by Ezabelle Janssen, Staff Writer
PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — Pass Harbor was hooked on excitement Saturday, September 6th, as the 2nd Annual Hook ‘Em For Heroes Fishing Tournament reeled in anglers, families, and community members for a fintastic day of competition, music, and giving back. From 12 to 6pm, the harbor was alive with sunshine, live music, food, and activities for all ages—including bouncy houses, face painting, and a high-dollar silent auction that had folks casting bids left and right.
Overseer AJ Pace was thrilled with the event’s success, “We are very excited about the way that it started last night. We had a captain’s party, and we were really impressed with the turnout.” The samaritan passionately talked about their mission, “We’re really proud to be able to represent our community, to be able to do something for them because we feel, when you’re calling them, you’re in need yourself, so now that we get to give back to them, it’s a good feeling… we will donate all funds raised here to our local first responders. Everyone here is volunteering; nobody’s getting paid, so this is a good thing. Anything that we make, we hand over to our first responders for them to spend how they please.”
The competition was no small fry; the scales tipped heavily in multiple categories: Triple Tail: 1st – Ryland Tanner (16.10), 2nd – Ricky Tanner (15.98), 3rd – Donny Bosarge (15.18)
Speckled Trout: 1st – Malinda Horean (2.88), 2nd – Brian Epperson (2.86), 3rd – Amber Elkovich (2.78)
Redfish: 1st – Ginger Long (19.66), 2nd – Jennifer Starkley (18.54), 3rd – Allison Reynolds (14.90)
Ladies Division: Ginger Long proved she was the reel deal, netting the biggest fish across all categories with her 19.66-pound redfish.
Youth Division: Young anglers made waves too, with Ryland Tanner taking 1st in Triple Tail (16.10) and Fisher Daniels reeling in 2nd (12.34).
While the catches were jaw-dropping, the entertainment lineup kept the crowd from floundering. DJ Dougie Funk of Good Earth Records spun tracks, and Louis Michot & Swamp Magic had the crowd bumping with the bayou as Fly Llama Brewing Company kept spirits flowing. There was plenty of bait to keep people hooked all afternoon.
The event was more than just a competition—it was about casting support where it matters most. The funds raised will benefit local military and local first responders.
This year’s tournament has proven to be no fish tale—it’s clear the Hook ‘Em For Heroes Fishing Tournament is a keeper.
(Photos by Ezabelle Janssen/The Gazebo Gazette)
