8 FOCUS - JUNE 2017 from the KW-Cambridge Bassmaster club. “We’re pumped!” the three volunteer when I ask wheth- er they are looking forward to the event. The remark elicits a chuckle from Mark who beams with pride at the trio who qualified for the championship amongst a wide field of more than 5,500 student athletes representing 600 schools in 45 states and several provinces. It’s clear to see that the boys look up to Mark, so to have him there to provide much needed guidance at the tournament is a big deal. But it also works both ways. Mark is a great mentor and his willingness to share his skills and expertise with the teens says a lot about the type of character that he pos- sesses: he teaches what he knows but has a willingness and desire to help his charges develop into great anglers. “Fishing takes patience and sometimes you don’t get something right immediately. I prefer to let the guys try what they want first and if the fish aren’t biting, I ask them what they think they should do before I make any sugges- tions.” Though he’s been fishing in tournaments for more than two decades, Mark remembers only too well what it was like just starting out in the field. “You have to help them develop and trust their instincts and that doesn’t happen overnight.” Fishing, with its downtime and opportunities for quiet contemplation, has made Mark aware that having mean- ingful conversations about angling minutiae are what will help the guys move the needle in towards those areas of the sport that matter the most to them. A particular focus of his is the ethics of the sport and he makes sure that all of the younger members are respectful of following the rules whether in a tournament or just sitting in another member’s boat. It can also mean hours of debate about lures, bait, vari- ations on shoreline and the small changes in the weather patterns that might make the average person go batty. “Having a passion for the sport is mandatory,” Mark tells me, and all of the guys -- Mark included -- have that in spades: they live and breathe fishing. “It is not unusual for Aaron to go out fishing before school,” Aaron Fusco’s mom, Michelle, tells me. “Or after school, actually,” she adds. The other parents echo the sentiment, as well, saying that their guys are out on the lake as often as possible. It doesn’t hurt that all three live within walking distance of Lake Scugog and can be on it whenever the urge hits them, which, as mentioned, is often. It is impressive, however, to see passion like this trans- lated into real skill. Add to this, the fact that Mark and the boys are ambassadors for their sport and are insistent on raising awareness that getting into bass fishing and participating in tournaments does not have to be an in- timidating experience. Mark suggests that coming to their monthly meeting is a great first step and getting involved. “You don’t need fancy tackle and lots of rods. The point of the club is to make friends and have a good time fishing.” The boys second that emotion. Reel Deal (continued from page 7) BUICK GMC 10 Vanedward Drive, Port Perry 905-985-8474 www.gusbrownportperry.com Celebrate Canada’s Birthday... Ride in Style BIG RED 2017 Sierra 1500