Last weekend about 35 avid fishermen brought their boats to Camp ASCCA — the Alabama Special Camp for Children and Adults, located in Jackson’s Gap, Ala. — for a very rewarding event, the Camp ASCCA Fishing Weekend. Most of the campers only get to fish one day a year and this was it. Each of the boaters took an ASCCA Camper and a helper out fishing in his boat (“campers” are children or adults, teenagers to mid-50s, with disabilities.)
Most of the boaters are avid tournament fishermen and are accustomed to winning money when they fish, but this time they would have to pay their own expenses and the only thing they could win would be the twinkle in an eye, the smile on a face or the ever-present laughter from someone who would never forget the fish he or she caught that day. It didn’t matter how large or small or the kind of fish, they just wanted a quick snapshot and the fish was released.
Many of these guys had to pass up a bass tournament that day to take these campers fishing, but nobody was complaining. Many had done this in years past and they were back for more. My hat is off to the compassionate and unselfish fishermen who donated a weekend of fishing to someone who will never forget it.
There were some amusing moments too, watching some of the best bass fishermen around dunking minnows and crickets around grass beds in hopes of getting a crappie or bream to bite. The campers didn’t really care what kind or size of fish they caught, just as long as they caught something. Some of the bass fishermen looked out of place not swinging a flipping stick or chunking a big ol’ spinner-bait.
The staff at Camp ASCCA did an excellent job of organizing this event and keeping up with everything. Everything ran very smoothly. Meals were furnished to everyone and the food was excellent.
Anyone wishing to participate in this event next year should call Camp ASCCA at 205-914-0461 and get your name on the list. ASCCA is located on Lake Martin, just outside of Jackson Gap, Ala. You will never take anyone else fishing who will enjoy it more … and you will, too.
