Sep 19, 2005 By Josh Krysak 3 min read

FARMINGTON – “I caught a big one but I don’t think I want to hold it,” Parker cries, a fat, small-mouth bass ganging from his fishing line. Nearby his father, PGA pro Franklin Langham laughs and then helps his oldest son remove the hook from the 1.62 pound bass, the second biggest caught during Wednesday’s annual Bass Classic at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa’s 84 Lumber Classic.

Langham is the converse of elitist golfers, in wrinkled khakis and a red T-shirt, he and his sons interact with each other with love and respect.

Parker, 8, Carson, 6, and George, 4, all watch the water with happy eyes, hoping to pull the next catch from the water.

“They are getting to have some fun this morning and then they have a tutor this afternoon to keep them up to date with school,” Langham said.

According to the fishing tournament organizer Brad Yablonski, the fishing at the resort has grown every year with more than 100 players, caddies and families participating in this year’s fishing event.

Yablonski said the Bass Classic this year was sponsored by Fishers of Men, Chestnut Ridge Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Orvis, Mustad, Rapala and Berkley and added that the increased response from the players and families have allowed the event to continue to grow and attract new sponsors.

“This is a family event and something we get a good response to every year,” Yablonski said. “It is great to see the kids get to spend some time with their dads and to see their smiles so wide.”

Langham hails from Peach Tree City, Ala., and in this, his seventh year on tour. The pro has played well, something he feels is in part to his strong family life.

“I heard this was a great event that you just had to bring your kids to,” Langham said. “Here you have fishing and the Hummer Course and putt-putt golf; you know, the hardest thing about being on tour is being away from home. This is a great chance to spend time with the family. “

Not able to handle his own equipment as he runs from one son to the next helping to rebait and recast, Langham is visibly proud of his boys, who are polite and happy kids.

“For me the real attraction to come here was to get to spend some family time,” Langham said. “The course is challenging and the greens are firm and I think I have a chance to win any week, but this place is great for the family.”

Langham said his wife, Ashley, was busy Wednesday with their 4-month-old son, Oliver, but added that she will also take advantage of the many amenities at the world-class resort during the tournament, including Nemacolin’s famous spa.

“This is a great thing for my golf game,” Langham said. “It is a release from golf. I can leave everything on the course and get into spending time with them.”

Despite the volatility of the game he loves, Langham said his family is really the key to his success.

“This game is like riding a roller coaster, but I get through because of my stable and wonderful family life,” Langham said. “In this game it is so easy to focus on yourself, but my kids and my family, they are my focus. My kids are my hobby.”