On Jan. 18, the Royal Palm Bassmasters held its annual awards picnic at Robner Park. The local bass fishing club got together to eat, celebrate and hand out awards for last season’s accomplishments.
Shannon Ghettie won for the “Heaviest Single Day Catch” when he weighed in 18 lbs., 13 oz.
Releasing fish alive is important to sustaining the sport for future anglers, and the club recognizes the angler who has the “Most Live Releases” for the year. This year there was a tie between Rick Rickenbach and Bill Latham, with 54 each.
The “Rookie of the Year” award went to Bill Latham, who accumulated the most points among the newest club members.
Dede Duff won both “Female Angler of the Year” and “Non-Boater of the Year” by collecting the most points among ladies and anglers fishing from the back of the boat.
Larry Payne picked up “Angler of the Year,” which is the club’s most prestigious award. Payne demonstrated the most consistent fishing at a high level by accumulating the most season points.
The Royal Palm Bassmasters meet on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center, located at 100 Sweet Bay Lane.
The club is now accepting applications for new boaters and non-boater members. For more info., e-mail rpbassmasters@gmail.com or visit www.royalpalmbassmasters.org.
ABOVE: Bassmasters members gather for a group photo.
