I vividly remember a very young Eric fishing early WON Bass team tournaments with his dad Larry. And while it’s probably safe to say that the elder Elshere carried the team in those early days, it became very clear very early that he had passed on his tremendous fishing skills to his son - to the point where Eric became a master at unlocking the secrets of those finicky Lake Casitas giants.
Although I don’t have the exact numbers readily available, it seemed as though there wasn’t a WON Bass tournament - especially at Lake Casitas - where I wasn’t handing Team Elshere a check. Yeah… they were that good.
But where the extremely popular father and son team absolutely soared was during the Trolling Motor Doctor and then J&T Tackle Night Team Tournaments that my staff and I ran. The masters of the day frequently weighed in the monsters of the night.
I learned of Eric’s illness a little over a year ago - yes, I still lurk around the WB forum from time to time - and I was devastated. Where is the justice? Kids are supposed to bury their fathers, not the other way around.
But then I realized and remembered that this Elshere kid was special. Never was he disrespectful or rude to anyone and never did I hear him say a cross word about anyone - something unheard of in the sport of bass fishing. I realized that God had other, much bigger plans for this extremely kind soul. God’s plans included teaming Eric up with the greatest fisherman of them all - his own son.
While my heart, thoughts and prayers go out to Larry and the rest of his wonderful family and friends, I can say that I am a better person today for having had the honor and pleasure of having known young Eric Elshere.
God Bless You, Eric.
Ron Cervenka
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