Eighth time’s the charm.

That was exactly true for the Washington (evening) Rotary Club this weekend during their annual Charlie Griffin Memorial Fishing Tournament.

Fishermen, Rotary Club members and guests gathered at Havens Garden Park in Washington for their most successful event yet, according to tournament organizers. More than 50 fishermen participated Saturday, setting a tournament high.

“The first time we did it, we had three fishermen, and one was my nephew, because I made him do it,” Rotary Club member Zeno Edwards said.

The fishermen set course on the river around 6 a.m. and returned for final weigh-in by noon. Members and guests awaited their return while socializing and enjoying Bill’s Hot Dogs.

At 11:30 a.m., fishermen from all over the county and beyond arrived with their catches.

First place was awarded to Washington native Larry Thomas for a 3-pound Bass. Second place went to Will James; third place, to Justin Snyder.

Thomas said it was his first time participating in this tournament, but it was a great day for him.

“It’s such a good deal,” Thomas said. “For $25, you can spend all day fishing. I even made a donation.”

The youth division’s first-place prize was awarded to Luke James for a 2.2 oz. bass. Second place went to Taylor Miller; third place, to Angels N’ Camo guest Jackie Smith.

Lisa Adams, founder of Angels N’ Camo, was the first one to stand up when they announced Smith’s prize.  Angels N’ Camo is an organization that grants hunting and fishing trips to children with life-threatening illnesses. Adams said she wants to help more children like Smith meet their fishing dreams.

“We need kids,” Adams said. “I’ve got the money. We want to help kids.”

The family of Charlie Griffin, for whom the tournament is named, was also an integral part of the tournaments success. They attended the tournament last year, but didn’t have the chance to fish. The whole family agreed fishing this year made them feel more involved. Family members traveled many miles to attend the event — some from nearby Greenville, others from as far away as Columbia, South Carolina.

“[Charlie] would be so proud of Rotary for doing this. He loved Rotary. This is very special,” Griffin’s wife, Marcia, said.

At the conclusion of the event, (evening) Rotary Club organizers expressed gratitude for the event sponsors and donors and said they look forward to next year’s tournament.