4

Hi, my name is John " Sandman " Stafford. I have been nominated for the annual “ Hammer Award “. I received my nomination following the 4 th tournament of the new fishing year of 07-08 ( February). The circumstances surrounding my nomination are as follows: On February 9 ^th I contemplated my course of action while traveling to our tournament site, Tensaw out of Cliff's. I had been there the previous week and caught fish North of Cliff's. Since I had located those fish I choose to go south first in order to see if I could locate even bigger fish North, prior to going to my 1st choice of spots.While cruising to my 2 nd location I saw a promising spot that I knew must be holding fish. I glanced away from my depth finder for just a few seconds (" that is my story and i am sticking to it"). Then without warning my boat came to an abrupt halt.I remained there from 9:30 AM till 4:00 PM. I had found the most beautiful beach I could have possibly found. I looked all around and in my delusion I saw many beautiful young ladies in the skimpiest of bikinis. I also got the distinct opportunity to use by bump board to measure the depth of the water. I determined I had bested both Frank " teacup " Kelly and Billy " bud light " Blackwell by 1/4 of an inch giving me the Panhandle Bass Club record for shallow water entry. Just like some fish I have caught, the depth came up short. What started out as a day of fishing became a day at the beach and I had failed to bring my swim trucks or sun screen. One consolation was I had this beach to myself and I certainly wasn't going to disturb fellow club members to come to my assistance. I wanted this beach all to myself. Oh by the way, I caught no fish to add to such an exciting day.

It is for this event at our club’s 4 th tournament of the new fishing season gave me the honor of being the 4 th nominee of our prestigious “ Hammer Award” .

Attention update

Just when I thought I could get through the 2008 fishing season with only a small sandbar incident to qualify me for a hammer award nominee then came a hot, tough September tournament. Nearing the end of a grueling 2nd day of the tournament I was preparing to return to the weigh in. I readied my boat for the trip home. I put the front pedsestal seat down and stored my road. I cranked the mercury motor up and hit the hot foot and the bow kept rising. Just as the waveof resfreshing water came over the bow I realizedthat I had failed to pull th trolling motor up. I quickly did so hoping no one from the club had seen, but no such luck. John Buck saw what had happened and couldn't get back to weigh in quick enough to impart his most valuable information to all. Here I ama gain adding to my resume for the hammer award.