BigBendFishing.Net

We're all recovering from a FULL day courtesy of TNT Hide-A-Way and the lovely Wakulla River.

The day started around 10:30A with the family and I paddling out from the TNT Hide-A-Way to just enjoy the day and the scenery. We couldn't track down any Manatee, but did get to see racoon working the bank downriver, lots of birds, and a couple of gators. Oh yeah, there might have been a mullet or two running and flopping around. LOL!

We returned back to the launch at around 1P to find the 30th Anniversary Celebration in full swing. The food was TERRIFIC. It's pretty hard to mass-produce quality at a cookout, so I don't go in expecting much. That was some good eats!

We sat around with full bellies and watched my wife's name be pulled into the pile of 10 that went into the pot with some on-air winners for a drawing by 94.9 TNT Country for a 14' Redfish. Her name was the last one of the folks that registered onsite to be pulled. That got her into the final group where you wanted your name to be pulled last. No sooner had I said, "You're name's been last once already, watch it be first when it really counts!", then they read her name. Oh well, better luck next time.

We purchased a couple of tickets for the 12' Redfish drawing, but couldn't stick around until the drawing at 4P. It's 6:30P now and no call so I'm guessing our luck didn't change! LOL!

We enjoyed watching the kayak races and my 8 y/o daughter actually took place in the race for her age group. It was her first time in a kayak by herself and I was really proud of how well she did!!!

Even though it was a VERY hot day, TNT had things set up wonderfully to make everyone comfortable. Outstanding!

I have to say that my current kayak addiction started with a rental at TNT. I'll always remember that. One thing that I noticed most today, was at this gathering, there were no strangers. Rob's Mom was getting so many hugs and had so much rapport with so many... ...you'd think she has 150 children. It takes a lot of goodwill to generate the kind of friendships and relationships I saw today.

Thank you for a wonderful time! Congratulations on the first 30 and good luck on the next!!!

Thanks Ron for all the kind words. we at TnT hideaway are glad you participated in our 30 th anniversary party

we had a great turn out and the weather coroperated all day

my day started at 8:00 with a guided trip down the Wakulla river with Carrie from Cash and Carrie morn. show on 94.9 tnt country.
Carrie had a blast and is so funny she could have her own show. we arrive at 98 brg. 11:00 with the smell of bbq in the air and my tummy growl'n.

12:00 TnT country arrive for the live broadcast and drawing for grand prize.




1:30 we have our grand prize winner of the 14' redfish kayak


2:00 the games begin with some short sprints races in 3 age groups

18+mini sprint prizes gift certificates for canoe or kayak rental



13 - 17 mini sprint prize $25 wal-mart gift card



8 -12 mini sprint prizes 1 st and 2nd game set or squirt gun set from wal-mart



4:00 we started the raffle for our suprise 12' redfish angler , Kayak paddle and MTI Adventurewear pfd.
the winner was drown out of a box of tickets by Charles Pulley's 5 year old daughter carol.
and the winner Charles Pulley's family



some more raffle ticket were drawn for prizes donated from area buinesses

- the Inn at wildwood ( one night and a round of golf)

- geographic design (24 x 18 mate palms at pinhook)

- gold gym ( 1 month membership )

- womens world ( 1 month membership )

- Hawaian nails ( manicure )

- Seineyard ( dinner for 2 )

- fusion cafe ( gift certificate )

- Albert's fine dinning ( gift certificate )

- Myra Jeans ( breakfast bar for 2 )

- MTI Adventurewear ( hats)

more photos and story in the Wakulla news

special thanks to the crew at TnT hide-a-way for a great job !!!

Charles,
You got that thing rigged to your bike yet?

Not yet Eerman, but have no fear. It will happen.

I would like to express thanks from my family to Robbie and all the folks at TnT for such a wonderful day.

Excellent food.

Followed by Carol (5) winning some small prizes at the childrens games.

At 2 I became involved in a short sprint of a kayak race and placed a solid second behind Chris. Who is, I should say in my own defense, an excellent kayaker in his own right, and a fair bit younger than I. I could keep up with him I just never could quite pass him.

Incidently, Chris was with Robbie and I the day we paddled from the lighthouse to the back of Stony Creek and back. Vainly in search of the elusive redfish. Them both in kayaks and me in a canoe.

My son, Yuta (14) was in the next race and also placed a solid second.

Followed by more food.

Followed by hanging out on the porch at TnT, watcing the river and talking to some of the other folks.

Now, this is the funny part.

Saturday morning the wife and I are talking about going to this shindig.

Where are we going to put the kayak, if we win?, she askes.

Out in that pile of canoes (3) beside the house, I guess, is my reply.

We get there and she askes how many raffle tickets we want.

Two, I reply, thinking that we are not going to win anyway.

4 rolls around and its time for the raffle.

The four of us are sitting at a table right by where the officiating (Robbie and his Mom) will be done.

Robbie explains that the first drawing will be for the kayak, paddle and life vest.

Someone in the crowd yells out to let a kid draw the ticket.

Robbie turns to the closest kid, my daughter, Carol, and with a little coaxing from me to stick her hand in the box and pull out only one ticket, she sticks her little hand in, pulls out a single ticket and hands it to Robbie. Who is momentarily stunned when he sees the name printed on it.

So, after keeping us all in suspense, he reads off the name of the winner of a brand new Heritage Redfisher 12, Heritage paddle and MTI Adventure wear Dorado lifevest.

My 8 y/o daughter wanted that 12' Redfish so bad! If she couldn't win it, I can't think of anyone more deserving! Congratulations, Charles!

Thanks, Ron.

It is a nice boat. The kids like it even more than I do.

Ill probably try it a few times and switch back to my tried and trusty canoe, but the kids would live in it if the wife would let them keep it in the livingroom.

I was back by TnT yesterday and Robbie mentioned selling some of his old stock again this year, during the offseason. Thats where I got my canoes and Ive been very happy with them.

That's great, Charles! I'm so happy for you guys!

Rob, please let me know well before you do that. I'd like to get something small for my 8 y/o!