Details

Walt & Barry Emerson narrowly win on the James River

Congratulations to Walt and Barry Emerson who caught 5 largemouth bass weighing in at 17.61 lbs to include catching the Big Fish (6.13 lbs) capturing the first place title for the second tournament of the 2025 season held on James River. They also took first place in bonus bucks. 

James River always shines on our teams, and today’s scales proved once again why.  Teams had to use strategies based on minimal outgoing tides to include some strong winds.  Water temperature was hovering around 73 degrees with cloud cover throughout most of the day.  They reported catching their fish in one of the creeks down river on mostly shakyhead and wacky rigged senkos.  Mr. Emerson caught the big bass but rest assured son Barry contributed to the teams weight.  Walt praised God for a blessed day.  He wanted to give a special thank you to his lovely wife Emily.  He stated that she keeps the family grounded and works tirelessly behind the scenes to make this possible for him and his sons. 

He concluded by thanking the Fishers of Men VA-East legacy division and the committee for a great event.  He emphasized the meetings are key for his family and many others.  This year divisional incentives are a bonus, said Walt.  2nd place went to a new team C.J. and Berkeley Combs with a weight of (17.46 lbs.), The third-place team of Ray and Lacy Hugge landed (16.93 lbs.).  Eighteen  teams participated and several teams reported multiple missed opportunities in landing bass.

The pre-tournament meeting Cawson Church of Christ in Hopewell. Fifty three fishermen, family and Cawson Church member attended the meeting, where they were served complimentary and delicious meal of Fried Chicken, and all the fixins and dessert provided by VA-East Legacy Division.  Pastor Daniel Roberts message on “what is more important than out soul” touched hearts with two rededicated their life to Christ.  The committee, anglers and I want to thank Pastor Roberts who also serves as out divisional Chaplin for providing our message.  Thank you to Cawson Church of Christ for opening their doors and accepting us with outreached arms and warm hearts.  Our heartfelt thank you extended to all for a wonderful, blessed night.   Many hands helped make this event successful.  

Congratulations to our participating anglers, their families and guest who won over $350 in door prizes. Throughout the season the VA East Legacy Division will raffle off over $1000 plus in retail value of merchandise from our division sponsors at our events.  In addition, the team of Matt and Fisher Whittaker became eligible to win 1 JB Custom rod (Just Out of the Money Consolation Prize).  The team of James & Mia McDowell are eligible to win 1 JB Custom rod (The One That Got Away Consolation Prize)..  Remember teams must be at the next meeting/event to obtain divisional incentives through our sponsors. 

The next tournament of the season will be held June 7, 2025 followed by the pre-tournament meeting / event on June 6, 2025.  Rockahock Marina will be the launch site for on the Chickohominy River tournament.  All the information for this event can be found on the national website (www.fomntt.com) on our VA East divisional page. 

A very special Thank You is extended to the City of Hopewell Tourism for hosting the launch site at the Hopewell Marina for this year’s event.  Mr. Bennett was fortunate to have dropped by and we chatted about hosting a fall tournament. 

When making your next purchase please consider our Divisional Sponsors which include Richmond Marine Center, JB Custom Rods, Fishin’ Va Guide Service, Fulk’s Custom Cranks, Captain Garys’ Marine Care Products, and Deep Creek Lures

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our National Sponsors that make Fishers of Men possible; Abu Garcia, BassCat Boats, Berkley, FireFly Outdoor & Marine, Frogg Toggs, Jacobs Glass, Mercury, Power-Pole, Realtree Fishing, Fenwick, T&H Marine, and X2 Power.

Serving with care, God Bless!

Jim Sutton