WE FISH FOR THE CAUSE
Brandon's Story
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We started the Bay Creek Classic flounder tournament in 2008 on an inspired whim – pooling a good group of local fishermen to help a good buddy in a moment of need. It could’ve been a one-time deal, and that would’ve been fine. Great friends, amazing pig, tremendous fishing, and an even better cause. What we didn’t realize at the time was that we were actually creating a new tournament – one that harkens back to the simpler days of the original Wildlife flounder tournaments, with more spontaneity than rigid rules, more warmth than glitz, and something about the whole picture that just feels right.
In the time that has passed since Brandon’s accident and the first tournament, many things have changed. We’ve been through as many stormy days on the water as slick ones, and Brandon has been on a roller coaster of his own. His highs include the recent birth of a little flounder pounder named Evan Edward Matthews, several successful days on the water himself (including rescuing Matt and me from the jaws of defeat in a Fisherman’s Post tournament last year). I assure you, the man can still hold his own on the water. Unfortunately, we also have to talk about a slew of recent storms in Brandon’s life. His quadriplegic condition leaves him at the constant mercy of infections that rip through his body like the Cape Fear tide. Just the same, he is at the complete behest of a frustrating and complicated health care system that does not cater to someone who happens to be physically limited, but wants to be independent and self-sufficient. In short, the daily antibiotic IV and pile of meds are coming out of pocket. Brandon literally goes to war with this stuff every day, It’s no mystery that the heart of Long Bay, which sweeps from Wrightsville to Little River, is a flounder mecca. There are as many flatfish tournaments in this neck of the woods as there are tourists. Well maybe not that many, but still, it’s a veritable tour of doormats from May to October, and we can probably boast the best flounder fishermen and women in the country. So it can be tough to choose which ones to fish and which ones to skip. If you’re picking and choosing tournaments this year – or like me, your time is limited to one tournament this fall – come fish the Bay Creek Classic. In a nutshell, it’s a laid-back good time that will provide immediate medical support for Brandon and his family. It’s copper by George's copper fish trophies are part of the winnings again, along with cash prizes. Plus, the barbecue is unreal. Let’s take a minute on Saturday, September 30th to lock arms and circle around a fellow Cape Fear fisherman who needs us right now more than ever. Thank you so much for your support. Sincerely, Capt. Doug Cutting Tournament Co-founder |