Blessing Photos

I didn't get very many photos this year... this is most of the boats that were blessed (I know I missed a couple...), and I didn't really get any at the picnic, because we were dodging rain, and I didn't want my camera to get wet! It was a crazy day, but it didn't keep everyone away. Check out that sky behind them... wicked! You guys rock!

Blessing T-shirts!

I have some Blessing tees leftover... size large and XL. They're long-sleeve, $20. If you want one, please let me know asap, and I'll set it aside for you. I am also planning a re-order, so if you want a different size besides large or XL, let me know!! Call 417-679-3676 or e-mail info@pontiaccove.com.

Cheers!

Blessing is ON!

A couple of people have asked me if we're rescheduling the Blessing due to possible rain tomorrow, and the answer is NO. At least not right now. We will have the Blessing regardless of weather, and we will have the fish afterward regardless of weather. (We'll move from the park to an indoor location if necessary.) So, don't cancel your plans to come down. Plan to join us for a GREAT kick-off party, rain or shine!

Blessing of the Fleet this Saturday

The fifth annual Blessing of the Fleet is just three days away! It's time to fire up your engines and have your boats blessed for the season. Blessing ceremony/boat parade begins at 2 p.m. That means you should be in your boat outside the breakwater by 2 p.m. Father Paul will offer the blessing via VHF radio (if you have one, be sure to turn it on; if you don't, try to tie up next to someone who does). He will be stationed on the 5:00 Somewhere (houseboat) on the end of the 800 dock. Afterward, join us in the park for a fish fry and live music, starting around 5:30 p.m. We'll be selling long-sleeve Blessing tees, food, beer cups, raffle tickets and more. We encourage you to decorate your boats and/or dress in costume for the boat parade, if you want to! It's optional, of course, but lots o' fun! (See pic, above left.)

Fishing Tournament Results

Matt Wade and Johnna Morgan with professional fisherman, Roland Martin. Roland and his partner, Ronnie Curry, of Ava, took second place in the tournament.

Twenty-six teams fished the fourth annual Verne D. Cubbage Memorial Fishing Tournament out of Pontiac on Saturday. Twenty teams weighed a total of 98 fish—a total weight of about 220 pounds. A surprise celebrity appearance by professional fisherman, Roland Martin, of Naples, Fla., brought lots of excitement. He was apparently in town to turkey hunt this week. He fished the tournament with Ronnie Curry, of Ava. After the weigh-in, Martin signed autographs and took pictures with anyone who wanted them.

Cash prizes were awarded to the first five teams overall. All six kids under the age of 16 who fished in the tournament took home a $50 savings bond from First Home Savings Bank, donated by Verla Cubbage. The first three places in the Youth Division Big Bass category were awarded trophies.

Twenty percent of all entry fees will go toward Gainesville High School's extracurricular activities programs. The following is a list of all the winners:


Alex Abrams, winner of the Youth Division Big Bass with his dad and partner, Keith Abrams.

Youth Division, Big Bass
1st Place - Alex Abrams, West Plains, 2.76 pounds
2nd Place - Caleb Hathcock, Washington, Mo., 2.75 pounds
3rd Place - Trey Schroeder, St. Louis, 2.21 pounds


Phillip MacFarland and Michael Welch won first place overall with six fish and 22.60 pounds. They took home $750.

Overall
1st Place, 22.60 pounds, $750
Phillip MacFarland (Lakeview, Ark.), Michael Welch (Tecumseh)

2nd Place, 19.25 pounds, $500
Roland Martin (Naples, Fla.), Ronnie Curry (Ava)

3rd Place, 18.67 pounds, $400
Josh Barnum, Bob Barnum (both of Ava)

4th Place, 16.76 pounds, $300
Mark Sanders, John White (both of Ava)

5th Place, 14.64 pounds, $130
Brandon Williams (Cape Girardeau), Brad Welsh (Festus)

Fishing tourney this weekend

It's not too late to sign up for the Verne Cubbage Memorial Fishing Tournament this Saturday. In fact, we'll be taking entries Saturday morning until 6:30 a.m. Take-off is at 7 a.m. (or first safe light). Weigh-in is at 3:30 p.m. Even if you're not fishing, come down and join us for the weigh-in. Cost to enter is $100 per boat (two-person team), plus $10 for Big Bass pot. Cash prizes will be awarded to winners as well as lots of door prizes. Pizza buffet at Just Jackie's afterward. Questions? Call 417-679-3676.

Interesting Catch

Bill Adams caught a goggle-eye (rock bass) this morning... not something you see every day in Bull Shoals Lake. He said it's only the second one he's ever caught in this lake.

Hours This Week

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Thursday
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Complicated, I know. :)

Busy, busy!

Business is really picking up around the dock! There have been lots of folks around this week, and can you blame them? The weather is absolutely gorgeous... a bit windy, but not nearly as windy as predicted. It's well in the 80s and sunny today. Looks like a pretty spring weekend is ahead for Easter. Chance of rain Saturday morning, but hopefully it will turn out to be a nice day.

The park is officially open, and the park attendants have moved in. You might recognize them from a couple of years ago - Wanda and Tom. Very nice folks. You'll notice the "cones" are out, which means we now have to drive around the gate house when we drive into the park. Please be mindful of that and your speed as you enter the park.

We'll be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday this weekend, and until 4 p.m. on Sunday. Check back next week, as our hours could change again.

Just Jackie's is open from 3 to 10 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The Verne Cubbage Memorial fishing tourney is coming up April 17; the Blessing of the Fleet on April 24. Shirts are here! If you want to pre-buy your Blessing shirts, stop by and see me.

Cheers! And, Happy Easter!