BROOKFIELD, Conn. — While fellow Connecticut B.A.S.S. Nation anglers were fishing a tournament July 14 at Candlewood Lake, Paul Mayo was launching his boat to get married.
The Milford Black Bass club member had permission from his bride-to-be, Tiffany, to fish the tournament that day because it was scheduled to end before their wedding.
“She is very supportive of my fishing,” Mayo said. I decided it would be better if I didn’t (fish the tournament). I could have gotten away with it, but I would have been pretty tired during the wedding.” So Mayo launched his boat and cruised over to the dock at Candlewood Inn, where the wedding took place.
The wedding was the culmination of a unique partnership. Mayo said he and Tiffany compete on the North East Bass Association team trail, and he estimates they fish 30 to 40 days per year together. While fishing in a Connecticut Bassmen mixed open tournament last year, Paul surprised Tiffany by dropping down on one knee and proposing to her in the boat. Tiffany had a hard time fishing afterward. “She was taking pictures and calling people,” said Paul. “We both actually caught fish after that, though.”
During the wedding, their dog, Enzo, served as the ring bearer. “He fishes with us all the time, too,” said Paul. “He loves going fishing. If you ask him if he wants to go fishing, he gets all fired up.”
The wedding reception had a fishing theme, with all the tables named after lakes and rivers the couple has fished together, such as Lake Lillinonah, Candlewood and Champlain.
After the wedding, they went on their honeymoon to Lake Winnipesaukee where, of course, they spent a little time fishing.