have contributed greatly to the Marine Corps TOYS FOR TOTS program in Hampton Roads.

The tournament headquarters were at Oceans East 2 in Norfolk, Va. Lines in 8pm Friday, lines out Sunday at 3:30pm. Out of the 48 registered boats, only 11 fish were weighed in ranging from 4 – 48lbs. Team “Grizzwalds”, captained by PSWSFA member Scott Elford (Seaford, Va.), was fortunate enough to catch two fish weighing 24.72lb and 32.62lb, winning the Angler’s Club Challenge for the PSWSFA. PSWSFA member Spencer Elford (8 years old) caught the 4th largest rockfish in the tournament (32.62lbs) and was also the top Youth Angler. Spencer let the line out and had the rod in hand when the fish bit. In typical “Grizzwald” fashion, the other anglers were trying to untangle a potential catastrophe when Spencer calmly explained that he was hooked up and for someone to get the net! In addition, the “Grizzwalds” were the only team to catch two fish and won the Two Fish Calcutta with a combined weight of 57.34lbs.

The “Grizzwalds” anglers included Scott and Spencer Elford, Phil Greasely, Rob Dearnley, and Barclay Shepard; Cousin Eddie was unavailable due to legal problems in California. The team of anglers from PSWSFA needed a redemption tournament and got one! In case you were wondering, the fish was caught in the Chesapeake Bay at the intersection of Effort, Opportunity, Skill, and Blind Luck! For us, that intersection happened to be off Kiptopeake State Park.

-Barclay Shepard

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