Jessie, Palagyi named 2009 Fishermen of the Year

Photo by Bonnie Heater Fishermen entered in the last Fort Gordon [Bass] Fishing Tournament for 2009 bring in their catch for the final weigh-in held at noon Nov. 15 at the Butler Reservoir on post. Jewel Jessie and his fishing partner won first place with a total fish catch of 11lbs. 10 oz. Fourteen Sportsman Club members competed in 13 fishing tournaments held throughout 2009 on Fort Gordon Lakes. The final tournament was held Nov. 15 at Butler Reservoir on post.

According to Fred Perry, the Outdoor Recreation Manager at Fort Gordon, the fishermen accumulated points based on the number of pounds of fish caught at each tournament.

“The team of Jewel Jessie and Bob Palagyi was named 2009 Fisherman of the Year with a total point score of 77 pounds 10 ounces,” said Fred Perry. “Cary Rook won second place with a total score of 64 pounds 4 ounces and the team of Larry Slover and Travis Weathers won third place with a total point score of 59 pounds and 5 ounces.”

An assortment of prizes will be awarded to the winners at the Sportsman’s Club meeting in January 2010, according to Perry.

During the final fishing tournament for 2009 which was held Nov. 15 at the Butler Reservior on post, Jessie, a retired Army veteran, and his fishing partner for 24 years, Palagyi, took the first place prize of $100 with a total fish catch of 11lbs. 10 oz. Jacob Yaden and his 9-year old son Corey placed second with a total catch of 2 lbs. 4 oz. Prize money was $50.

Jessie also won the Big Fish prize; he caught a 5 lbs. 4 oz. large-mouth bass. The catch and release event, which was hosted by the Fort Gordon Outdoor Recreation program, was open to the public.

During the tournament there was a five fish limit per boat. Bass had to be at least 12-inches long to qualify for the weigh-in. All fishing was done from boats; no shoreline fishing was permitted. No live bait was used in the tournament.

Weigh-in took place at noon under the supervision of Ray Cloud, the tournament director. All fish had to be returned to the reservoir alive; otherwise, the fisherman received a penalty.