Fishing league anglers visit therapeutic ranch, other groups
TEXARKANA, Texas — More then a dozen members of the National Professional Fishing League temporarily cast aside their fishing poles Wednesday to take up the reins of a worthy cause for a few hours.
These League members, who are here locally for their three-day fishing tournament, started their day serving as horse side walkers for special needs kids as these youngsters underwent their therapeutic horse riding at the Runnin WJ Ranch.
Shane Cole, one of the league’s 108 professional anglers, said the organization learned about the Ranch through their media contacts and that’s when league officials decided to designate one day of their weeklong stay here as a Philanthropic Day.
“We decided to stop here and visit the ranch because we just love kids and we really like both horses and kids,” Cole said
Besides enjoying some time helping safeguard the Ranch’s kids during the League’s visit, Paul Benson, the league’s owner, said league members planned to fish Wednesday afternoon in Spring Lake Park, as well as visit and make a presentation to the Hooks High School fishing teams.
“It’s an awesome feeling to get to visit places like the Runnin WJ Ranch and we all feel very privileged to participate and give something back to the local charities here in this town,” Benson said. “Public service is a big part of what we’re all about.”
The League will be in town through Saturday. They are hosted by the city and the Texarkana Regional Chamber of Commerce. They compete at Lake Wright Patman. Here is the League’s remaining schedule:
Today
Launch at Sportsman’s Cove 6:30 a.m.
Weigh in at Texas Convention Center 3:30 p.m. Friday
Launch at Sportsman’s Cove 6:30 a.m.
Weigh in at Texas Convention Center 3:30 p.m.
Concert (at convention center) begins after last weigh in, around 7 p.m.
Saturday
Launch at Sportsman’s Cove 6:30 a.m.
Weigh in at Texas Convention Center 3:30 p.m.
Check presentation after last weigh in.