FLW Pro Nationals-Loose Lucy Sebago #1

WOW
WOW
WOW
We all knew it going in,
we wanted the win,
we felt the win,
we had the confidence.
Day One,
we worked our way through small fish and different spots,
and then magic happened,
we caught a decent fish,
confidence grew as we continued to fish,
then,
it all came together,
the fight was not much different than the others all day,
but when mike put the gaff in,
well folks,
things got more interesting,
in a big way.
He stepped to the mid of the boat,
and heaved twice as the big long kingfish emerged out of the water.
The boat aft our port,
our good friends, less than a football field away,
gasped and screamed,
as we all still could not see the whole image,
as it made the approach from water to deck,
WOW
big fish.
did not fit in the bag,
capt said, its time to go,
we have a 20 minute lee way if our ride is problem proof.
we rode home,
got back with 15 of those 20 to spare as the scales opened,
we all knew,
this would be a moment to enjoy.
Our fish weighed 57.10, just short of a personal best
for our team,
but just enough ahead, to take the lead, and secure a spot
in the top 5 on Sunday,
let the dance begin.
Saturday, weather turned, and fishing got cancelled,
we enjoyed a breakfast of too much food and bloody mary buffet\and capt Ed and Linda, poor little pincus, and Ramos Fizz, aka FUZZY RAYMOND.
We secureed the boat and bait and such,
thanks to many good friends for giving us their bait once they were
out of competition,
and I headed to spa Hard Rock with my super fun friend jen,
then we did camera stuff,
which trust me,
will be one of the funniest things you ever watch,
if you know us,
and really,
why would you read this if you didn't!
Jan 18th crew,
blah blah blah,
last day,
rough cold
cold rough
and then just cold cold cold
a whopping 38 degrees,
but we bundled up and froze,
to find the fish also,
were bundled up and not out gallivanting,
we moved around to our best ability,
and found a 20ish lb fish,
we ended up
after loading the boat,
taking it to wal mart parking lot for weigh in,
waiting, hoping, celebrating in our heads, and then
worrying,
the number 5 team,
weighed in a 39 lb fish,
therefore making us responsible for a 25.20 or better,
well,
we knew confidently our fish was 24,
but any more than that was just up to the fish gods,
we quickly sat anxiously,
nervously,
and for what seemed hours among hours,
to wait and sea.
I had already convinced myself that 2nd was good enough,
but knew 2nd is just the second loser,
I DIDN'T COME HERE TO LOSE!
27.7 it was,
we won.
Has been crazy since,
interviews, autographs (i know - right!),
and lack of sleep and overload of emotions!

But we planned our work,
and worked our plan,

Half of it,
our plan was and is,
to take both Championships in a row,

so here we are,
getting ready to do it again,
or die trying.

Many,
and I do mean MANY!
Thanks,
to our support,
our family and friends filled with good wishes
and congrats, on not only this,
but every time we fish a tournament,
and to Chris Blanton, the big bird and his crew of My 3 sons,
Bobby and crew on Cat Daddy,
Rick Ryan and crew on Crawgator,Jenifer who kept me sane and somewhat from getting nervous, thank you so much!
Mark Maus and Dell and Bill Platt(platapus!) and Joel and todd and that whole crew of Broxies,
Wylie at Yellowfin, and Myreon at Yamaha,
and that cute cajun redfish guy, can't remember his name,
and of course,
all the friends, that kept calling and wishing us well,
and last but certainly not ever least,
Karen, Mom B, and Mom K,
Gary, Jimmy, David, Rose, Peggy, and Glenda,
the Team!

love y'all!
peace love and fishing!