Last April, we posted a News Release about the Trout Bums and their annual tournament to raise money for a conservation organization or other non-profit group that connects children to fly-fishing. The teams travel and fish in different parts of the country over the course of two months, bumming and mooching off motels, individuals, restaurants, etc. stretching their money and competing to see who can have the most interesting experiences and raise the most money for their cause. The tournament started June 21 and ended on August 15.
The Trout Bum Tournament idea began at the Fly Rod and Reel Magazine a few years ago. They would give teams of individuals $500, send them out to fish for ten days, and keep a daily record of what happened to them along the way!
This year the 2004 Cabela's and Trout Bum Tournament, presented by Ford, raised over $27,000! Ford gave $5,000 to the first-place team's chosen organization, and the second-place team's organization received $2,500 from Cabela's.
On July 20th of this year, I was given the privilege
to meet one of the Trout Bum Teams, Matt Tucker and Brent McClane and fish with them on the end of their trail. They were working hard to raise money for Hooked on a Cure, the Arkansas-based Celebrity Fly-Fishing Classic that raises money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
Hooked on a Cure was founded by one of our very own writers, April Conrad and her husband. Not only was my husband, Tommy and I present for the Hooked on a Cure Celebrity Fly Fishing Classic this year, but three of our writers, Marla Blair, Constance Whiston and Chris Chimo joined us as well. We had a great time and met many Fly Fishing Celebrities from across the country, including Emily and Dave Whitlock, Duane Hada, Rick Rouff, Mel Kreiger, and William Tappley, to name a few.
Having spoke with Matt on several occasions and getting to meet him for the very first time at the Celebrity Fly Fishing Classic, I found out that the team would be fishing only a few miles from my house on the last leg of their trail, on the beautiful Spring River located in Mammoth Spring, AR. Tommy and I asked permission to join them on the river and take some photos.
Though Matt and Brent were both flyfishing, they allowed me to join in on the fun with my favorite Abu Garcia Spinning Reel and what a time we had! 
Though I have to add that they out-fished me horribly.
Now, these guys had been fishing for days, bumming motel rooms, food, gas, and anything else they could mooch and unselfishly raising money for a great cause. They were really tired and ready to see their families, but they went out of their way to spend some extra time with us and show us a good time on the river. In my book, they are real heros. Not because they allowed me to fish with them, but because of their sincere efforts and the hard work they put into this event. They raised $4,243.00!
The guys also placed second in the Trout Bum Tournament and received the second place prize money of $2500.00 from Cabela's, for a total of $6743.00 for Hooked on a Cure and the children battling cancer at the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Way to go, Guys!
Matt and Brent were not only great fishermen, but they were fun, witty, and charming. It was such a pleasure and privilege to spend some time with them. Hopefully our paths will cross again one day.
For those of you who are not familiar with the Hooked on a Cure Fly Fishing Classic, be sure to check it out at www.hookedonacure.com and make plans to become involved with next year's Hooked on a Cure Fly Fishing Classic.
