Saturday, November 20, 2004
Thanksgiving is just a few days away and it's time to look back at things for which we anglers can be grateful.
First and foremost is the opportunity to fish freely all across our great country. In many nations, access to fishing waters is severely limited and only the wealthy can afford to wet their lines. We have great tackle, amazing lures and sophisticated electronics, all of which make fishing more pleasurable and productive.
Thanks, too, for green-minded thinking that has reversed the death spiral of many polluted waterways. The Great Lakes are cleaner than they've been in decades, and conscientious citizens are fighting now for our very own Mahoning River.
Special thanks to those parents, friends and volunteers who invest time in making sure kids experience the joy of fishing.
Many anglers recognize their blessings. Some take it a step beyond and give back to the community. An example is the Youngstown/Warren United Way Bass Classic. A dedicated corps of local bass anglers participates in the fund-raising tournament, sponsored by local businesses and spearheaded by Aqua Ohio. The event has raised nearly $50,000 in recent years for the local United Way's helping agencies.
On a national level, professional bass anglers are saying thanks in their own way, too. Bassmaster Tour pros visit children's hospitals before their tournaments, cheering up youngsters and lending hope in many dire cases.
Pro bass angler Mike Iconelli has found another way to give back. He's organized "Anglers Pounding Out Cures," which this past year raised $5,000 for The V Foundation for Cancer Research. His sponsors chipped in and other pros plan to join similar efforts.
For all of our blessings and the actions of those who seize opportunities to make fishing a give-back activity, we say, "Thanks!" Now, pass the turkey.
jwwollitz@aol.com