It’s never over as long as you have ‘one last cast’

Jeff Woods reported the following story about the last bass tournament in Yuma for ABA until fall, as well as the end as directors for Woods and Ray Mayo who are now retired. (ABA will continue this fall with a new director.)

You’ve heard it before, “It ain’t over till the fat lady sings,” or, “Never say never,” and if you’ve been around this sport long enough you’ve probably heard a great story or two that finishes with that “one last cast.”

Such was the case June 2 at Fisher’s Landing in the ABA Yuma Division fish-off championship, sponsored by FTS Automotive Center. Under one of the most unique tournament formats ever devised, teams fishing this year’s championship would have two sessions with about 4 hours each session to bring in their three biggest fish. But to make the event even more challenging, directors Jeff Woods and Ray Mayo split the river into a north and south, and anglers were restricted, based on their starting draw position, to fishing either north or south in the first session and then switch to the opposite section when the second session started. Like fishing for a limit isn’t tough enough already, right?

Starting the second session, the Phoenix based team of Ken Howden and Gary Understiller had already had a pretty tough day. Like several other teams in the initial session (which most felt would be the easier of the two sessions), Ken and Gary had lost a couple of good bites and started the second session needing to make up significant ground on our first session leaders, Team Shady. Tyler Shady, who with his wife fishing her first tournament, bought in a whopping 14.19 pounds for the largest three fish limit in session one to clearly establish themselves as the team to beat. Sitting mid-pack and trailing by a whopping 5.5 pounds while knowing you have only three fish to make the difference up really only gives you two options, swing for the fences or settle for “maybe next time.”

Sticking to flipping the main current, Howden and Understiller put themselves into contention, fighting through more missed opportunities early in session two by landing two fish already for somewhere a little over 8 pound. While well on their way towards a storybook comeback, the duo had only one enemy; time was quickly growing short.

As the clock ticked away and every minute towards a 1:30 p.m. weigh-in grew closer, reality quickly made the pair realize one more bit bite would mean the difference between a nice payday or just another long ride home.

Just as it seemed the clock was about to strike midnight and the storybook ending was not going to happen, with Gary’s partner Ken putting away his rods for the day while telling Gary “they had to go,” Understiller decided to make one final flip.

That infamous “one last cast,” according to Ken Howden, his only response when Gary set into a fish and called for the net was “REALLY?”

Even after landing the tournament’s largest fish, a whopping 6.92 pounder, the team still didn’t think it would be enough to complete the fairy-tale ending, but it clearly was a “one last cast” story they could tell for ages.

In the end, the second session proved for most to be much tougher than the first. It reeled in the early leaders and proved to open the door for some major jumps in final standings. With that “never say never” final cast, Ken Howden and Gary Understiller would capture the fish-off championship at 23.79 pounds and take home a large total in winnings and the custom Taipan Rod bonus, sponsored by Simon Apadoca, for the event’s largest overall bass.

Second place would go to the most consistent team in the event. Like all year, the reigning two-time Team of the Year, Brenton Lute and Craig Johnson, would bring in almost two identical 11 pound limits each session for a total of 22.69 pounds for second place plus winnings. Team Shady hung on to capture third place with 21.99, and, with first session bonuses, also collected winnings (believed to be a Mrs. Shady exclusive shopping spree and we’re betting she isn’t buying fishing gear). Fourth place went to the father and son team of Dennis Phelps & Matt Phelps, who like the leaders put together a strong second session to make a significant jump in overall placement. Dennis and Matt weighed in a total of 19.48 pounds to take home winnings as well. Trever Reis and Kyle Greorgi rounded out our top five at 18.35 pounds, also taking home winnings for their effort.

As Ken Howden was reflecting on the event at the final awards ceremony, he said, “They really had a tough day all around but finally got a few good fish in the boat.”

I guess it just goes to show you, it really isn’t over until the fat lady sings or as long as you have “one last cast.”

Parting words, “It takes more than just directors,” by Ray and Jeff:

“Since announcing this year’s fish off would be our final event as directors, Ray and myself have had some time to reflect upon our journey to develop the Yuma Division for ABA. When we originally even thought about taking on this challenge, we knew as resourceful and determined as we were, it would require more than just our efforts to build a strong circuit. Not that we ever thought we might fail, you see Ray and I, basically just refuse to fail at anything. But to do more than just succeed you need partners. You need a variety of committed sponsors that go beyond one and done. You need a base of local regular teams that you can count on at each event. You also need consistent teams of fishermen from out of the region, this was especially true in Yuma with such a small base of tournament oriented fishermen. Finally, you need the support of media, facilities and local business in and out of the sport.

“It takes all of these elements to build something wonderful! We discovered early on that Yuma had all of these critical items and on behalf of Ray and myself, I can’t tell you how thankful we are to all of you who helped us throughout our six year run.”

Fishing clubs

• Desert Bass Anglers “The Fun Way to Fish”: Saturday’s (6/09) Bass Tournament saw 28 boats launch to get into the competition in spite of the heat with 20 limits including eleven 4-pound-plus fish. Doug Terhark/ Fredy Pinto took the top spot with not only the largest weight of 18.44 but the #1 Big Fish honor as well with a 5.59-pound bass. Gary Bass/Brian Hout took 2nd place with 17.79 while Lynn Domby/Ken Price placed 3rd with their total of 17.75 — Donby/ Price also enjoyed 1st place Big Fish weighing 5.59 as well (the 1st place tie Combining weights to share first place). Finally, Scott Nigh/Dwight Palmer ended up in 4th place with 17.32 pounds. First Out-of-theMoney was Kwane Kuanda “The Hammer, and wife Sandy with 17.11. No Junk Fish this time. Get in on the next tournament July 7 launching out of Fisher’s Landing. Questions? Call Mac or Bobbi McDermott at 7261984. Reminder: Keep your live-well in good condition — check it often so those fish will be kept in good shape to be returned to the water for catching a next time. Keeping “you” cool as well as also a necessity when fishing so you can be back a next time.

• Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club: A busy time of year for all fishermen, ladies and families belonging to this great hunting and fishing club. Coming up on Saturday, June 23 is the Military Appreciation Fishing Derby at Mittry Lake hosted by YVRGC beginning at safe light with the last fish weighed on scales at 12-Noon, open to active military, veterans, retired military all welcome. $20 Entry Fee per person includes biggest fish buy in — cash only — two person team per watercraft. Sign up until noon June 22 at Sportsmen’s Hideaway (behind Baron gas station on Hwy 95) or call Jared at (928) 276-5243 or Kelly at (928) 276-5243. Cash prize for heaviest 5 fish & biggest fish. General fishing regulations apply — bass only! Too much fun to miss.

• Desert Draw Series Pro/Am Bass Fishing Club: The June 23th tournament (moved from 6/16), a good one to be a part of, will launch out of Fisher’s Landing. Call Michael Obney at (928) 750-7081 to sign up or for information.

• Yuma High School Bass Fishing Club: A great way for any High Schooler to learn all about fishing for bass. Members of both the Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club and Desert Bass Anglers assist the kids in providing them with boats and equipment as well as guiding the youngsters, both guys and gals, in gaining a good share of fishing know-hows. Call Terry Hurt, school sponsor, at 580-6567 or visit StudentAnglerFoundation.com to get started. Any interested H.S. student will be a part of a exciting year for our next generation of anglers at Fisher’s Landing/Martinez Lake. This bunch of super young people also help others with their fishing along the way by assisting at local youth events — always ready to assist.

I’ll have a complete report soon of the Arizona State High School Bass Fishing Championships at Lake Pleasant along with results from these great youngsters who competed in the Nationals as well. Huge thanks to all the adult fishermen in Yuma who have coached these youngsters along the way. A winning combination for sure!

• A fishing story to share, by respect the fish.com — sent to me by Harry Eheart who was in Yuma stationed at MCAS years back. “Why I Fish”. “The fish don’t care if I’m rich or poor or how big my house is. The fish don’t criticize or ask too many questions. They don’t care if my jokes aren’t funny or if my clothes don’t match. The fish challenge me, relax me, captivate me, comfort me. The fish help me connect with nature and remind me of what’s important. The fish help me slow down and appreciate time with friends and family. The fish make me a better person. The fish make me happy.” Right on!

Shooting sports

• 4-H Shooting Sports: Call the Yuma 4-H office at 726-3904 or Stan Gourley at 344-0740. Keep watch for dates in September when the new year of training in their shooting sports program will begin. A great program for kids — It promises to be one worth attending.

• Renegade Archers of Yuma: Please give us a call — Kevin at 726-0953 or Jean at 247-4450 — if you’d like to shoot the trail of 3D animals with us at the Foothills Archery Range. Archery instruction for anyone interested is “Free”! We’ll be glad to assist in their learning (call ahead so we can bring along extra bows and arrows). The practice area at the Range is open (also free use) daylight hours all week for archers practice and enjoyment. You might be better satisfied bringing along your own target. People seem to be intent on tearing down the expensive cotton bales — PLEASE do what you can to prevent vandalism while at the range so can all enjoy.

• Yuma Trap and Skeet Club: Anyone interested in trap and skeet? Shoot 8 a.m. to 12-noon Saturdays and Sundays at Adair Park. Call Bob Avila at (928) 919-0622. The Yuma Young Guns with the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) will begin again when weather cools a bit. Call Head Coach H. McNutt at (928) 5800918 if you are interested.

• Yuma Territorial Longrifles Club: Regular “open” black powder matches are 1st and 3rd Saturday’s at the Adair Park range at 8:30 a.m. Call Roger Bickel at 726-7453 — ask about .22 matches.

• Cholla Gun Club at Adair Park: Call Glenda Graves at (928) 5800915 for shooting times. Watch for their shooting schedule beginning again this fall.

• High Power Rifle and Pistol Club of Yuma: Check with Joseph Murek at umpire1@q.com or Gerald Brooker at brookergerald@att.net or call 1-858-349-1311 or Paul Lerma at 580-7456 to learn about shooting at the Adair Park big bore range. Club junior “Whipper Snipers” will begin their shooting activities for all ages again in September. Check club matches as well as Whipper Snipers news listed on the club web site at hprifleyuma.net.

• Yuma Matchmasters: A variety of matches are offered each month at the range, all open to shooters at 7 a.m. with the steel challenge the 1st Saturday, Multi-gun matches the 1st Sunday. IPSC combat matches held the 2nd Sunday with the Cowboy Fast Draw the 3rd Saturday and SASS cowboy matches the 4th Saturday. Interested in Cowboy Action shooting? Call Irene Snyder at (209) 613-4598 or Bob Wiles at 920-2158 with questions.

• Southwest Bowhunters Archery Club: Archery is offered to archers on Sundays with their practice range also open all week. Call Keith Parsels at 782-1097.

Hunt happenings

A letter sent to me by April White at Bearizona, a wildlife park near the Grand Canyon describes a bettersweet story that highlights why people should NEVER feed wildlife, in this case Bears. “A Fed bear is a Dead bear”.

Bearizona, a drive-and-walkthrough wildlife park south of the Grand Canyon in Williams, AZ., (near the intersection of Historic Route 66, I-40 and Hwy 64, known for providing permanent homes for wild animals in need, rescued two tiny black bear cubs who were left in the Arizona woods in May without a mom. The 4-month old bear cubs were discovered hiding at the top of a 75foot tree a day after their mother had been taken from a residential neighborhood in Pinetop — Lakeside, AZ where a woman had been feeding the bear daily. The Arizona Game and Fish Department had attempted to relocate this bear earlier from the area back into the wilderness, but after their second attempt at relocation without success, the bear had to be put down. Unfortunately, there was no way for Game and Fish to know about the two helpless cubs weighing just 15 pounds each at the time. A professional tree climber ultimately rescued the baby bears, lowering them back down to safety in a backpack. The cubs were then taken to Dr. Ole Alcumbrac at White Mountain Animal Hospital who called Bearizona to see if the park could rescue the cubs and provide them with a permanent home. Bearizona owner Sean Casey said, “Although the circumstances behind this rescue are unfortunate, we are ultimately grateful to be able to provide a safe and loving home for these two little cubs.” Wildlife Advocate Jack Hanna said, “Habituation of wild animals is happening more now than ever. This is exactly why people shouldn’t feed wild animals. It is fortunate there are places like Bearizona to help rescue animals in need.”

• Reminder of the Summer HAHWG meeting July 21-22: The Hunting and Angling Heritage Workgroup has 5 reasons for being there. To get out of the heat, Connect and network with a bunch of good folks like yourself with guest speakers Phil Seng & Daniel Escher of DJ Case & Assoc, a national resource on conservation, hunter recruitment and more. Tons of knowledge in the room, to meet the new R3 Coordinator from NWTF, Ryan Conat, a great resource for the upcoming season and tons of topics and subjects for discussion from partner event reports, to survey findings, to data on past participants and how all that feeds into improving how we do the business of recruitment, retention and reactivation for preserving our heritage. This 2-day event and collaboration with passionate stakeholders of the hunting, angling and wildlife conservation community to share ideas and develop solutions to the decline in participation in outdoor traditions to assure species, habitat and recreation for future generations will be at the Arizona Nordic Village, Flagstaff, AZ. Registration is open now for the annual gathering. Call Douglas Burt at (602) 531-7578 or email dburt@azgfd.gov.

• Prairie Dog Shoot hosted by Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club: July 6-7 at Seligman for interested hunters. Email Doug Beach at beachdc@ aol.com or call (928) 446-1122.

Contact Jean Wilson at jeanrenegade@ gmail.com or call 247-4450.