For determined kayak fisher Bryan Morrow, simply getting out for a fish took on a whole new meaning last month.

Mr. Morrow, an employee with Heidelberg Materials, took part in the third annual Pan American Kayak Fishing Championship on Lake Murray near Columbia, South Carolina. Representing Canada in the international competition, Mr. Morrow and his fellow Canadian anglers finished fourth, one healthy bass away from claiming the bronze medal.

That the tournament happened at all was nothing short of a meteorological miracle. Mr. Morrow made the final trek into tobacco country through heavy rain and wind just after the tail of Hurricane Helene lashed the region, almost causing a cancellation of the late September weekend. Approaching the city, Mr. Morrow was only able to drive about 20 mph.

Finding the Fish

“We actually weren’t able to put in at the planned launch on Saturday morning because of the trees that were down and roads being closed,” Mr. Morrow said, adding that the water’s turbidity made luring striped and large mouth bass by sight nearly impossible. Top water and vibrating baits were the order of the day. Mr. Morrow was able to net a 23” striper in very tough conditions.

On Sunday, Team Canada tried a launch on the main part of the lake, where the visibility was much better. After some experimentation with lures and baits, the team finally ran into some fish. Mr. Morrow landed a 23.5” striper and an 18” bucket mouth in the last 90 minutes of the tournament, giving the Canada side a hefty haul and vaulting them to within a few inches of the podium.

Mr. Morrow was asked to take part in the bi-annual event for Team Canada in 2020 but that three-day derby was washed out due to COVID. He managed to qualify for this year’s competition by finishing 8th overall in the 2023 Ontario Kayak Bass Trail series. 

Veenstra & Lloyd’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, and Outfitter Financial sponsor Mr. Morrow. He thanked his employer, family, and friends for supporting his dream of taking part in an international fishing showdown for Canada.

“It’s such an honour to be a part of a group of dedicated Canadian anglers. I learned a lot and was really happy to get out on the water and fish on Lake Murray — especially after the Hurricane almost wiped the tournament out.”