Fishing Forum

[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]I want to introduce an organization I am proud to be a part of…the Challenged Sportsmen of America! [/size][/font]
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[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]This is an incredible group of guys that have physical challenges that in no way slow them down. They hunt, fish and have shooting competition year round. I had the pleasure of meeting some of their members at the Arlington Fishing and Outdoors Expo at which time they invited me to attend one of their upcoming striper fishing tournaments on Lake Texoma this March 16th & 17th. I will be assisting as an “able body” on the boat and have an awesome fishing partner named John Powell. These guys are hard core outdoorsmen with a drive unlike any I’ve seen. I can’t wait to watch them in action and help in any way that I can to bring awareness to others that you can still live your dream in the outdoors no matter what challenges life may swing your way! [/size][/font]
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[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]If you are interested in a tax deductible donation to the organization or becoming a volunteer, please visit their website [/size][/font][url "http://www.challengedsportsmen.org/"][font "Times New Roman"][size 3]www.challengedsportsmen.org[/size][/font][/url][font "Times New Roman"][size 3] and tell them that Jen sent you! If you are a challenged sportsman and would like to join or have more information, the members will be happy to help you with that as well! [/size][/font]
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thats a great cause! thanks for sharing that with us jen! i hope you do very well at the tournament. even if you dont get the biggest fish, youre guaranteed to have a great time!

keep up the good work of promoting the outdoors lifestyle to ALL that are interested!

take care, bkidder
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Way to go Jen. Thanks for sharing that with us.

Sometimes you just can't do enough for the community until you get involved in a program like that. Then you realize that even an hour of your time can make a lifetime impression for others.[cool]
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[black][size 3]Right On Jen! It is obvious your beauty is not just skin deep.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]I don't envy you and those Bass tournaments. That has got to be tough.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]I know I stress. Every time I take a client out my only thought is getting them into fish and if the fishing is slow, try to make them have a good time so they remember the trip.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]I have done several classes teaching fly casting and tying and I love it![/size][/black]
[black][size 3]Physically challenged would be an experience you will never forget![/size][/black]
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[size 3]I had an awesome time with the Challenged Sportsmen of America! We met at the Marina the night before and grilled hamburgers and told fishing stories! BASS was holding a tournament at the marina so my partner John and I went down to watch. I had my high heeled cowgirl boots on and was afraid I might loose control of John's chair but he was very patient and at least didn't show any fear when I pushed him down a really steep hill! [/size]
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[size 3] The day of the tournament was pretty cold but we were all prepared with coffee, blankets and plenty of shad! Now the majority of you know that I only use artificial lures and have an aversion to live bait. Well, the time for aversions had to end on this day! While I wasn’t fishing in the tournament, I was assisting as an “able body”. This simply meant that I got to stick the shad and help get the fish in the boat if nay help was needed. [/size]
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[size 3]There were about six boats in all and as soon as the sun came up we all headed out to the same location on Lake Texoma. Once we arrived, we tied all of the boats together and started baiting the hooks. Little did my partner know, but that was a horrific moment for me as I stabbed the hook through the mouth of that little shad! I have to admit that I closed my eyes when I did it![/size]
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[size 3]It was so awesome watching all of the guys reel in stripers. There were a lot of striper caught, but the bite wasn’t really ever hot liek the guides said it had been the day before. That's how it goes in tournaments sometimes right?! [/size]
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[size 3]We checked out a few more spots and had a blast until noon when we had to go in. This was an incredible first time striper fishing for me and I was so thankful to have experienced it with such a great group of guys! I have so much admiration and appreciation for them and can't wait for our next trip together!!! [/size]
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[size 3]After the tournament, our tournament sponsor Mark had brisket, ribs, potato salad, beans and rolls for us. He even had a live band to perform! It was really awesome! We gave out all of the prizes which were donated by many different companies from the Arlington Fishing Show. The group officially elected me as their National Spokesperson which was an immense honor! [/size]
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[size 3]I can’t wait for the next event and to bring about awareness for this incredible organization. Every outdoorsman with a disability should be a part of the “Challenged Sportsmen of America!” [/size]
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[font "Times New Roman"][size 3]I’ll have all of the pictures by this weekend![/size][/font]
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