First-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier Troy Diede bent his head, steadily hooking a plastic worm on a hook, patiently teaching a young boy at the San Sebastian Mission in Greenville, S.C., the steps to prepare his new rod and reel for fishing.
“This is a chance to give back, and it puts things in perspective,” said Diede, a first-time Bassmaster Classic competitor who visited the San Sebastian Mission as part of the Angel Anglers and Bon Secours outreach program Monday. “It makes you realize what’s important in life.”
The visit kicks off a week of events for the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro on Lake Hartwell out of Anderson, S.C., Feb. 20-22. Children who attend the Catholic Church’s catechism classes at San Sebastian were invited to meet with the anglers and receive gifts from Carhartt, Pure Fishing, Yamaha, Skeeter and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Plush Carhartt sweatshirts and hats, bags from Dick’s, a hat from Skeeter and teddy bears from Yamaha were handed out by the group of anglers. The anglers also helped the children put together a Shakespeare rod and reel set, complete with Berkley lures and line.
“This is how you put it through the hole,” Nicolas, 7, said, threading the line through his rod’s guides. Brandon, 9, agreed that his favorite part of the visit was when the anglers showed them how to prepare the rod and reel to fish.
“Growing up, someone always took time out to help me,” Elite Series pro Bill Lowen said. “So early on, I realized that anytime I can help and give back, I will. I’m very fortunate, and I want to help when I can.”
Brett Preuett, who qualified for the Classic via the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series, said he likes any opportunity to work with kids. “Especially when it’s something that glorifies God,” Preuett said. “It makes a good name for fishermen and shows that we’re here to help and get more kids into the sport.”
Lori P. Center, director of community ministries for Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, said she was excited to work with B.A.S.S. Director of Event and Tourism Partnership Michael Mulone to identify a community that may not be familiar with the sport of bass fishing. “It’s a great place for the children to be introduced to the sport,” Center said about San Sebastian. “We work hard to build relationships with the community.”
"It’s part of the Wellness Arena’s mission to reach out to the underserved and offer services from nurses, social workers, dentists and more," said Robert Hayes, an employee with Bon Secours.
"Anytime I can get involved with children in the community, I love it,” Elite Series pro Matt Herren said.
"The children were very excited about the anglers’ visit," said Wanda Ramirez, who works at San Sebastian. “This is the first time we’ve had a fishing activity,” Ramirez added. “They want to learn how to fish.”
Six-year-old Syler said his favorite part of the day was learning to put his fishing rod and reel together. His younger brother Xavi, 3, summed it up: “Fishing is fun!”
Classic competitors who joined the Angel Anglers visit included Cliff Crochet, Cliff Pace, Cliff Pirch, Matt Herren, Bill Lowen, David Kilgore, Steve Lund, Jeff Lugar, Brandon Palaniuk, Keith Combs, Randy Howell, Chad Pipkens, Jacob Wheeler, Paul Mueller, Brett Preuett, Troy Diede and Cliff Prince.
The 2015 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro begins Friday with takeoff at 7 a.m. at Green Pond Landing in Anderson, S.C. The anglers will weigh in their catch that afternoon at Bon Secour Wellness Arena in Greenville. Doors open to the public at 3:15 p.m. All B.A.S.S. events are free to the public.