Local Children Iowa Master Anglers
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When picturing someone who has been named Master Angler, the mind easily sees a gentleman who has spent years perfecting his art of finding the perfect bait, predicting where the fish are grouping, and practicing the age old art of patience while waiting for a bite. Yet, the state of Iowa awarded Master Angler certificates to males and females in a variety of ages in 2007. Among the youngest of those were Matthew and Kaitlynn Hess of Larchwood.
On an October fishing trip with their grandpa, Lee Rath, of Larchwood, Matthew and Kaitlynn had some unexpected excitement. Kaitlynn reeled in a 16.5 inch white bass, and a 10.5 inch yellow bass, while Matthew snagged a 16.5 inch white bass and a 10.25 inch yellow bass. The siblings didn’t think that the fish were that large, especially when compared to the size of other species. But while they were in the bait shop called Shucks, someone mentioned that Kaitlynn’s fish was the largest yellow bass that they had seen all year. This was even more surprising since it was fall and already getting cold. Grandpa Lee was thrilled when he was advised to send in photos of the fish complete with sizes to the state of Iowa to see if their catch of the day qualified for any awards. After all, he had hired guide Ryan Hale to scout the best locations to catch fish, and that decision turned out to be a great one.
Matthew and Kaitlynn sent in the information from their big day of fishing with Grandpa. Not very long afterward, both brother and sister received 2007 Iowa Master Angler certificates and Iowa Big Fish Award patches. Then, another surprise arrived in their mailbox. As Master Anglers, both of them were invited to a sportsman’s show at the Uni-Dome in Cedar Falls. To their delight, they and almost 300 other Iowa Master Anglers were presented with a limited edition print which was created only for 2007 Iowa Master Anglers. Making their trip even more special was the chance to see their uncle, Tony Rath, who resides in Cedar Falls. Proud uncle, Eric Rath, made a special trip from college to get together with the rest of the Rath clan that day.
A Transitional Kindergarten student at West Lyon Community School, six-year-old Matthew enjoys playing video games, helping his dad, Brady, work around the house and swimming in the summertime. Nine-year-old Kaitlynn, a third grader at West Lyon Community School, loves Girl Scouts, basketball and softball. The Hess kids spend the colder winter months counting down the days until they can once again spend the day fishing with Grandpa Lee. Matthew and Kaitlynn repeatedly ask mom, Amber, and when the next fishing trip will be. Right now, anticipating the coming summer, Matthew and Kaitlynn are even more excited about their fishing trips as they will use their new fishing poles and tackle boxes they received for Christmas from Grandpa Lee and Grandma Vicki. Grandpa Lee is looking forward to the trips as well. He recently purchased a 31 foot camper that came complete with bunk beds for grandchildren, which will make their fishing trips even more memorable. While their 2007 Iowa Master Angler and Iowa Big Fish awards are very special to the Hess children, the time they spend with Grandpa Lee making priceless memories while fishing is what they will hold onto for the rest of their lives.