DANIEL GOODEN

LUTCHER – The rods and reels were out for the St. James Open Team Bass Tournament for the Special Olympics Saturday. Eighteen boats headed out at daybreak from the St. James Parish Boat Club. Though it was windy and the sky was overcast, the fishermen pulled in 38 bass at 59 pounds and 8 ounces in total weight. All the bass were released after the weigh-in. First place in the tournament went to Brace Rodrigue and Dennis McDuffy. They pulled in five fish at seven pounds and 11 ounces. Second place went to Bart Breaux and Harry Cross, with five fish at six pounds and 15 ounces. Anson Bourgeois and Ashley Roussel took third place. They caught four fish at six pounds and 14 ounces. They squeezed in over fourth place with a bigger fish, weighing in at two pounds and eight ounces. Fourth place was taken by Lucas Dipoma and James Ray, also at six pounds and 14 ounces, with four fish. Their biggest bass was one pound, 15 ounces. The biggest fish caught in the tournament was caught by Cliff Yancey and Todd Roussel. It weighed in at four pounds and seven ounces. Second place for biggest fish was taken by Chad Hymel and Shane St. Pierre for a two-pound, 14-ounce bass. All the fishermen had a good time. “Each one got a door prize and lunch, which was provided by Motiva in Convent,” said Bill Harrier, Roadrunner Bass Club and fishing coordinator for the event. The Special Olympics received $824 from the tournament, but the best gift was the day of fishing. Special Olympic members came in for a day of fun, and though it was a bit chilly, they had a roaring good time. Old cane poles baited with worms lined the banks at the St. James Parish Boat Club. Athletes, families and friends joined in the fun. Though the fish were scarce, everyone raised a ruckus when one was caught. A trophy, donated by Motive, was given to every Special Olympics member who came to the fishing day. Dustin took a trophy for the first fish caught. Anne Dupre won for the biggest fish and is the champion fisherwoman, catching the biggest fish in three of the last four years. Maurice Deslatte caught the most fish. A jambalaya and white bean lunch was cooked by Linden Melancon, who is famous for his cooking at the Special Olympic Bridge Run, and for the Lutcher High School Quarterback Club. TARC Express played for the crowd and the dancing that ensued was a highlight of the afternoon. TARC Express (Terrebonne Association of Retarded Citizens) played some old-fashioned rock as well as popular country music and others to get everyone’s feet stomping. Motiva’s mascot, the Qualigator, made an appearance and everyone got a turn dancing with the big, friendly green beast.