For several years, fans of pro basketball and Major League Baseball have had opportunities to attend fantasy camps in which they work out with and learn from the professionals.
Now, Bobby Wilson, a South Carolina pro angler, has put together a similar program for bass fishermen. Called Camp Fish-N-Fun, Wilson's fantasy camp is suited to all fishermen over the age of 12, but is aimed at those who follow the professional bass fishing circuits.
Wilson has lined up 26 bass pros to eat and fish with campers, and to teach shoreside seminars. Among the better-known pros signed up for the weeklong camp are David Fritts, Woo Daves, Guy Eaker, Peter Thliveros, O.T. Fears and Stacey King.
"These guys are going to fish with a different pair of campers each day," said Wilson, a qualifier for the 1993 BASS Masters Classic. "They aren't going to fish, but they are going to teach while they are on the water."
They also will teach shoreside, with four seminars scheduled daily.
"What we want to do is make this a complete fishing experience," said Wilson. "You fish with the pros, you eat your meals with the pros and you socialize with the pros, too."
The camp will be based at Camp Bob Cooper on Lake Marion in Summerton, S.C., during the week of Aug. 13-19.
"If we get a lot of interest in this first go-round," said Wilson, "maybe we can get more dates in the future. But for this year it is one week only."
Cost of the camp, which will include meals, lodging and fishing gear, is $995 for those over 18 and $895 for those 12 to 18. Call 1-803-473-FISH.
Used-boat show moves
The spring used-boat show that has been held in Annapolis has been moved to the Mears Point Marina on Kent Island and will run May 5-7.
The beauty of used-boat shows is that dealers, brokers and private owners have craft for sale and the great majority of boats will be fully outfitted with electronics, ground tackle, safety equipment, etc.
A smart shopper who takes the time to look around likely will find a good boat at a fraction of the cost of buying and outfitting a new one.
The show will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission will be $6, with children under 12 admitted free if accompanied by an adult.
Watchable Wildlife
Next weekend, May 5-7, is the Delmarva Birding Festival, during which the Department of Natural Resources and the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art will run field trips throughout the lower Eastern Shore as well as at the museum in Salisbury. The trips will be part of DNR's Watchable Wildlife program, which was initiated to increase access to wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities.
The Ward Museum is looking for volunteers to help with the field trips and museum programs. Call (410) 742-4988, ext. 109.