Avid anglers snag sizeable bass Published May 24, 2010 By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- For some people, fishing is a leisurely outdoor activity spent with the family or friends. However, for one Team Minot couple, fishing proved to be a chance to represent an entire base and create lasting memories for years to come. Minot's own Master Sgt. Danny Christ, 5th Bomb Wing staff and 5th Medical Group first sergeant, and his wife Staff Sgt. Virginia Christ, 5th Security Forces Squadron security controller, had a chance to attend the Military Bass Angler Team Tournament, held at the Lake Point Marina on Lake Eufaula near Eufaula, Ala., May 2 to May 7. The tournament is an annual event geared for the avid angler in uniform. "I have fished this tournament several times in the past," Sergeant Christ said. "It was an honor to represent Team Minot at such a large venue." This year's 20th annual military tournament hosted a record setting 159 teams consisting of members from all active duty components from all across the country. Members in the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard were represented. Such a gathering of backgrounds displayed the military's sense of family. "It shows the military has two sides, mission and people," said Sergeant Christ. "It is important to let the Airmen and all military members know we do have events out there for them to enjoy." Minot is known to have a high operations tempo. But the tournament proved to be an opportunity to take a break and enjoy the camaraderie of other active duty members. According to Sergeant Virginia Christ, it was also a chance to gather a few memories for the future. "My favorite part was the first day of take," the sergeant said. "We were boat # 17 and took off in the first flight. As we were haulin' at 70 mph across the water, I looked back and saw 80 more boats doing the same. It was very intense." Sergeant Danny Christ also said fish weren't the only thing he caught. "I actually caught a 4-foot gator," said Sergeant Christ. "It came up out of nowhere and took my buzz bait. I fought it all the way to the boat and when my wife asked what we were going to do with it, I cut the line. He looked a little too angry to get my bait back." The couple placed a respectable 96th out of 160 in the event. However, after a week of fishing, the shirt said he was ready to get back to work. [Editors note: To see the final results from the tournament, please visit www.militarybassanglers.com.]