Basspack Fishing Club Raises Money for Cancer Research

On Sept. 16, 2017, the Basspack Fishing Club teamed up with the American Cancer Society to hold NC State’s inaugural Fishing for Cures tournament at Jordan Lake. Sixty-four participants showed up to help raise more than $1,800 for cancer research.

President of the club, Jonathan West first came up with the idea after talking with a fellow member of the NC State Student Veterans Association who now works as a representative for the American Cancer Society. The two decided to team up to raise awareness and collect donations for the nationwide organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem.

Local and national businesses sponsored the event, including JB Custom rods, Ace Hardware, Aftco, True South Custom Lures, EZ Tackle, Network South Inc., Guy Harvey, Chatlee Marine and Coastal Worn Hats, who all donated prizes for the event so that all proceeds could go directly to the American Cancer Society.

Thirty-two boats carrying teams of two each set out for an afternoon that combined their love of fishing with a philanthropic effort to give back to the community. Members Jaime Fajardo and Jeff Hodges took first place with their combined catch weighing more than 20 pounds. Zack and Paul Bodford claimed second place with a catch of 18.76 pounds, and Jeff Roark and Nathan Davis came in third with their catch weighing just over 16 pounds.

Winners took home prizes, including JB Custom Rods, a Lowrance unit donated by Chatlee Marine, a Shimano Curado reel and other prizes.

This occasion served the club on a personal level as well as on a public level, as several team members have been directly affected by cancer. West described the fundraiser as “a truly humbling event,” and hopes to continue the club’s involvement in the community for years to come. The three-time national champion fishing club looks forward to making the Fishing for Cures tournament an annual event and hopes to bring home another national championship in the meantime.