LUFKIN, Texas — Mark Menendez helped a Mother’s Day conclude with a happy ending on Sam Rayburn Reservoir after the Bassmaster Elite Series pro came to the rescue of a capsized boat.
Aboard the boat were a pregnant mother, the father and three children, ranging in age from 3 to 12 years old. The family’s grandmother was also with them. All were wearing personal flotation devices. The group was fishing from a 16-foot jon boat powered by a small outboard motor.
Menendez was on the lake practicing for the Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest benefitting Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
“I was about 200 yards away when I saw the boat capsize,” Menendez said. “They were tied to a piece of timber and the boat took a wave over the bow.”
Menendez immediately drove his boat to the accident and helped the children board and then the adults. With everyone safely aboard, Menendez connected a tow rope from his Skeeter to the jon boat and towed it back to shore.
“I am just grateful that I was in the right place at the right time,” he said. “I was OK until getting them back to the bank and then realizing what happened.”
“On a good note, the son’s name is Skeeter,” continued Menendez. “He was pretty happy about getting to ride in a real one.”
Mendendez is coming off a fifth-place finish two weeks ago in the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Elite at Ross Barnett.