Best Fish Story of the Year

[Eric]

Yesterday, my super good friend Chuck Reese (about 70 years old) was out on LSC with his 7 year old grandson Chance.  They had caught a few bass when Chance suddenly yelled to Chuck that he had a big fish.  He did.  He fought it to the boat and Chuck helped him get it in the boat.  It was well over 5.  The took a few nice pictures, let her go and went back to fishing.  After a bit, they decided to go and catch some largemouths in some canals.  They had caught a few when Chance suddenly yelled again.  This time it was becasue he had just seen a baby fall off a wall into the water.  Chuck didn't see it and asked Chance what he was talking about.  Chance pointed to where he saw that baby fall and then they saw the baby's head bob.  Chuck fired up the motor quick and hurried up there.  He told Chance to take the trolling motor and Chuck dove in after the baby.  He was able to get the baby above water and swim to the wall with the baby.  He worked along the wall until he got to a ladder and got the baby up the ladder.  By now, the very pregnant mom was out there and was able to take the baby from Chuck.  The baby appeared to be fine.  All the while, Chance is running the trolling motor making sure the boat stays clear of them in the water.  The baby was apparently out playing with an older brother when it happened.  The older brother ran to get mom when the baby fell in.  Chuck swam to the boat, but was unable to get in it.  He had Chance pull him to a ladder with the boat, then climbed the ladder and was able to get back in the boat.  They went back to fishing and caught a few more.  The brand new phone is ruined, the big fish pictures are lost, everything in his wallet is pretty much ruined.  But, there is a baby alive today that would have certainly died without the heroics of Chuck and Chance Reese.    

[t-bone]

That is great. I'm sure he could care less about the phone... big cheers to everyone and a good reason to teach your kids how to handle the boat.

[Dan]

Wow! What a great story, and a happy ending to boot. The cell phone is a bummer though. Those things aren't cheap. I know in the scheme of things the cell phone is inconsequential, but it still will need to be replaced. Maybe we could start a kitty to contribute to to help him with the replacement. I'd be in for it. Sounds like a good job for DK. Get a board set up that we could send donations to.

[Mike S.]

Man, the thought of an innocent child nearly dying, or worse, makes me sick to my stomach. Thank God for people who aren't afraid to risk it all for a good reason.   Hats off to that man. That is exactly why my 11 year old knows how to operate the big motor and trolling motor on my boat. You just never know what could happen. I just wish I could convince my wife to get over being afraid of driving the boat.

I'm glad that all involved are well.

[djkimmel]

That is a great story and Chuck has always been a super nice, friendly positive addition to the human race! Another example too of why bass boats should all come with ladders (from someone who has learned how to climb back in his boat).

[Anthony Adams]

Wow! What a great story, and a happy ending to boot. The cell phone is a bummer though. Those things aren't cheap. I know in the scheme of things the cell phone is inconsequential, but it still will need to be replaced. Maybe we could start a kitty to contribute to to help him with the replacement. I'd be in for it. Sounds like a good job for DK. Get a board set up that we could send donations to.

Honestly if you know his carrier I would hit up the carrier for a replacement. The story is priceless and they maybe willing to help out for hearing it.

One of my best friends lost his 18 month old boy that was at a day care this way. This brings up some sad memories. So glad to here the baby was fine.

[t-bone]

Here is the news report of the story including a great video of Chuck and Chance!

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2011/09/02/news/doc4e60b4b78a125507757748.txt

[Waterfoul]

Having met Chuck, stayed at his house a couple nights, and fished out of his boat... his heroics on that day do NOT surprise me at all.  Chuck is a great guy, selfless and kind.  It only follows that his grandson (and all his grand kids) would be the same.

Way to go Chuck and Chance!!

[Dan]

Any body have this guys address? I'd like to send him a few bucks toward a new phone.

[Eric]

I do have his address.  I go visit him frequently.  But he would never think of taking anything from anyone.  So please do not send him anything other than your thoughts.  Thanks.

[fuzzygrub1611]

 Maybe an email campaign to his cell phone carrier to replace his phone.

[djkimmel]

That's really cool! Way to go Chuck!!!