Thread: The Hat

Hey guys. Hope you are well. Most of you know about my little buddy Caleb next door. We've been fishing together for 8 years now. He love it and he can catch some crappie. But the little booger is always wanted to catch some bass. And from time to time he does. Well, about 6 years ago, little Dayton (now 23) fished on his high school fishing team and enjoyed it. They fished the B.A.S.S High School series. I still keep in touch with the gym teacher and fishing club leader Ms. Barker. She knows about Caleb (8th grader). I get a text and a call last week that a member of one of her 4 tournament teams could not make this past weekend's tournament and they were looking for a stand in. 8th graders can fish, as long as they are in good standing at school. I ran it by Caleb's Grandma (best Nana ever) and she gave the green light to ask him. Long story short the little fella got called up to the high school team and fished with our other friend Hunter (10th grade). You saw the pictures of them back on Spring Break. Hunter dropped off Caleb's team jersey and they were set to meet at the ramp at 6am. Ms. Barker has 4 bass guys volunteer to captain for the teams. And the boys got a fine one. Nice guy, laid back, funny and patient.

When Caleb arrived, he and Ms. Barker met for the first time. She gave him a new spinning rod and reel and a hat, supplied by local Dance's Sporting Goods who helps sponsor the 4 teams. So I wanted to share the hat's day with you.
















They managed to take First Place. Had their 5 fish limit. Hunter had a 4.6# on a PopR early. Caleb caught a 3# late. That was his first ride in a real bass boat. First tournament of any kind. Probably his first ever 10 hour day on his feet. He is ready for more. Both of these young men are the kind of kid that you hope for. Good kids to the core. Respectful. Polite. Humble. Decent human beings. I'm proud of both and blessed to know them.

So I saved this for last because it is probably the most important part of the day and the part that makes me tear up.

So this is for all of you men and women who gave of yourself so that I could have this great life that I do. My dad died in May of 2023. A Navy man. And I know he likes this part the best.

While all 100+ boats were on the water waiting for the day to start. There was a Prayer, a moment of Silence and our National Anthem.



I'm proud to say that Caleb knew where that new hat belonged for that.



Don't let the 24/7 news fool you. There is plent of this out there.

All the best to you,

Dayton

Simply, OUTSTANDING !!