Pastilong Wins Celebrity Fishing Event

Morgantown Dominion Post
25 July 2009
By Alex Lang

Moments after being announced as the winner of the celebrity Pro-Am Bass Fishing event, WVU Athletics Director Ed Pastilong stood off to the side, holding his first-place plaque.

"This is going up next to the Big East Trophy," Pastilong joked.


WVU Athletic Director Ed Pastilong holds up the winning fish in the Celebrity Bass Tournament, on Friday after-noon, at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park. Jason DeProspero/The Dominion Post

Pastilong was one of several local celebrities who teamed up with professionals to compete in the event. The Pro-Am was the kick-off to this weekend's West Virginia Bass Federation Invitational Championship. Pastilong won the event with a fish weighing one pound, nine ounces.

Pastilong said he fished the Monongahela River with Morgantown Mayor Bill Byrne and federation president John Burdette for about four hours. Burdette caught the winning fish, but Pastilong didn't mind getting the credit. Pastilong added he just enjoyed his time being able to fish again.

Though he thought he knew how to fish, Pastilong said while spending time on the boat with professionals he learned several new tricks to help him land his next big catch.

Pastilong said he thought having the Pro-Am was a perfect way to kick start the fishing event.

"I thought it was a nice way to draw attention," Pastilong said.

Fishing is the perfect sport for a Pro-Am event, Burdette said. Fishing can be done by anyone and paring celebrities with the professionals is a great way to raise awareness of the event.

"It lets everyone know about the tournament," Burdette said.

Burdette said he doesn't get to fish as much as he likes because of his responsibilities as president.

Being able to take place in the Pro-Am was fun because he spent Friday afternoon fishing and talking with two celebrities.

While on the boat, he tried to give some helpful tips on casting and other fishing methods, Burdette said. Though he was out with a prominent politician, Burdette said he didn't bring up politics.

"When you get out there," Burdette said. "You leave that business stuff behind."

The federation will hold its championship starting today. There will be weighins at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park at 5 p.m. today and Sunday.