    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [March 25, 2008]
    [Pages 412-413]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting With the 2008 Bassmaster Classic
    Champion and 2007 Women's Bassmaster Tour
    Champion
    March 25, 2008

        The President. I've got the fishing champs from this year. And,
    Judy, thanks for coming.
        Judy Wong. Oh, thank you.
        The President. She is from Many, Louisiana. She won the Women's
    Bassmaster. And Alton Jones from Waco, Texas, won the Bassmaster
    Classic.
        And I thought it was important to welcome these champs here to the
    White House so that--you know, to encourage people to fish. There's
    nothing better than fishing. I had a fantastic experience with Alton and
    our friend Charlie Pack. He was a famous local
    fisherman, and he said, ``Do you want to go fishing with a fellow named
    Jones?'' I said: ``I've never heard of him. There's a lot people named
    Jones.'' [Laughter] It turns out, the man I was fishing with is the--
    wins the Bassmaster Classic.
        This is a good, clean sport. It's a sport that requires good
    conservation in order to make sure our fisheries are good. And I love
    welcoming the champs here. And so we're glad you're here.
        Ms. Wong.  Thank you.
        The President. The people in Louisiana and Texas are proud of you.
        Alton Jones. Well, it's an honor to be here. You know, fishing with
    you, I've got to say that President Bush is actually a very good
    fisherman and a great conservationist. And I'm really not sure who's
    working who here. I'm hoping to get an invite to fish on his lake in
    Crawford.
        The President. That's right.
        Mr. Jones. And he's looking for a free fishing guide. [Laughter]
        Ms. Wong. I would be glad to take you any day on Toledo Bend.
        The President. That's good.
        Ms. Wong. Okay.
        The President.Well, thank you, Judy.
        Ms. Wong. And bring Laura as well.
        The President. Well, yes, she's--I'm a good
    fisherman; sometimes I'm a good catcher-man. [Laughter]
        Mr. Jones. There's a big difference.
        The President. Yes, there is. Anyway, thank you all for coming.

    [[Page 413]]

    Note: The President spoke at 10:11 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to TV host and fisherman Charlie
    Pack.