Yesterday, Bassmaster Classic champion Alton Jones and his family, along with Women's Bassmaster Tour champion Judy Wong, spent nearly an hour in the Oval Office with President Bush.
Jones and Wong were invited by the President shortly after they won their respective championships.
In the Q&A that follows, Jones talks about the experience.
BassFan: You met with the leader of the free world. What was the experience like?
Jones: It exceeded my expectations in almost every respect. I was expecting just a short visit, but when we got there, the White House liaison said they had good news. The White House was very excited about our visit, and rearranged some of the morning schedules. So instead of going in at 10:40, we went in at 10:00. We stayed until 5 minutes to 11:00, so we had almost an hour with the President.
We spent a short time with the Press Corps too, and had photo ops for me and my whole family, but then spent about a half hour just hanging out with the President and chatting in the Oval Office.
It was unbelievable.
What did you talk about?
Actually, he did kind of a little sermon. He really wanted to share with us some of his impressions of what it was like to be president, and some of what it's like as he prepares to become an ex-president. He shared some of his thoughts, looking back over his administration, and had some words of wisdom for our children – all of us, really.
What really sticks out the most in my mind is, when he was talking to my kids, he talked about some of the decisions they'll have the opportunity to make. He said, "Popularity is for the moment, but principles last a lifetime. When you have a chance to choose between doing the popular thing and doing what sticks to principle, stick to your principles every time."
It was a great message.
Did you talk fishing?
We did talk fishing. I actually brought him a tackle pack from Yum and Booyah, with some hand-selected lures that I think would work well at his lake in Crawford (Texas).
And we talked about a bunch of fishing things. He's ready to spend some time fishing.
I did get an invite to come fish at the ranch in Crawford. We haven't set a day for that, and it might not actually happen until he's out of office. But he said I'll definitely be invited to come fishing in Crawford.
Along with you and your family, and Judy Wong, did anyone else attend?
They gave us great freedom in choosing, and my parents came along. And my business manager Elvin Smith accompanied me, and Tom Ricks, the GM of BASS.
What did it feel like sitting in the Oval Office, where so much history has been made?
It almost brings tears to your eyes. You look at the furniture, and President Bush would tell you how it was used by other administrations, and the significant things that occurred at this spot or at that desk.
I'll say this: It's an awe-inspiring time. And certainly, a couple of times during some of the things he was saying, I was fighting back tears. You come to think of the decisions that were made where we were.
And he's a very sincere man. He's a tremendous enthusiast for the outdoors, and it was just a great time being with him.
Notable
> Jones is traveling back home to Waco, Texas, and will leave shortly for the Falcon Bassmaster Elite Series.
> Wong's impressions will be published at a future date.
