By: Don J. Hampton
On December 17, 2012 with the passing of Jerry Moon, the fishing industry lost not only an icon but also a pioneer in the live release of bass in competitive tournaments, conservation and restocking.
Jerry was instrumental in the first designs of ‘Live Release Boats’ partnered with Toyo Shimano, Tom Brooke and Prince-craft boats in Canada . Before becoming fully dedicated to the healthy release of bass in competitive tournaments he was a Canadian pro circuit angler partnered with Mack Teegarten from Pennsylvania and occasionally with Tom Brooke from Shimano , Canada . With the stepping in of PETA and the short growing season for smallmouth bass in Canada , an answer had to be found and Jerry was a key factor in the resolution of both problems.
The first ‘Live Release’ boats were designed on Princecraft V-hull boats. It was then discovered a larger boat was required for this and a pontoon boat was required for the excess weight of the tanks, water, aeration and equipment that was required.
Jerry drove and worked the ‘Live Release Boats’ from coast to coast. Not only returning healthy bass caught in tournaments back into their native waters to be caught again another day but also participating and assisting in re-stocking programs from Lake Mead, Lake Havasu plus other lakes and reservoirs across the nation. One of the ‘Live Release Boats’ was donated to BASS and several other boats were built and sent to the United States to help in the preservation of bass.
In 1988 Jerry was a key factor in translating competitive fishing into a marketing value when he became the Shimano Representative for Texas , Oklahoma , Arkansas , and Louisiana along with his other responsibilities as a rep for Lowrance and return sales with Skeeter. “To think, Jerry did all of this without a computer, just a big cheap tablet,” said his wife Terri Moon.
Tom Brooke, now retired from Shimano but head of Canadian Fish & Game said, “Shimano is still reaping the benefits of all the hard work Jerry did in his field!”
In 2001 Jerry donated the tanks that are now on the Lake Fork Sportsman’s Association Live Release Boat. His only request to me when he donated the tanks was that his name would not be associated with it but the Shimano logo should always be on the lids, because they made it possible. With every bass saved on Lake Fork Jerry will be remembered.
Some men are not so much remembered by their names but more so by their deeds and accomplishments. Jerry Moon did this. I’m so proud to say I was his friend and myself and many others will miss him dearly. My condolences and prayers go out to his wife Terri and to all of the family and friends.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Jerry passed away on December 17th. On December 18th a disreputable individual broke into Terri Moon’s boat and stole everything in it. The list consisted of Shimano Sahara 500 and Sedona 500 reels on 5’ and 5.5’ Compre rods, a Lowrance HDS-10 and a Lowrance HDS-7, plus all of her tackle. If someone tries to sell you any of these items at please contact me at: 903-360-6994, a reward is posted. Terri is most concerned about her electronics. The information in the machines is vital towards her way of making a living. If you bought these units your money will be reimbursed with no questions asked. Anyone wishing to make donations you can contact Ken or Dana at Lake Fork Marina or at Wood County National Bank in Hogansville under “Terri Moon Benefit Account”.