Fishing for a cure

Luling man wins a catch of a lifetime

Luling resident Sherman Horn is a lucky man.

First he bought a winning raffle ticket, but, as the winner of St. Charles Parish Relay for Life charter fishing trip, Horn picked the perfect day to cash it.

With his winning ticket, he got an all-expensed paid trip by Captain Michael Daigle on a beautiful day on the waters in South Louisiana.

Allowed to take several guests, Horn took his son, Jody, Luling, and his godson, Alvin, Paradis, along for a day of sport fishing.

The trip was run by Cast-it Charters, and Horn received expert guidance from Daigle and Capt. Bill Elrod, Luling. Elrod served as deckhand and photographer. In addition to showing them local hotspots for fishing, Daigle and Elrod instilled the skills that professional fishers use.

The fishing expedition is the third one offered by Relay for Life. Daigle said that it was a great success.

Daigle donates the trip for many reasons. One of which is that Daigle is a survivor. As an 8-year cancer survivor, Daigle knows how precious life is.

He donated the trip and his time in memory of Vince Matherne, a fellow member of the Real Survivors Cancer Relay Team.

Cpt. Daigle said that an amazing part of the trip was that the majority of the fish were caught in a school of dolphin. After training everybody, Daigle said only 2 fish were lost, even though a large number of fish were eaten by dolphin after they were hooked.

All told, St. Charles Parish Relay for Life raised over a $121,000 for cancer research and patient support programs. Those looking for advice to deal with pesky dolphins and planning to support the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life should contact Capt. Michael Daigle.