First Responders Fishing Tournament
Barbara A. Schwartz
Houston may have been flooding, but that didn’t stop the fish from biting.
Contestants participating in the first annual First Responders Fishing Tournament braved rough seas, high winds, and chilly conditions on May 27th.
After a morning casting their lines, the first responders met at the Bay Area Community Center in Seabrook, Texas, for the 3 p.m. weigh in, a spirited lunch, and tournament festivities.
Open to active and retired law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, military, and Coast Guard first responders, the tournament’s goal was to provide a fun day of fishing and fish tales, to give those putting their lives on the line a reason to take a day off for much needed recreation, and for those who have paid the price of having their boots on the ground in the trenches a chance to relax with others who share the passion of fishing.
Houston Police Sgt. Epi Garza and recently retired Pasadena Officer Steve Brown created the tournament to give back to the first responders who put so much on the “line.” Steve hosted the Pasadena PD tournament for many years.
As a nonprofit undertaking, all the tournament proceeds are applied back into the tournament.
“Our goal,” Steve Brown explained, “is for the first responders to go home with more than they paid.”
Every participant received a bag that included a t-shirt, tickets for the lunch meal and door prizes, sponsor goodies, and a Texans Cheerleaders Calendar.
Tournament sponsors included: Houston Police Officers’ Union, Texas Police Trust, Baumann Propellers, Haynie Boats/Chris Marine, Hookspit Fishing Gear, Lonestar Veterans, Inspectorate, Allen Helfman, and Melissa Schechter ReMAX.
Lt. Scott Stewart of the Houston Police Major Offenders Unit considered the tournament a great time and a great way of getting officers together.
Sgt. John Thies of Houston Police Clear Lake Patrol enjoyed the tournament and was one of the few who hooked a fish.
Nassau Bay Police Chief Joe Cashiola fished off of Pelican Island and brought in a flounder.
Fishing in West and East Galveston Bay and San Luis pass produced the most catches. Unfortunately, many of the first responders fishing in other areas weren’t as lucky; and found themselves sitting on the dock due to the weather conditions and rough seas. One hundred boats participated in the tournament.
Door prizes included rods, reels, tackle boxes and fishing knives.
Items donated for raffle prizes included:
A Jose Altuve Baseball Bat, Pete Rose autographed baseball, Earl Campbell autographed football and Oilers jersey, and a Clowney autographed Texans jersey all donated by Allen Helfman; an American Rodsmiths Predator Rod and Concept Reel and Trout Master Lite and Concept C Reel donated by the tournament; a Yeti Cooler donated by the Texas Police Trust; Texas Tail Vodka Basket and Custom Rod donated by Tail Vodka; AR-15 Bushmaster donated by Houston Police Officers’ Union and Tim Butler; Port Mansfield fishing trip for two including two nights at the Mansfield Club and two days of guided fishing, plus food and drinks donated by Mansfield Club; and an Advocare basket donated by Denise Martinez.
Mark your calendars for next year’s tournament scheduled for May 25, 2016. For more information go to: www.firstrespondersfishingtournament.com or the first responders saltwater fishing tournament facebook page.
2015 tournament winners and their divisions are listed below:
Team Division
Requirements: Team of four. At least one first responder on the team. The teams compete against other teams and can use live bait or artificial.
1st Place Team
Bryan McNeel
Mark Bennett
Brian Bennett
Brandon Gralheer
2nd Place Team
Richard Jasso
Ray Garza
Rena Garza
JJ Puentes
3rd Place Team
Sean Wilcheck
Rob Anderson
Ronald Powledge
David Tamayo
Open Division
Requirements: Anyone can participate. Artificial lures only and the anglers compete against each other.
1st Place Open Division
Mike Hein
2nd Place Open Division
Harry Arthur
Third Place Open Division
Theo Presswood
1st Place Speckled Trout
Julio Lopez-Juan
2nd Place Speckled Trout
Ricky Wood
3rd Place Speckled Trout
Jason Cooper
1st Place Redfish
Rob Anderson
2nd Place Redfish
Sean Wilcheck
3rd Place Redfish
John Thies
1st Place Flounder
Kenny Johnson
2nd Place Flounder
Joey Cashiola
3rd Place Flounder
Ronnie Johnson