13th Public Affairs Detachment

Story by Spc. Eric Glassey

Service members and civilians gathered at Slayer Lake, in the shadow of Victory over Iran palace, to try and reel in the big one during the second annual Operation Catch Fish competition, March 7.

Professional anglers Sondra Rankin, Eric Maninno and Joe Mercurio were on hand to host the event. Sondra Rankin is a country music singer as well as the star in her own TV series, "Turn up the Bass." Eric Maninno is a host of his own show as well as being co-host of Operation Catch Fish with Joe Mercurio.

Service members enjoyed a few hours off from their normal work to enjoy a fun and relaxing day of fishing. "It is nice to get out of the office and relax," said Master Sgt. Betty Rupp, non-commissioned officer in charge, S1, Garrison Command, 326th Area Support Group. Rupp won second place in the female division with a 3 pound, 15 ounce fish.

Gifts were handed out to all the participants while the top winners received special prizes such as fishing reels, watches and the first place winner, Jason Sparkman, with his fish weighing in at 13 pounds, 1 ounce, won a TV.

The first place in the woman's division was Pfc. Ariadna Lee, water treatment specialist, 299th Brigade Support Battalion, weighing in at 4 pound, 9 ounces. She was awarded a watch and a bag full of various fishing lures and hooks.

"I love it [Operation Catch Fish]," Rankin said. "We are giving the troops an opportunity to get a day off and win a few prizes."

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