ALA SCHEDULES FIRST EVENT FOR 2010
AMERICAN LADY ANGLERS FIRST EVENT: THE LAKE FORK FIRECRACKER FISH-OFF SCHEDULED JULY 3, 2010 BRINGING HUGE RESPONSE IN ANGLER INTEREST, BOATER NUMBERS
By Terri Elkins, M.D.
(May 10, 2010 – Red Oak, TX) When Rod Baker decided to even the playing field in January, and start the American Lady Anglers (ALA), he had no preconceived idea of the response he was going to receive. He just wanted to give the ladies a chance to go out and fish together. With Lake Fork Fishing Guide Lee White, he purchased a brand new Tournament Trailer and got to work converting it for weigh-ins. They have been steadily working on the project; adding a stage, office, and cargo area to transport the new digital scales, aeration tanks, stage, canopies, computers and assorted other equipment needed to outfit a tournament trailer for weigh-ins. They then contacted and travelled to potential Host Cities to schedule events. After all of the initial work had been done, Rod and Lee set about getting the word out that there would be a new option for women wanting to fish together – The American Lady Anglers (ALA). With no fanfare, the first Newsletter went out on April 1, 2010. The response was immediate and unexpected. “I didn’t think that just sending out a Newsletter with information about opportunities for ladies to fish would get anything back, except a few people might choose to “Unsubscribe” from the E-mail Newsletter list,” says Baker. “Boy was I wrong.” Instead of getting a couple of “Unsubscribe” E-mails, Baker got just the opposite – over 300 E-mails and phone calls from ladies and families wanting to hear more about the innovative new fishing trail for women. The major question from everyone was – “When is there going to be a tournament?” In response to the many inquiries, Rod now has an answer. There are now two scheduled ALA Events for 2010. In the works are twelve (that’s right, TWELVE) scheduled ALA Tournaments for 2011 – that’s more ladies’ events than have ever been undertaken by any entity either past or present.
The first ALA event in 2010 is going to be held at Lake Fork Marina and Motel. It is called the ALA Firecracker Fish-Off. Scheduled on Saturday, July 3, 2010, the day-long event will consist of several separate experiences for the entire family. Baker and wife, Dr. Terri Elkins, WBT Pro Angler have always had a Fourth of July party for friends and family, always benefitting the military in some way. Baker himself volunteered for over ten years’ duty in the Air Force during the Viet Nam War era, and both feel strongly that the Independence Day Holiday should not only be celebrated, but celebrated in a way that honors our military veterans, both past and present. The last several years, their annual event has been held at Lake Fork. Last year was the first time that they added a fishing tournament to their celebration. With Rod having over 20 years’ experience organizing Fishing Tournaments that managed to pay both the participating anglers and the charity being recognized, it seemed natural to add a charity fishing tournament to the festivities. This year, they are going to get out all of the ALA equipment, including the beautiful brand new Tournament Trailer and try it out. That way, they can make sure all of the bugs are worked out before using all of their equipment in their huge Inaugural ALA Event scheduled for September 22-25, 2010. The Lake Fork Firecracker Fish-Off will be 6-11 am with a $50 per person team fishing event. There will be an optional $5 Big Bass Pot. Anyone and Everyone is encouraged to participate, even the kids. “We had several children participate last year, either with their grandparents or their parents,” said Baker. “Part of the ALA mission is to get families to fish together. The July 3rd event is our Annual Event for the Entire Family. We call it the “Friends and Family Firecracker Fish-Off” so that people will know that it’s for everyone.” Because this is going to be an official ALA event, there will be special categories and prizes awarded for the ladies fishing in the event. Donated by Lake Fork Marina and Motel, there will be multiple Lady Angler Awards, including Ladies’ Big Bass, the top Ladies Catch Categories, and other fun, innovative prizes for the ladies. Last year, an auction was held with the proceeds from the donated items going to a military charity. This year, $5 of each $50 entry fee will be donated to ReturningHeroesHome.org. The payback will be 80%, after the $5 donation is deducted, along with money for a plaque for the winner. The event last year drew 25 teams; this year over 100 teams are expected and have committed to attend. With those numbers, the paybacks will be terrific and everyone is very excited about the entire days’ events. The rules and entry forms will be available on the ALA website, www.AmericanLadyAnglers.com. If pre-registering, an angler can choose to pay using PayPal or Credit Card Online. They can even send in a check prior to the tournament if they print off their entry and mail it in. The on-site pre-registration on July 2nd from 4-6 pm and July 3rd from 5-6 am will be strictly cash. Anyone who wants to donate money to be added to our Firecracker Fish-Off donation is welcome to do so. You don’t have to fish in the tournament to appreciate your military men and women and the contributions and sacrifices they have all made to allow us to pursue the activities we choose to on Independence Day.
After the tournament weigh-in and awards ceremony, everyone can go back and decorate their golf carts for the Golf Cart Decorating Contest and Parade. Back this year by popular demand, the golf cart event was enjoyed by both participants and observers last year. Most of the golf carts had a patriotic theme, but there were some original-thinkers in the contest. Awards this year will be given for best-decorated, most original and numerous other categories. Lots of fun prizes have been donated by Lake Fork Marina and Motel. Following the Awards Ceremony and Golf Cart Parade to the Fireworks Area, the Evening Fireworks Festivities will begin. The Event is free and open to the public, and everyone is invited to participate in the Golf Cart Decorating Contest and stay to view the Fireworks. This year the fireworks will be set to music. For more info go to www.AmericanLadyAnglers.com, or call Rod at (214) 686-8953.