Monthly Beacon Article

Fishing Club treats young anglers

By Toni King, Beacon Staff Writer

    Twenty-five very happy young fishermen were thoroughly entertained on a recent Saturday morning when they were taken aboard Fairfi eld Harbour boats for a fun day of fishing on the Neuse River. The event was the third annual Take-a-Kid-Fishing Day sponsored by the Fairfield Harbour Fishing Club for the benefit of the Boys and Girls Club of New Bern. Each of the 25 boats which participated had a captain and mate. They met at the Community Center for early morning refreshments and a get-acquainted session with the young anglers who would soon board their assigned boats.
    Every youngster received a new rod and reel that was donated by Bob Willis and his son, owners of Custom Marine on Route 70. Bait and tackle was furnished by Dave Stewart, Minnesott Beach. When the fishing parties came dockside at the end of the boating excursion, they headed to Red Sail Park for lunch, the awards ceremony and some fi sh tales.
    There was hardly a soul at Red Sail who did not hear one young angler tell how he got to drive the boat. He said the captain asked him how old he was. “I’m eleven,” he replied. “Well, then,” said the captain, “you are supposed to be at least 17 to steer the boat, but come here and sit in the captain’s chair. Remember, we just won’t tell anybody about this.” It was just too exciting a moment in this little boy’s life to keep such a secret.
    The largest fish was a 20-inch striped bass caught by Nadina Williams. Last year Nadina said she was too scared to join the fishing party. When she saw her cousin come home with the trophy, she changed her mind and joined the fun this year.
    Jim Cline, chairman of the outing, said it was in the planning stages for at least six months. The president of the Fishing Club worked with sponsors for prizes and awards that were given to every fisherman. In addition to the rod and reel, each received a trophy and choice of tackle box or cap holding fishing gear. Among the top prizes were outings on the Carolina Princess with Captain Stacey.
    One of the mentors for Big Brothers Big Sisters was TV newsman Mike Licquia whose little brother is 11-year-old Dillon Ratchford who last year caught five fish. Mike has been a big brother to Dillon for four years. They have worked together building a shed, building fences and have enjoyed a trip to the North Carolina zoo.
    The Big Brothers Big Sisters support came from director Johneiqual Smith Griffin, assisted by Freida Orr.
    Backbones of the event were the boat captains who helped make the event a success, along with all the volunteers who arranged for breakfast snacks, lunches and prizes. One look at the happy faces on the fishermen was the real pleasure for this hearty band from Fairfield. One of the favorite tables at Red Sail Park was set up by the ladies who supplied overflowing plates of brownies, cookies and cakes, many decorated with fishing motifs. By the end of the day, there were very few crumbs remaining for the Red Sail squirrels.

Bruggeworth featured on magazine cover

    The Fairfield Harbour Fishing Club “Facilitator” is featured on the June cover of North Carolina Sportsman magazine. Bob Bruggeworth was invited to fi sh last June with outdoor writer Mike Marsh and Oriental Fishing Guide Gary Dubiel. It’s June again, and “Super Specks,” the article featuring Bruggeworth, begins with the observation, “The June trout bite on the Neuse River produces the best trophies of the year.”
    In addition to being featured on the magazine cover, Bruggeworth is also shown in photos accompanying the article, which also includes maps and illustrations to illustrate the detailed fishing information provided.
    The article also notes that “Bob Bruggeworth lives in Fairfield Harbour, a development on the Neuse River near New Bern. He founded the Fairfield Harbour Fishing Club after moving to the area in 1992 and is a dedicated trout fi sherman.”
The magazine is available in many area stores—but beware, there’s an alternate freshwater cover featuring a young woman’s bass rather than Bruggeworth’s trout.

Fishing Club

On May 30, Fairfield Harbour Fishing Club participated in Neuse River Day at Union Point Park. With the help of the Big Brother Big Sister organization of Southeastern NC, they raised $332 by holding a raffl e for a fishing pole and reel donated by Jerry Manfredi. The check was presented to Brian Westcott, Neuse River Foundation representative, at the June meeting. Fourteen club members participated in the event, which also included teaching youngsters how to cast a line into a kiddie-size swimming pool. Each participating child received a candy bar of his/her choice as well as loud cheers when they were successful.
Jim Cline reported that all was in readiness for the Big Brother Big Sister Take-a-Kid Fishing Day on June 6. The Big Red Challenge is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, at Whittaker Point Marina. Coordinator Jerry Manfredi reported that three fishing clubs will participate this year. Each club may invite up to five outside crews to join in what is always a very exciting afternoon and evening of fishing for the giant red drum in the Neuse River. If interested, let Jerry know as soon as possible. The speaker for the evening was noted columnist, surf fi shing guide, and radio personality, Dr. Bogus. He can be heard each Monday morning at 7:30 on WTKF (107.1 fm ). Dr. B did a video presentation covering the new Nags Head and Emerald Isle fishing piers. He also provided an interesting history lesson showing the many changes to the topography of Bogue Inlet over the past 15 years since hurricane Fran visited our shoreline. Dr. B, a BBBS sponsor, donated a half day of fi shing with him as one of the prizes.
Special kudos to Bob Smith, Elmer Stenzel, Joe Jones and Dan Thallman who were second quarter stewards. Third quarter stewards will be Terry Meier and Jim Phillips. Welcome new members George Eder and Dale Petrangelo. The 50-50 raffl e was won by Joey Freeman.
Bob Bruggeworth

Harvey Pye and Tim Miller caught four dolphins while fishing on Gus Villanova’s boat, His Mistress.

Fishing Club Bursar Harvey Pye presented a check to Brian Westcott of the Neuse River Foundation for $332, proceeds raised by selling raffle tickets at the Neuse River Day. Standing between them is Jerry Manfredi who donated a fishing pole and reel for the raffle.”

Fishing Club members helped children learn to cast at Neuse River Day.