Catch of the year: Airman reels in top honors

Published Dec. 7, 2006
By Kelly Twedell
Staff writer

POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Tech. Sgt. James Poirrier from the 23rd Maintenance Squadron munitions flight holds a new title: the American Bass Anglers (ABA) Air Force "Angler of the Year" for 2006.
Sergeant Poirrier returned to Pope in February 2006 after a year long tour in Korea. To achieve his goal to qualify for nationals, he entered every possible tournament. Going into nationals he ranked 75th in the nation.

The nationals tournament took place Oct. 1 through 7 at Kentucky Lake in Paris, Tenn., where the Airman placed 16th out of 518 anglers.

Finishing in 16th place at nationals earned him the title of ABA Air Force Service Team "Angler of the Year," district 16 Champion, North Carolina top points holder, and 11th in the nation for 2006.

Sergeant Poirrier has been competing in bass fishing for approximately 10 years. He was taught about the sport by his father and grandfather as a young boy, and has since passed on his knowledge to his three sons.

To prepare for an event, he may go out a day or two before the tournament to check the temperature of the water. Depending on the time of the year the temperature will vary. In the springtime the bass will start moving up in the shallow water to spawn, around 55 degrees, making them easier to catch. In the summertime, they'll back off and move back out into the deeper water when the water temperature gets a little warmer. In the fall, the bass migrate again back to shallow water to prepare for the cooler weather.

During a tournament, there is always a five fish limit. The rules for the size of the fish vary depending on the state and lake you are fishing in. In North Carolina, the majority of the lakes rule a limit of two 12-inch fish, and three 14-inch fish to meet your five fish maximum. Harris Lake is considered a trophy lake, so anything between 16 and 20 inches, you have to put back in the water. Jordan Lake has a 16-inch size limit.

Although a five fish limit may sound minimal, Sergeant Poirrier said it is tough sometimes to get those five fish when there are 518 competitors in their boats, like at nationals. While bass fishing tournaments are considered a gentleman's sport, there are still rules that apply, such as the 50-yard minimum distance to be kept between the boats on the water. For safety issues, anytime the motor is running, a life vest must be kept on. The boats are inspected to be in good working order from the lights, to the pump, and to ensure it is functioning up to standards to maintain safety for the other fishermen.

Sergeant Poirrier fishes all over the state of North Carolina from Roanoke to Gaston, to Carr, and locally, Harris Lake and Jordan Lake.

"Jordan Lake is a really good springtime lake that has huge bass there," said Sergeant Poirrier. "Harris Lake is one of the best bass fisheries along the entire east coast."

It is located toward Raleigh on site at the Harris Nuclear Power Plant.

For beginners he recommends starting out low. Poirrier said a person doesn't need to go out and buy the best equipment and a fancy boat, just the basics. Competing at the level he is at, Sergeant Poirrier has a 21-foot bass boat.

Tournament fishermen are not allowed to use live bait. Sergeant Poirrier prefers to use lures, Jigs and worms, spinner baits and top water lures. Most of the fish he caught at
nationals were caught using top water lures. For bass or game fish, Poirrier said if he were going to use live bait, like when he takes out his three boys, he uses minnows or goes out with a cast net for shad as that is their natural forage.

If you are fishing with live bait in the county that you live in, you do not need a license. However, to fish in any tournament, a basic North Carolina fishing license is required. For local fishing information and regulations go to http://www.bragg.army.mil/wildlife/ to obtain temporary day permits and view which lakes are open or closed due to restocking.

While Jordan Lake is a manmade lake, and it was at one point initially stocked with fish, it is plentiful. Alan Schultz, chief of Fort Bragg Wildlife, said they manage 20 lakes in the local area. This entails disease monitoring, watching the water levels, draining and fertilizing to promote growth, and also restocking the fish throughout the year.

"McFadden Pond, off of Butner Road, is a youth only fishing lake, where there are a lot of bream that will bite for the kids," said Mr.Schultz.

Sergeant Poirrier said he is always taking anglers and non-anglers alike out on the water to promote awareness for the sport.

"I am always thinking, 'what can I do to get children involved in the sport or educated about the outdoors?'" said Sergeant Poirrier. "I never miss an opportunity to teach a child."

The Airman has a passion for the sport and has participated in numerous other events. In May, he competed in Warriors on Water Tournament with Airman Jason Planc. Most recently Northwood Temple Church in Fayetteville sponsored the outdoor event "Saving Our Families."

One of Sergeant Poirrier's local sponsors is Power Swain Chevrolet. Poirrier is one of 25 members on their fishing team.

Poirrier's next big tournament: the desert. He is set to deploy for 120 days with the Airmen from the 23rd MXS.

Warriors on the Water