Fishin' for Freedom

Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2009 Fishing for Freedom tournament.  Below are photographs taken by professional photographer, Sherran Bard of Eyes of Texas Photography and Kaylene McClafferty of Colorado.  They donated their time and lenses to us as their way of honoring our military heroes.  We have permission to download and print any of the photographs.  We are grateful for their generosity.

  Hundreds of photogrpahs are available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/31247538@N05/.  There are also some great videos at www.ttz1.com.

 Pictured above left to right:  Pro Fisherman Gary Klein, E5 Clayton Caver and his family posing with their brand new Triton boat and Mercury motor won at the Fishing for Freedom tournament on Lake Belton.                              

Spencer Latham accepts the keys to the brand new G3 boat, Yamaha motor and Bear Custom trailer from Rick Smith, President of Marine Outlet.  The boat was given away during the Friday night BBQ and captain's meeting of the 4th Annual Fishing for Freedom Tournament.

Fishing for Freedom volunteers sign up an angler for the big bass side pot.  Over 180 fisherman participated in this second chance to win some money. 

Will Chappel, Fishing for Freedom volunteer, poses with a Legend Alpha 211 with matching Evinrude 225hp E-Tech outboard from Marine Outlet

Eric Wendeborn, Ranger owner, certified marine technician and Fishing for Freedom volunteer greets the legendary, Forrest L. Wood, fisherman and Ranger boat founder, who was the headlined speaker for the 4th Annual Fishing for Freedom banquet.

Pro Fisherman Gary Klein gives a bass fishing seminar before the 4th Annual Fishing for Freedom banquet.

Smiles are all around and friendships are renewed.

Fishing for Freedom participants get ready for some great Texas BBQ.

Don't eat too many chips, you won't have room for the banana pudding.

Josh Bingham holding a future angler.

Bottom line it is all about family. 

Team Army.  That is SMG McCallan checking out the troops. 

There is nothing like a little bass tournament action to bring out the pros.  These anglers are getting ready to show some soldiers some on the water excitement.

The future of Ranger Bass Boats lies in the firm roots of its past.  Forrest L. Wood still wears the hero's white hat.

Bass Pro Gary Klein with naval recruiter.  Be careful Gary, they still need a few more good men!

Ranger boats pro doing his own recruiting.

Fishing for Freedom family enjoying a special moment of being together, anticipating an exciting day on Lake Belton.

Gary Klein discusses strategies for the rising muddy waters of Lake Belton with fellow anglers.

MC's Rick Smith of Marine Outlet of Temple and Cliff Brown of Texas Boat World of Harker Heights get the Texas Partner's party started with a little bit of jabbing humor.

Forrest L. Wood enjoying the evening along with fellow VIPs Randy Green and others at the Friday night banquet sponsored by Texas Partners Federal Credit Union and the Ft. Hood BOSS program.

Naval recruiters and B.A.S.S. Team Navy angler Keith Boettcher take a moment to remember fallen comrades as Chaplain William Shellnut (not pictured) offers a prayer to bless the fleet.

We have loaded hundreds of photographs to Flickr.  Visit the website http://www.flickr.com/photos/31247538@N05/ for these additional pictures.  All photographs were donated by professional photographers Sherran Bard & Kaylene McClafferty.  They have given everyone permission to download and print photographs for their albums.  No photogrpahs are to be sold or used commercially without their written authorization.  For their contact information e-mail rick@marineoutlet.com.