Marine Corps Base Quantico

 

Marine Corps Base Quantico

"Crossroads of the Marine Corps"

Unit News
Town of Quantico hosts 2nd fishing tournament

By Ida Irby | Marine Corps Base Quantico | September 3, 2015

Marine Corps Base Quantico -- The Town of Quantico hosted the 2nd annual 2015 Quantico Classic Fishing Tournament from Aug. 28 at noon till Aug. 29 at 5:00 p.m. Like its Native American moniker, the town by the large stream, opened exploration of the Potomac River bordering the town and Marine Corps Base Quantico. Participants launched from multiple pier sites Friday evening, to start the 30-hour event.

According to the town mayor Kevin P. Brown, the tournament was open to all ages, skill levels and physical abilities. Active duty Marines of sergeant rank or below were allowed to enter the competition for free.

Cpl. Joshua Horne and Sgt. William Peele registered under the name ‘Bait Buddies’. Both Marines are trainer instructors at The Basic School aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. Peele specializes in bass fishing, while Horne fished for his first time since leaving his home in Springfield, Mass.

“This tournament is a great idea,” said Horne who found out about the event from his spouse. “There are not a lot of opportunities for Marines to do things in the community, but seeing other people catch some great fish is really motivating me to relax and be patient.”

Catfish is one of the primary species featured in the river, and Horne pulled out two Friday evening using a deep sea fishing rod. He credited his good fortune to the high tide and cool afternoon.

As early as 7 a.m. Saturday morning on day two, the boating docks were packed with participants looking to get a head start on the competition. High currents created a challenge for Saturday’s anglers hoping for a big catch. The success of many anglers wasn’t overly surprising with a river full of catfish, northern snakehead, alligator garfish, white perch, bass and eel. Crabbing is another option for fishermen here, although it was not part of the competition.

Saturday afternoon held little competition for team ‘Keeping it Reel’, who weighed in 78lbs of catfish. Their largest catfish was not matched weighing in at 13lbs. The team won first place.

Prizes included trophies and gift cards to Bass Pro Shops for fishing equipment and accessories.

“The town will continue to host family friendly events to give our servicemembers an opportunity to support the local community,” said Brown. In efforts to increase participation in the 2016 classic tournament, the mayor is offering free admission to all this year’s participants.

— Writer: iirby@quanticosentryonline.com

2015 Quantico Classic Fishing Tournament town mayor Kevin P. Brown