USSA’s recent hunting and fishing event held in central Florida for two well deserving young folks was a resounding success! Our trip started out with a day of fishing on the bass fishing paradise at the Roland Martin Marina on Lake Okeechobee.
The Marina was founded in 1981 by 19 time B.A.S.S. Champion and 9 time Angler of the Year Roland Martin. Captain Mark King and Roland Martin Marina sponsored the event for a United States serviceman and a special lady. Luke and Shannon who were granted this opportunity endured many obstacles in their young lives.
The bass fishing was excellent, with a number of very large fish straining graphite rods and weary arms alike! It is days like this spent in the great outdoors that help make any difficult days ahead easier to bear.
After the great fishing, our trip moved inland near Indiantown, FL to a ranch caller J & R Outfitters, owned by Mr. Joey O’Bannon. Their home-style cooking and southern hospitality was out of this world. This family operated ranch resides on 4,000 plus acres of wild, picturesque and game-rich land. A variety of native game call this land home, including deer, wild hogs, quail, wild turkey, ducks, dove, and snipe (not the ones you catch in a bag holding a flashlight!).
With bulldog determination and the expertise of guide and mentor Jamie O’Bannon, Luke was able to bag an awesome trophy 6x6 red stag which provides excellent table fare as well! Not to be outdone by her hunting partner, Shannon braved the elements in search of her trophy. The consistent rain that afternoon wasn’t able to dampen anyone’s spirits. As hunting time was winding down, she was able to harvest this fine 6x6 red stag as well! Good things do come to those who wait and Luke and Shannon exemplify that!
Many thanks to Captain Mark King, Roland Martin Marina, O’Bannon Family and J & R Outfitters for the everlasting memories they etched in the hearts of Luke and Shannon.
God bless you all.
Brigid O'Donoghue
The Marina was founded in 1981 by 19 time B.A.S.S. Champion and 9 time Angler of the Year Roland Martin. Captain Mark King and Roland Martin Marina sponsored the event for a United States serviceman and a special lady. Luke and Shannon who were granted this opportunity endured many obstacles in their young lives.
The bass fishing was excellent, with a number of very large fish straining graphite rods and weary arms alike! It is days like this spent in the great outdoors that help make any difficult days ahead easier to bear.
After the great fishing, our trip moved inland near Indiantown, FL to a ranch caller J & R Outfitters, owned by Mr. Joey O’Bannon. Their home-style cooking and southern hospitality was out of this world. This family operated ranch resides on 4,000 plus acres of wild, picturesque and game-rich land. A variety of native game call this land home, including deer, wild hogs, quail, wild turkey, ducks, dove, and snipe (not the ones you catch in a bag holding a flashlight!).
With bulldog determination and the expertise of guide and mentor Jamie O’Bannon, Luke was able to bag an awesome trophy 6x6 red stag which provides excellent table fare as well! Not to be outdone by her hunting partner, Shannon braved the elements in search of her trophy. The consistent rain that afternoon wasn’t able to dampen anyone’s spirits. As hunting time was winding down, she was able to harvest this fine 6x6 red stag as well! Good things do come to those who wait and Luke and Shannon exemplify that!
Many thanks to Captain Mark King, Roland Martin Marina, O’Bannon Family and J & R Outfitters for the everlasting memories they etched in the hearts of Luke and Shannon.
God bless you all.
Brigid O'Donoghue
