Children’s advocacy group wins big at ESG Freshwater Classic

The Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, a multicounty outreach to victims of child abuse and sexual violence, where the big winners May 19 at the Eastern Shipbuilding Group’s 22nd annual ESG Freshwater Classic on the Apalachicola River. 

At the Sunday afternoon weigh-in at Wewahitchka’s Gaskin Park public boat ramp, Eastern Shipbuilding Charities, Inc. presented a $30,000 check to which since March 2000, provided a refuge for victims and their families to cope with the crimes of child abuse and sexual assault while reducing the fear and further trauma that disclosure and investigation often creates.

The group provides services with two offices in Port St. Joe, on the third floor of 212 Highway 98, as well as at 101 Reid Avenue.

Gulf Coast CAC’s outreach also extends to Lynn Haven, Panama City and Panama City Beach, in Bay County; to Blountstown in Calhoun County; to Marianna in Jackson County; to Chipley in Washington County; and to Bonifay in Holmes County.

This year’s freshwater tournament drew 550 registered participants. 

Enjoying a moment at the weigh-in are, from left, CJ Lockamy, a volunteer guide representing North Florida Sonar; Bella Smith, and her father Taylor Smith, who represented sponsor Bayou Metals. [ Eastern Shipbuilding Charities, Inc. | Contributed ]

A view of the crowd at the 22nd annual ESG Freshwater Classic. [ Eastern Shipbuilding Charities, Inc. | Contributed ]

Hosted by Justin Leake of the television show “Chasin the Sun” on the Discovery Channel, the friendly competition featured a 2,000-gallon live fish display tank, local food vendors, and a chance to win prizes in the charity raffle. 

At the weigh-in, emerging victorious for bass was John Young, of the Phoenix Labor Group, whose catch weighed 14.99 pounds. In the youth category for bass. Easton Reeves’ 3.68 pounder earned him the top prize.

For catfish, Hank Girardot from ESG was the top adult with a 33.11-pound catch, while Addie Bronson was the premier youth with a 1.88-pound catfish.

For panfish, James Eason from ESG topped the scales with a 10.33 pounder, while Logan Shiver was the best among the youth with a catch that was a little more than 13.25 ounces. 

For trash fish, Tyler Whitten from Gulf Coast Electric Coop did the best, with a 16.51-pound catch.