I guess it’s time to be a Grandpa and tell you about my 18 year old Grandson Caleb.
About four years ago Caleb caught a fish—and he has never stopped.
I love my grandkids and Caleb was the first. Marilyn (my wife) and I had three daughters and I did my best to get a tomboy out of the trio, but they are all girls; and that’s O.K., it was fun trying. My oldest daughter blessed us with Caleb Steven Taylor, and he is all boy.
When Caleb caught that first 4+ pound bass his life changed and started smelling a little fishy. He has always been a competitor, and gives 100% in everything he does. I thought the little 14’ Jon boat with the 6hp motor would satisfy his drive, but four years later I know differently.
Caleb understands fishing like he does his walk with the Lord, i.e. there are things that can put the odds in your favor and make you finish well.
B.A.S.S is an international organization of bass fishermen who love the sport. Bass fishing like any other sport has a few that exceed, even their own expectations, and rise to the level of the best-of-the-best. The weeding process starts at the beginning of the year till one person holds the title. On October 27th 2012 Caleb will be competing for that prestigious award on Lake Wilson, Alabama.
Below is a spot taken from Caleb’s website, and below that is the press release.
2012 Northern Divisional Champ!
I am officially the 2012 B.A.S.S.Northern Divisional Champion in the 15-18 age group! this was the biggest event I have ever fished in and I am extremely blessed to leave with the win and a trip to the 2012 Junior National Championship on lake Wheeler in October. The Mighty Mississippi was neat fishing experience and really allowed me to try some new things and fine tune some skills. In practice I got to know the river and actually found the spot that gave me the win. I was concentrating on a single ditch with a mixture of rip rap, sparse surface grass and wood on one side and wood and grass mats on the other. In the morning I would flip the rock side with a black and blue beaver in and around the grass and wood. When the sun came up I would move to the matted side and frog. The sun positioned the fish under the mats and they could not resist the frog. The area consistently produced fish in practice and we left our fish alone as much as possible for 3 practice days. Tournament day a front blew through but I was still able to pluck 2 keepers from my area but unfortunately I missed 3 other keepers from the area. However, those two fish were enough to give me the win on what was a tough day for most of the field. One key for me was using the right rod to catch my flipping fish. I used a Powell Endurance 795 and 60 pound braid to control the fish and get them in the boat no problem. I couldn't have done it without the help from my sponsors. I want to thank, Legend, John Kirk, Powell, Solar Bat, State Farm, Bass Boat Saver, Bill Estes Chevrolet, the Indiana State team, my family and friends, and My Lord Jesus Christ for a great week! Next stop the National Championship!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 18, 2012
Florence, Ala – Caleb Taylor,18, a member of the local Johnson County Christian Bassmasters, will be competing in the 2012 Bassmaster Junior World Championship on October 27.
Only a few Junior Bassmaster anglers qualify from across the United States –plus Spain,South Africa, and Canada to compete for the World Championship. Caleb qualified by winning the National B.A.S.S. North Divisional on the Mississippi River.
Media Director, Rex Harris, of JCCB describes Caleb as a fierce competitor at their local tournaments, but on another hand, a very modest and extremely likeable young man that is the pride of the club. He and his grandfather, Steve Blackwell, from Whitestown, Indiana compete together locally.