Five-year-old Jameson with his first catfish catch. Photo & Article contributed by Mike Shannon of Sea Trail Fishing Club.

One of the most lasting childhood memories is the experience of the first fish caught. Usually, a father, granddad, uncle or childhood friend is behind that memory. For William’s son, 5-year-old Jameson, the story goes beyond that.

On opening day of this year’s Sunset Beach Pier season, William decided to take his son along to renew his annual pier fishing and parking pass. The pier is managed and operated by Gary and Teresa Massey. Since taking over the pier management, the Masseys have made several improvements, including 24/7 live cameras showing great views of fishing action on the pier, as well as activity and wave conditions on the beach.

The Masseys sponsor live music entertainment between May and September and support the local Sea Trail Fishing Club (STFC) by hosting pier fishing tournaments. As part of that cooperation, the fishing club was given space to set up an information booth on the ramp leading to the pier’s grill and tackle shop.

Jim was just one of the several STFC members that helped to staff the info booth during the two-day opening weekend; but what Jim noticed was that most of the many customers coming to renew fishing permits were, shall we say, “seniors.”

Jim decided that an outreach plan was needed for younger anglers. He purchased a rod and reel combo in the tackle shop and left it at the STFC booth to be presented to the first youngster to show up. Teresa Massey added to the gift by spooling a new line on the reel.

Sometime later, Bill and Jameson arrived on the scene to find out that they were the recipients of the new rod and reel combo.

In the aftermath, a fishing trip was planned, and Bill took Jameson to a big pond in Brunswick Plantation. Bill says the outing provided a lot of excitement for both of them. Jameson hooked a catfish and started to reel it in by himself. but the big cat’ was too strong and started to pull him toward the water. So, his dad held the rod and let Jameson reel it in. No measurements were taken, but by the looks of the picture, it would be hard to guess who weighed the most.

Courtesy of your Brunswick Beacon https://www.newsargus.com/brunswick_beacon/sports/a-first-timer-s-fish-tale/article_1c209dbf-b8c1-51b7-b5dd-5bea7a909d75.html