By Mike Giles
Mason Wooldridge pitched a Norman crankbait next to the bank, hesitated a second and started cranking the lure down. Seconds later the crankbait slammed to a stop as a lunker bass crushed the lure and headed for deep water. Young Wooldridge set the hook and fought the monster bass like only a seasoned angler could. Had he done any different he would not have caught the bass.
After quite an epic battle the young angler led the bass to the waiting net and his first 10 pound bass was history. After a couple of photos the proud angler gently released the fish back to grow up some more and provide some other lucky angler the chance to catch one of their own. Though Wooldridge provides his family with plenty of fish to eat, he also releases the ones that are not needed and practices catch and release of lunker bass as well.
The West Lauderdale eighth grader is a talented athlete, angler, and outdoorsman who excels in all activities.
As a result of Wooldridge’s accomplishments and positive attitude, he has been awarded this year’s 3rd annual J. P. Nolen Award.. The award is given in memory of James. Patrick Nolen for outstanding conservation achievement and sportsmanship in the pursuit of fish and game in the Mississippi Outdoors. Young Wooldridge has exhibited qualities aspired to by hunters and anglers many years his senior.
Mason has consistently overcome the odds while exhibiting his love for nature and wildlife while possessing a genuine concern for people as well. While harvesting fish and game is an important part of our conservation process, Wooldridge’s thoughtful attitude and spirit of achievement, along with his strong conservation ethics have shown that he truly deserves special recognition.
J. P. Nolen was raised in Webster County and spent most of his adult life in the Jackson area. As a young man he fought under General George S. Patton’s direction in Germany, while facing nearly insurmountable odds and excelling in many battles. Though many men died valiantly while fighting beside him, Nolen made it through with only minor physical injuries, but deeply touched by the travesties of war.
Nolen eventually overcame the ill effects of World War II and enjoyed a rich life spent in God’s great Mississippi outdoors. In the process he taught many youngsters, including myself, the ways of fish and game and how to properly harvest them. He believed in properly utilizing our natural resources and that included taking some for food, though he frequently practiced catch and release while fishing as well.
“You’ve got to make it happen, there’s no such thing as can’t and your time will come” were some of the well worn phrases he often told me during my formative years. And many times I’ve seen him offer lures; advice and even his time while helping complete strangers learn how to fish and catch fish.
Red, yellow, black or white, it didn’t matter to him. Nolen’s love of the outdoors and people transcended almost everything. But he believed in doing the right thing, and he was quick to help, but if you thought you were going to ignore the game or fish laws, he was equally resolute in his disdain. And he was quick to let you know.
Mason Wooldridge encounters everyday with a positive attitude and a zest for life and serves as a shining example of living life with a positive attitude while achieving things that others often feel is impossible. Mason Wooldridge “imagines the possibilities” not the obstacles and makes a difference in his life and others, and that is right on the money in the spirit of what the J. P. Nolen award is all about.
Congratulations Mason. And thanks for reminding us that life is all about overcoming obstacles and challenges while living life to the fullest. Sponsors include: R. W. Williams Taxidermy and Hunting Supplies, Tim Harris Stump Grinding, Mike and Joe Giles, Johnny Cumberland, Kye Clearman and Jack and Joy Giles.
