The Shadow
ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. (VR) – The 12th Annual Fish for a Cause bass tournament made waves this Saturday at Lake Moomaw, bringing together 30 boats and dozens of anglers for a day of competitive fishing, community support, and heartfelt giving. Though high winds blew across the lake throughout the day, the weather remained beautiful, setting the stage for another successful chapter in this growing event.
Taking top honors were Nathan Alt and Ray Deisher, who weighed in 12.46 pounds to claim first place. They also landed the tournament’s Big Smallmouth, a 4.11-pound beauty that helped lock in their win.
Antoni Pogorelski came in a close second with 12.23 pounds, followed by the Craft / Craft team with 11.01 poundsin third.
Top Six Teams:
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Nathan Alt & Ray Deisher – 12.46 lbs
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Antoni Pogorelski – 12.23 lbs
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Craft / Craft – 11.01 lbs
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Scott / Nicely – 10.73 lbs (also caught Big Largemouth at 3.38 lbs)
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Eric & Connor Schultz – 10.23 lbs
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Smith / Garber – 9.99 lbs
Altogether, anglers brought in 97 fish totaling 184.76 pounds, reflecting both impressive skill and a healthy Lake Moomaw fishery.
But this event was about more than just fishing. Proceeds from this year’s tournament went to Pat Smith, a beloved local resident battling NASH (Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis) and in urgent need of a liver transplant. The outpouring of support was evident throughout the day—and especially touching when Sheriff Kyle Moore presented the proceeds to the Smith family. You could clearly see how much this event means to him, as the emotion behind his words and actions resonated deeply with everyone in attendance.
Sheriff Moore took time to thank all the sponsors, prize donors, and Modern Woodmen of America for their generous contribution. He also gave a heartfelt shoutout to his own family, who played a major role in helping run the event behind the scenes.
As the boats came off the water and the final fish were weighed, one thing was clear: Fish for a Cause is more than a tournament—it’s a community tradition rooted in compassion, generosity, and unity. Plans are already underway for the 13th annual event, and the bar has been set high.
