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St. Cloud, Fla. – By now the story of Bassmaster Elite Series pros Glenn Delong and Charlie Hartley’s boats as they prepared for the season opening event on the Harris Chain is old news, but the anglers won’t forget it, or the response from sponsors, friends and competitors.
Delong contacted The BASS ZONE wanting to thank all of the people who stepped up to help him. “I want to make sure that everybody knows who got me over the hump, and that I thank all of them publicly,” Delong told The BASS ZONE. “I was busy with back to back tournaments, but it is important that I get the word out.”
While the situation has left an indelible mark on him, Delong said that the support of his sponsors, friends and competitors he was able to get back on his feet for the event. “I want to make sure everybody knows how much I appreciate the response I got from everybody,” he said.
“My sponsors really went above and beyond to get me gear and tackle,” Delong told The BASS ZONE. “Scott Dubiel and Berkley flew Abu Garcia reels in for me, Powell Rods express shipped rods to me next day air, River2Sea overnighted some tackle for me, Black Dog Bait Company rushed some lures for me and Champion Boats called Loc-R-Bar who sent me a new Loc-R-Bar that day,” he reported. “But, the support didn’t stop there; my competitors jumped in as well.”
Along with his roommate Kennedy; Delong said that many of his Elite Series colleagues stepped up to offer support and gear if he needed it.
“James [Kennedy] gave me rods and reels to practice with, Kevin VanDam and Marty Stone each invited me to dig through their tackle; my Powell teammates Jared Lintner and Ben Matsubu gave me rods and John Murray also came to help. Tommy Biffle made sure I had plenty of fishing line,” Delong said. “So many of my competitors offered to help, I couldn’t accept it all.”
Delong said the outpouring of support was incredible and he would have never expected it, but was so impressed by it that he was humbled by it. “I am blessed to do what I do, and to have everyone rally around me has been amazing; I really appreciate it and want to make sure everyone knows how much it meant to me.”
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