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The North Carolina East Fishers of Men Firefly Weeknight Series held their fourth tournament of the 2024 season on the Roanoke River, April 19, 2024. Another approaching front made for tough bite with temperatures in the lower 60’s with 15-20 mph winds from the east. Five teams participated in the tournament and all teams attended the pre-tournament meeting.

The meeting was started with a message from Kenneth Wallace who is our Firefly Weeknighter Series Chaplain. Kenneth referenced Mark 4 vs 18-19 when Jesus, walking along the Sea of Galilee, saw the two brothers Simon, called Peter and Andrew casting their nets into the water for they were fishermen. Jesus said to the two, “Come and follow me and I will make you fishers of men”. He reflected on the metaphor where our task is to be followers of Christ. As fishermen, we are called to cast our line of God’s love into the world, drawing people into the abundant life that can only be found in Jesus Christ. Kenneth spoke of several actions we need to perform to be true “Fishers of Men”. First, being a fisher of men requires intentionality, meaning we must intentionally engage with those around us by seeking opportunities to share the gospel and demonstrate Christ’s love through our actions. Secondly, patience is essential. We must be patient in our efforts to reach others with our message of salvation. Third, perseverance is key. We will encounter resistance and rejection but we must persevere in our mission, knowing God is with us. Lastly, being a fisher of men requires faith. We may not see immediate results but we must trust that God is at work drawing people to Himself through our obedience.  

After reviewing the rules highlights and a closing Prayer, our fishermen set out on the water in search of the winning catch. The fishermen found the bite again to be pretty tough with windy conditions. There were 13 fish weighed for a total of 24.3 pounds. 13 of the fish were released back into the water for 100% release. The average number of fish per team was 2, average weight per team 4.87 pounds and the average fish weight was 1.87 pounds. When the teams came to the scale, our current point leaders  Jason Samson and Kenneth Wallace had the winning four fish catch that weighed 7.95 pounds with a 3.50 pound fish which was also the Big Fish for the tournament. The first place prize was $175.00 dollars and Big Fish paid $25.00 dollars. Second place finisher was Chris Meads, fishing without his son Zachery, brought 3 fish to the scales that weighed 4.73 pounds. Third Place went to Jason Smith and Sam Spruill with two fish that weighed 4.03 pounds that included a nice 3.04 pound fish.  Due to the number of participating teams, only one place was paid.

We would like to thank all those who helped with making this tournament a success, especially Kenneth Wallace, Jason Samson as well as all our fishermen who helped and participated. Fishers of Men would like to thank all our National Sponsors; Berkley , BassCat Boats, Abu Garcia, Mercury, Fenwick, Realtree Fishing, FireFly Outdoor & Marine, Power-Pole,  T&H Marine, Frogg Toggs, X2 Power and Jacobs Glass

Roster Information:

Roanoke River - 04/19/24

Place	Team	Members	# Fish	Big Fish	Gross	Penalty	Net Wt	Points
1	30953	Kenneth Wallace Jason Samson	4	3.5	7.95	0	7.95	200
2	30973	Chris Meads Zachery Meads	3	0	4.73	0	4.73	199
3	30972	Jason Smith Sam Spruill	2	3.04	4.24	0	4.24	198
4	30954	Patrick Seigh Isaiah Seigh	2	0	3.84	0	3.84	197
5	31206	Alan Meads Lilly Lane	2	0	3.59	0	3.59	196
First Place Kenneth Wallace and Jason Samson with 7.95 pounds with the Big Fish for the tournament that weighed 3.50 pounds Second Place Chris Meads with 3 fish that weighed 4.73 pounds Lilly Lane fishing with her Grandpa Alan Meads shows their two fish catch

First Place Kenneth Wallace and Jason Samson with 7.95 pounds with the Big Fish for the tournament that weighed 3.50 pounds Second Place Chris Meads with 3 fish that weighed 4.73 pounds Lilly Lane fishing with her Grandpa Alan Meads shows their two fish catch