Members of the Georgia Utility Contractors Association (GUCA) competed to win the first South Georgia Fishing Tournament, but on-the-job safety was the big winner.

The tournament, held at George T. Bagby State Park in Ft. Gaines, GA, raised funds for the Hard-Hat Safety Gala, the “academy awards” recognizing the best safety performance of GUCA members, according to Vikki McReynolds, GUCA executive director.

“This year was the very first time,” McReynolds said. “The goal and purpose is to promote safety education and training.”

The tournament was held in conjunction with the GUCA South Georgia Conference, which attracted 60 attendees.

About 30 of them angled for the fishing honors, with Clarence Mays of Laser Products in Fairburn, GA, hooking first place honors, with a total weight of 11 pounds, with five fish qualifying.

Second place went to Karey Dickerson of Strack Inc., of Fairburn, with a total weight of 7.25 pounds and two fish qualifying.

Third place was a tie between Joe Gooden, also of Strack Inc., and Larry Cooper of Willow Construction of Powder Springs, with a total weight of six pounds and two fish qualifying.

Mays garnered more than $1,000 in cash and prizes, and, McReynolds said, it was the first fishing tournament in which he had ever competed.

The Hard-Hat safety Award gala top winner was Ronny D. Jones Enterprises Inc. out of Newnan, GA.

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