PAA General Member Eli Delany makes State Team while “Fishin’ with a Mission” for Autism
www.fishpaa.com - August 1, 2008

PAA General Member Eli Delany had a memorable weekend in July, when he finished qualified to compete on the Massachusetts State Team in 2009. As Delany competes, he works to promote Autism Awareness as his boat and jersey are emblazoned with the familiar multicolored puzzle pieces of the cause. Congratulations Eli from the Board of Directors and Staff at the Professional Anglers Association.

Read Delany’s write up on his topic below:

This past weekend, I qualified for the Massachusetts BASS Federation Nation State Team, on Lake Champlain. I weighed in 15.10 lbs on day one of the event and finished on day two with 13.07; I totaled for 28.17 lbs to finish in 6th overall. In doing so, I made it to the State Team as a boater for next years B.A.S.S Regional event.

I was very fortunate that everything worked out just right and I had a group of fish that replenished themselves for two days, despite very adverse water conditions. Which were caused by weeks of
severe thunderstorms in the area that had muddied the waters in the lake and caused it to rise several feet.

Running north from Ticonderoga to my area each day, much of my success is due to the superior products that helped me succeed in the prestigious event. The Mercury 250 XS and Stroker Boat combo helped me out run all competition, enabling me to gain valuable fishing time in my prime areas. Fishing with Gamma Fluorocarbon line gave me a decided edge with the zebra mussel laden bottom
and with the “harder than normal fighting” Champlain bass due to increased current from recent rains.

I feel very excited about the opportunity to represent Massachusetts at the regionals next year and feel this will enhance the visibility of my platform of raising Autism Awareness. By qualifying in a “boaters position” for next years regional’s I will be able to fish the national exposure event out of my Autism Awareness wrapped boat and further bring to the forefront, public awareness of Autism.