Fishing pond opens at Kalsu

Photo By Sgt. Maj. Jason Stadel | Spc. Stephen Crofoot won two Bass Pro Shop gift certificates for catching a carp at the grand opening of the Forward Operating Base Kalsu fishing pond May 15.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

05.18.2008

Story by Sgt. Jason Stadel 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By Sgt. Jason Stadel

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Anglers at Forward Operating Base Kalsu now have a place to create fish stories with the grand opening of the FOB's newly-built fishing pond May 15.

The pond is 18-feet deep and naturally filled with ground water. It was stocked with more than 1,200 carp to give Kalsu's fishermen an opportunity to catch the 'big one.' The fishing pond is for catch-and-release only.

Staff Sgt. Justin Davis, Company A, 26th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, is an avid fresh and salt water fisherman who already has plans with his dad to go fishing once he returns to the States.

"It's kind of funny," said Davis, a native of Palatka, Fla. "My dad and I were talking about it would be cool if I could go fishing in Iraq. He's never going to believe that I actually am."

Fish were introduced to the pond in early May. The FOB Kalsu Mayor's Cell is responsible for the pond's upkeep, including feeding the fish.

Davis, who is typically a bass and catfish fisherman, said fishing for carp at the pond is still relaxing.

"It reminds me of home, for someone like myself that enjoys fishing, this is great," he said.

During the brief ceremony, Lt. Col. Mark Weinerth, 26th BSB commander, thanked everyone involved in the daunting task of building the pond.

"It took some hard work by dedicated individuals to get this pond here," he said.

The grand opening included an hour-long contest for the fisherman in attendance. Gift certificates were provided to the catchers of the first and most fish. The opening was held in 90-plus degree, mid-day heat and Davis said it would be hard to catch many fish in those conditions.

His prediction was correct.

Just one fish was caught during the grand opening. Specialist Stephen Crofoot, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd BCT., was the winner of both Bass Pro Shops gift certificates since he caught the first and only fish. Crofoot is a broadcaster for the brigade's Public Affairs Office.

With the pond being catch-and-release only, Davis said in time there might be some big fish in the pond.

• Date Taken: 05.18.2008
• Date Posted: 05.18.2008 14:58
• Story ID: 19564
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ