Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009

Waterford folks reel 'em in

Waterford Plantation residents reeled in more than 50 fish from ponds at the neighborhood's fishing tournament.

For three hours on Oct. 11, children and adults enjoyed the beautiful fall weather and fellowship while trying to catch the big one. More than 20 people came out to this event. After an afternoon of fishing, everyone gathered in the pool parking lot for cake and a trophy ceremony.

The winners from the 10-and-under category were: first place -- Brady Skelley who caught a 10 1/2-inch bass; second place -- Alex Merritt who caught an 8-inch shad; and third place -- C.J. Carbone and Nicholas Lombardi, both 4 years old.

The 11-years-old and over winners were: first place -- Jenna Miller with a 15 3/4-inch bass caught in her back yard. Jenna is an 18-year-old freshman at Coastal Carolina University and graduate of Carolina Forest High School.

Second place was Phillip Blanton. He caught a 15 1/2-inch catfish. Third place went to Matt Gasper, who caught a 14-inch tilapia.

Honorable mention must go to Jeff Blankenship for catching a 22-inch bass.

Unfortunately, he wasn't registered for the contest but came to fish with the neighbors and showed everyone how it's done. All had a great time.

The Waterford Plantation Events Committee already plans to do it again next year, with a couple of changes.

Late that afternoon many neighbors saw an alligator in one of the Waterford ponds. This is a concern to neighbors and great excitement to some neighborhood boys.