By John Hoffman
Jack Moran and Olivia McGrath are pictured with their catch from a recent Boston trip.
Ask anyone who likes to fish what some of their greatest angling memories are, and the responses can vary. Most people will tell tales of big fish or the one that got away. But those of us who fish regularly have one common denominator, which is that we have all made lifelong friends through the sport of fishing!
For members of the Cape Cod Bass group, this bond became more meaningful on June 12, 2005, during the crew’s annual friend fishing weekend getaway to Maine. On that day, Steve Pimental was struck by lightning and tragically passed away. The memory of that day is still lingers in many minds, according to Bob Downarowicz.
“Losing one of your fishing buddies and friends is a tough thing, but it also brought us all closer together to keep his memory alive.”
Together with fellow friend Wayne Hyde, the group created the Steve Pimental Memorial Bass Fishing Tournament (on September 12, 2015, they will be holding the tourney for the 11th year). The group got together with Steve’s Mom, Loris Pimental, and decided that they wanted the proceeds to go to a fishing organization. They then learned that The Fishing Academy in Boston gives angling opportunities to thousands of inner-city kids, taking them fishing daily in the summer. “Steve would definitely be smiling at the thought of all those kids learning how to fish. It makes Steve’s Mom very happy too,” said Downarowicz.
This year, the tournament will take place at Long Pond in Lakeville, MA. There is a required $100.00 entry fee and a $20.00 fee for the biggest lunker bass. The top six boats will receive a payout and there is a 24-boat limit. The event also features a cookout, awards ceremony and huge raffle with lots of fishing gear, overnight getaways and special prizes. All of the raffle proceeds go to The Fishing Academy Charity, and the tournament has raised over $30,000 for the organization over the years.
“We are so grateful to Bob, Wayne, Loris and all the teams who have fished and donated to us over the years,” says The Fishing Academy Director, John Hoffman. “We have made some great new friends and it is a great way to honor the memory of Steve Pimental. We feel very fortunate to just be a part of it.”
If you would like to be a part of this year’s tournament, call Wayne at (508) 236-1356 or email whyde@sensata.com. The tournament is also accepting donations and items for the raffle. Come join to help over 5,000 kids learn the great sport of fishing, and you might make some new friends while having fun.