Eagle Mountain Event is Top Gun
By: Art Pasley
C.A.S.T. event host Troy Moncrief and friend Jeff Gilbert, (owner of Fun & Sun Marine), joined forces to conduct the first ever Top Gun C.A.S.T. event at West Bay Marina on Eagle Mountain Lake, just north of Fort Worth, Texas. While 25 of the world's top ranked professional anglers prepared to battle it out for the title of Undisputed World Champion of Professional Bass Fishing, 22 children from Cook Children's Hospital and 20 volunteer boaters prepared to enjoy a day of fun and fishing on Eagle Mountain Lake. Both the C.A.S.T event and the Top Gun Challenge were sponsored by Bass Fan, Skeeter Boats and Cabela's.
Under threatening skies and a chance of rain throughout north Texas, the boaters and children prepared to conquer the elements and fish of Eagle Mountain Lake. Just as they were paired up and about to leave, several of the best professional anglers in the world, along with one of my favorites, George Cochran, walked into the area to welcome everyone, sign autographs and pose for pictures. In addition to gentleman George was Dave Lefebre, Greg Hackney, Mathew Herren, Scott Rook, Scott Suggs and Dean Rojas. Also in attendance was Tim Horton, Brent Chapman and long time friend of C.A.S.T., Ron Shuffield.
"This is absolutely wonderful," gleamed a parent of one of the children. "I can't believe this is really happening. We have never been to anything like this," she stated. "Isn't that the man we just saw on the fishing show last week? This is great" she concluded as she took her daughter for more autographs and pictures. I thanked each of the pros individually and each responded with, "I wouldn't have missed the chance to be here. This is great!" As the pros left for their day on the lake, the children with their boater captains followed close behind.
For the past four years, this event has been held on the Mistletoe Ranch. Children from Cooks Children's Hospital have had some wonderful experiences at Mistletoe but at the invitation of BassFan, Troy Moncrief and friends, elected to conduct the event at the site for this year's Top Gun Tournament. "This turned out much better than I thought" stated Moncrief. "I can't believe how many fish the kids caught" he concluded, and catch they did. Most reported catching 30 to 40 fish while one participant proudly stated that he had caught over 70 fish in the short time they were on the water. That is big time fishing, my friends!
As they returned to West Bay Marina for the lunch and awards, several more pros came in just to say goodbye to all the kids and volunteers. Thanks to Scot Laney, Jay Kumar and BassFan, all the kids and boaters were given special VIP passes to the weigh-in held at the new Cabela's in Fort Worth. Front row seating allowed most of the children easy access to the weigh-in show and displays.
As in years past, Troy and his Mistletoe team, joined by Jeff Gilbert and the Fun & Sun elite boater's team, provide a wonderful day of fun and fishing for the children from Cook's Children's Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. This group of Special Children have very few days that are not filled with the pain of treatments and therapy, but one day a year they forget everything when they participate in the Mistletoe event. What a Special Group of Kids sharing time with Special People while they all "Catch A Special Thrill".
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