Earlier this month, I climbed to 11th place in the final Bassmaster Opens Elite Qualifier standings of 2023 on Florida’s Harris Chain. That put me one place short of getting an invite to the Bassmaster Elite Series for 2024, which was my goal for this season. It’s a gut wrench to be so close and fall short.
Thankfully, I’m too busy with family doings and other projects to sit around feeling sorry for myself. One of my biggest events of the year takes place this coming Dec. 2. It’s the 12th Annual Bobby Lane Cup, which is held at Camp Mack, a Guy Harvey Resort.
The first event in 2010 was a bass derby for juniors and high school kids. It drew 18 young anglers. We passed out Yamaha hats and wristbands.
It has grown to the point that almost 400 kids will participate this year. Every kid receives a goodie bag. We want them to feel like this is the best tournament they’ve ever fished. The community pulls together to make sure we have enough boat captains. We’ve never left a kid on the bank.
Over 2,000 people show up for this fishing extravaganza. Industry sponsors will be there, along with bass pros and YouTube celebrities. Chick-fil-A will supply breakfast. We’ll have a weigh-in stage for the youngsters and a fish holding tank we bought from Florida B.A.S.S. Nation.
Besides the tournament, we put on a Reel Kids casting contest and a lure painting session. The charge is $30 per contestant. To register go to bobbylanecup.com.
The winners of the junior and high school tournaments receive Abu rods and reels, Costa sunglasses and gift cards. Even more amazing is that the Cup has turned into a college scholarship program. This year we’ll be awarding around $40,000 in scholarships.
Last year, 13 students each received $3,000 scholarships. Any high school junior or senior can apply by getting an application form at bobbylanecup.com. The deadline is Nov. 10. The Polk Education Foundation determines who receives the scholarships from the many applications.
The good-hearted people at Polk County are big supporters of the Cup, along with a host of local and national businesses. We begin planning for this event in June. We try to meet once a month after that. We have a staff of 16 wonderful people who donate their time every year to make this happen. Overall, more than 40 volunteers will be involved.
The goal for the Cup is the same as it has always been. We hope to ignite a passion for fishing and an appreciation for the environment and academic success among our youth.
There will also be a drawing for a fully rigged Phoenix 819 bass boat for five anglers randomly selected from the thousands who entered Florida’s TrophyCatch program. To have a chance at winning the boat, you must register a Florida-caught, 8-pound bass with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Go to trophycatchflorida.com for the details.
The more 8-pound bass you register, the greater your chances for winning. Last year Phoenix Boat president Gary Clouse drew the winning name.
Support for the Cup continues to be strong. We try to move the needle a little farther every year.
