Light Tackle Tournament 2011

Great tournament, sloppy weather, scattered fish, but great fun!  For detailed results, click here:
http://www.stuartsailfishclub.com/LTTResultsSummary.php

For details by Jennifer Schroeder, click here:
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2011/dec/12/big-oh-surges-to-light-tackle-victory/

For tournament pictures, click here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/StuartSailfishClub

Many thanks  to all our volunteers and sponsors, and particulary to our boat owners, captains, mates, and anglers.  And, congratulations to the teams on Big O, Outlaw, and Rough-N-It.

Finest Kind Quickie Results

(From Stuart News, 12/1/11)

Congrats to all who fished & took away cash at the Quickie, especially Club Charter Member, Bone Shaker and crew.  Looking forward to seeing you next week at the SSC Light Tackle Tournament.

2011 Members Tournament Results

(View more pictures in Stuart Sailfish Club Pictures)

Yes, it happened! After a 1 week weather delay, then threats of another cancellation, and with a rules modification allowing anglers to fish "captains choice" of either Saturday or Sunday, 10 boats signed up delivering 31 hardy anglers. (We DID NOT wish to have it weathered out 2 years in a row!) Fish were few and scattered, but most caught something.

Not included in the tournament gamefish, but worthy of Honorable Mention, Conrad Casselli brought in a 22 pound blackfin tuna. 22 lbs., WOW! No kingfish or wahoo were weighed, but winners reported sailfish and dolphin. (Oh, yes, bonita and scattered barracuda abounded.)

Thanks to master chefs Andy Kubiak and Dave Powell, and the tenacity of many Club volunteers (including new members) everyone enjoyed a fun filled awards event.

Awards were as follows:

Gamefish Division
1st Place - Paver - Captain Matt George
2nd Place - Skurry Along - Captain Michael O'Neill
3rd Place - Prime Time - Captain Tom Wichers
Billfish Division
1st Place - Challenge - Captain Jim Hardee - 4 releases
2nd Place - Sea Check - Captain VJ Bell - 2 releases
3rd Place - Hotty Toddy - Captain Mack MacDonald - 1 release
Outstanding Junior Angler - Will Ponsoldt 3rd - 1 release, 1 dolphin
Outstanding Angler - Michael Fogel - 2 releases
Top Boat - Challenge - 4 releases

Congrats to all!

2011 Members Tournament Captains Meeting

Well, again, it's been hard to plan for this one. The weather gods looked like they would favor us until about 36 hours ago. Then, they turned on us. We decided to have the Captains Meeting tonight, and then try to fish next Saturday.

The turnout was light, but enthusiastic. And, food and drink was excellent. Many thanks to our volunteers, and particularly the "clean up team", as it's so easy to eat, drink, laugh, and depart leaving the "clean up" to others. (I love to do that!)

Staying behind and "leaving the place the way we found it" were the Wichers gang, Tom, Sarah, and Madison..also, Mary Jo, Sherry, JodiM, Erika, Char & Ronnie.

And hats off to the bar tenders, Mary Jo and Sherry, and provider of culinary delights, Char. Her "gourmet meatballs" brought her two marriage proposals, even right in front of Ron!

Looking forward to a little support from the weather team. Hope to see you out next Saturday, the 12th for some actual fishing.

In the meantime, check out Stuart Sailfish Club Pictures for many of Betty & Betsey's pictures from tonight.

Nautical Flea Market Weekend - Sept. 16,17,18

Liz Cordier, June Phillips, and Jodi Mills work the booth.

13 Club Members generously gave up part of their week end to work the Flea Market at the fair grounds to make SSC some money. They included Gary Greenfield, Ed Skupeen, Nippy & Sue Pauels, Liz Cordier, June Phillips, Dave & Jodi Mills, VJ Bell, John & Chase Franco, Curt Groteau, and Jim Weix. Thanks to all of you for bringing $641 into the Club in support of our scholarship programs.
And, thanks to Julie Lentine for donating space and Shurhold Industries for donating items for sale. The Club was able to sell the balance of the tournament shirts left over after our events.
These Flea Market events have brought in over $2,000 over the past three years.
Thanks to all for their help.

First Annual Charter Mania -WOW!

Two to three hundred people attended our 1st annual Charter Mania, and all report that it was a great success. Attendees toured 5 of the most successful tournament fishing boats on the Treasure Coast, talked with captains and owners, then deposited their "signed tickets" in a bucket for drawings for free charters on those boats. There were also raffles, food, drink, vendors, and prizes.

Thanks to all boat owners and captains for their time, support, and generosity. These include:

DayMaker - Capt. Patrick Price - Daymakerfishing.com

Boneshaker - Capt. Scott Fawcett - Boneshakercharters.com

Sea Check - Capt. V.J. Bell - Seacheckcharters.com

My Other Honey - Capt. Peter Morello - stuartflsportfishing.com

Challenge - Capt. Jim Hardee - Challengesportfishing.com

All donated full or half day charters to support the Stuart Sailfish Club and its scholarship program benefitting Martin County High School graduates in their endeavors toward careers in the marine industries.

Thanks also to the vendors who donated items to the raffles, and to the many SSC members who gave their time & effort to help make this a success. Special recognition to the tent builders who get the tent, tables, & chairs up & down and handle garbage & clean up detail. They include Andy Kubiak, Greg Carpino, Nippy Pauels, Tom & Van Wichers.

All agreed that we need to continue this in future years.

Look to Stuart Sailfish Club Pictures on our website for a bunch of great pictures, most compliments of Allison Wigley who really knows how to capture the best in people.

Fishing Bahamian Style - They Are Still Out There

Here is the wahoo we caught today. We caught it on a ballyhoo with the lure you got for us.
Christy

(Contributed by Lowell Clark) Thanks for the reports.

Fishing Bahamian Style

Today Leland & I fished with Don in his little boat for about 2 hours. We got some conch, a nice mutton, some yellowtails and a very big hog snapper. Leland was reeling in the hog and got it to the boat, and it got off at the boat. Don was so upset he jumped in the water and speared it before it could get away. I looked at Leland and said..Don will never find that fish, and with that Don came up with it on his spear.

Contributed by Lowell Clark

Small Boat Tournament 2011

There were sailfish and dolphin around for this year's Small Boat Tournament, but not much else are far as meat fish! But, look at the results below. Not bad for a summer tournament on the Treasure Coast! And, "fun on the docks" was terrific. A tally of 33 boats and 89 anglers made for a strong turnout.

Tournament chairs Sherry Simmons and James Robinson put together a perfect program starting out with the Captains Meeting at Manatee Island Grill and ending with the awards dinner at Sailfish/Finest Kind Marina. And, our very generous sponsors, vendors, and supporters made it all happen. See an album of pictures in Stuart Sailfish Club Pictures from our Home page.

See Ed Killer's summary from the Stuart News:

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2011/jun/19/good-times-roll-for-prime-time/

2011 Tournament Results - Adult Division

--SAILFISH--
1ST PLACE Prime Time - 150 pts.

2ND PLACE Lucky Duck - 100 pts.

3RD PLACE Hotty Toddy - 100 pts.

--DOLPHIN--
1ST PLACE Don Wilson - Coconut Express II, 27.80 lbs.

2ND PLACE Johnny Wise - Reeling 2 Go, 22.52 lbs.
3RD PLACE Brad McClatchie - Blue Moon, 22.07 lbs.

TOP BOAT Prime Time

No Wahoo, Kingfish, or Cobia were caught

2011 Tournament Results - Overall Outstanding Junior Angler

1ST PLACE Hunter MacDonald - Hotty Toddy, 78.73 pts.
2ND PLACE Heather Hasek - R Time, 75.0 pts.
3RD PLACE Jack MacDonald - Hotty Toddy, 50.0 pts.

Lindsey Bruns, a junior on the Crossroads, released her 1st Sailfish
Jeff Smith and Kevin Smith, both juniors on the Double Hook-Up, released their 1st Sailfish
William Ponsoldt III, a junior on the Litigator, released his 1st sailfish

2011 Ladies Tournament - BEST EVER!

Best Ever! That's what many said about this year's tournament. Some things we can't control...that would include weather and sea conditions. Perfect! It would also include lots of fish coming by. Some caught lots of cobia; Got-M-on (Capt. Ron Griggs) lady team put 18 dolphin in the boat and released small ones. Fast Eddy's lady team (Capt. Ed Bennett) reported 8 nice ones. There were around 8 sailfish releases. Oh, yes, some boats reported bonita everywhere.

Other things we can control, and that includes the quality and quantity of sponsors, displays and vendors, food, and entertainment. All outstanding! See the tournament page for sponsors. Tournament organizers include co-chairs Cindy, Char, and Sarah. And, hats off to their support team which includes Club members and SSC outside workers. Thanks to all, this was a great event. If you missed it, be sure to come out for the Small Boat Tournament June 17 & 18 which also promises to be one of the best ever.

Allison Wigley again handled the pictures and they are available on this web site. She gets the best shots! Check Stuart Sailfish Club Pictures for an album.

Tournament Winners today include:

JUNIOR ANGLERS

1st Place Overall - Emily Wilson on Got-M-On
2nd Place Overall - Madison Wichers on Prime Time
Outstanding Junior Angler - Emily Wilson on Got-M-On

ADULT ANGLERS

Dolphin
1st Place - Beth Strack on Creecher Comforts - 30.42 lbs.
2nd Place - Jamie on Daymaker - 25.06 lbs.
3rd Place - Magen Wilson on Got-M-On - 24.1 lbs.

Kingfish
1st Place - Ariana Costanza on Daymaker - 5.37 lbs.

Billfish
1st Place - Julie Collins - Quick Draw - 8:55am
2nd Place - Patty Miller - Miller Time - 11:38am
3rd Place - Cindy Allen - Kingsbury - 12:00noon

Outstanding Angler
Patty Miller - Miller Time

Polly Whippen Award
Cindy Allen - Kingsbury

Top Boat
Got 'em On - 117.06 lbs.

Be sure to check Stuart Sailfish Club Pictures for many great shots.

Congrats to all!

Docktail Party of 4-1-11

Greg Carpino and Emily Gregory co-chaired tonight's event and provided an all star line up. Food by Bono's, vendors for rum cakes, custom audio for most anything mobile, jewelry, and much more. And, perfect weather. Glad so many could attend, if you missed it, don't miss the next one.

Bimini Fishing Report - Thanks Capt. Billy

Trolling has been a bit slow the last week. A few wahoo were caught. I jumped off a Marlin couple days ago and missed a few wahoo bites. Lots of cudas.
A boat Lucky Seven caught 6 wahoo 40lb range and 3 dolphin yesterday.
The deep dropping has been really good since the wind dropped out.
Tight Lines
Capt Billy Black

Christening the Long Story

(Click on image to enlarge)

A couple of passer bys stopped in to help Fritz and Mary Jo christen the Long Story. How many Long Storys is this now? I know of at least 3 in the past 6-7 years! Some people just need to buy new boats every so often to have a reason for a party. Nice event, great boat. Congrats, guys!

Congratulations Lady Anglers!

(Click on images to read)


If you haven't yet picked up your March 2011 copy of Stuart Magazine, now would be an excellent time. In this month's article "Power of 10", Lady Anglers around the Stuart area are recognized. Can you pick out the ones who are also members of the Stuart Sailfish Club? Here's a clue...there are several of them.

And don't miss "Best Catches" starring Kristy Levin and Kimberlee Ewing and their Reel Sassy business!

Gotta love all these fishing ladies and members of the Stuart Sailfish Club.

CONGRATULATIONS LADIES!

Curt is 100 Years and Counting

(Click on pictures to view.)

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Well, Curt Whiticar turned 100 yesterday, and an estimated 400 people turned out at Indian Riverside Park to help him celebrate. Quite a tribute.

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Curt was named Honorary SSC Membership for his many years of service and support to the Club and the fishing industry in the Stuart area. Curt is credited for being a leader in promoting sailfish release. He designed the coveted gold SSC sailfish release pin and certificate for releases in the 1940's. Father Add, Curt, and brothers Johnson and Jack were early captains of the Whiticar fleet which fished early tournaments in the 1930's, '40's and '50's and thereafter. Whiticar boats built by Curt and Whiticar Boat Works still fish in the tournaments today.

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For more history and Curt's involvement with the Stuart Sailfish Club, see "About SSC", and "Our History" on our web site.

SSC Annual Awards Dinner

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Club Members enjoyed a fine meal and celebrations at this year's annual event at Mariner Sands Golf and Country Club. Pictures are available at Stuart Sailfish Club Pictures from our Home Page.

After an hour of cocktails & fish stories, President Andy Kubiak called the meeting to order at 7:00PM. Nominees for this years officers and directors were unanimously voted in. They are as follows:

President - Dave Powell
1st VP - Curt Croteau
2nd VP - Mike Fogel
Secretary - Dave Mills
Treasurer - Geoff Mayfield
Past Pres. - Andy Kubiak
Directors
1. Tim Bausch
2. Butch Bayley
3. Fritz Grell
4. Erica Long
5. Joe Yeni
6. VJ Bell
7. Sarah Wichers
8. Emily Gregory
9. Cindy Mumford
10. Dick Roland
11. Sherry Simmons
12. Neil Subin
13. Bill Whippen
14. Don Wilson
15. Greg Carpino

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Several SSC Members were recognized for their contributions to the Club. They are as follows:

Retiring Board Members:

Steve Butcher
Ryan Cahill
Dick Francis
Mark MacDonald
Steve Shuda – Treasurer

Lifetime Members:

Long Standing Ones:
Mary Bayley
Dean & Laura Crawford
Gene & Donna Detmer
Ed & Willy Welter
Patty Lambrecht

New since last year:
Neil and Carla Subin
Tom and Sarah Wichers
Dave and Jodi Mills
George and Jillian Fearon

Kurt Whiticar was named an Honorary Member for over 70 years of continuous support and contributons to the Club far too numerous to list here. Kurt turns 100 years old this week.

The following people recieved the coveted gold Sailfish Release pendants:
Carl Repetto – 25 releases
Kyle Francis – 25 releases
Bob Anderson – 37 releases
Greg Carpino – 50 releases

Many fortunate anglers also recieved awards & trophys for 2011 Catches and Releases. They are as follows:

2010 Sailfish Release (Total releases, dead & live bait):

1st Place Adult Angler – Rudy Poselli – 79 releases
2nd Place – Skyler Wichers – 65 releases
3rd Place – Fred Taht – 52 releases

1st Place Lady Angler – Lorraine Francis – 24 releases
2nd Place – Emily Gregory – 6 releases
3rd Place – Erika Long – 5 releases

1st Place Jr Angler – Van Wichers – 61 releases
2nd Place – Madison Wichers – 6 releases
3rd Place – Jacob Ertle – 3 releases

2010 Ed & Suzan Sellian Sailfish Release Award
(Note: This is on dead bait only) Perpetual Trophy and take home trophy
Skyler Wichers with 64 releases

Top Catch Award – Adult ­Division

Skyler Wichers – 38 lb Cobia
Artie Orlandi – 30 lb Dolphin
Gary Greenfield – 18 lb 2 oz Grouper
Mandy Price – 24 lb 4 oz Kingfish
Char Griggs - 1 lb 7 oz Pompano
Rebecca Rehe – 16 lb 4 oz Snook
Ed Skupeen – 36 lb 5 oz Tarpon
Skyler Wichers – 25 lb 13 oz Tuna
Conrad Casselli – 54 lb Wahoo

DH Detmer Wahoo Memorial Award – Conrad Casselli – 54 lbs. Perpetual Award and take home award

Junior Division

Van Wichers – 26 lb Cobia
Jacob Ertle – 22 lb 4 oz Dolphin
Jacob Ertle – 9 lb 2 o Grouper
Sean Dunnuck – 35 lb Tarpon

Top Private Boat

1st Place – Rude Awakening 93 releases
2nd Place – Hotty Toddy 65 releases
3rd Place – Scurry Along 58 releases

Top Charter Boat

1st Place – Challenge 297 releases
2nd Place – Boneshaker 147 releases

2010 Outstanding Adult Angler
(This is achieved by a point system combining releases, top catches, placing in club tournaments, etc. This applies to both adult and Jr anglers)

Skyler Wichers with:
2nd Place Total Sailfish Release with 65 releases
Ed & Susan Sellian Sailfish Release Award
Top Catch Cobia
Top Catch Tuna
LTT 9th place angler-8 releases

2010 Outstanding Jr Angler

Van Wichers with:
1st Place Total Sailfish Releases with 61 releases
2nd Place Sellian Award
Top Catch Cobia
LTT 11th place angler

The dinner concluded around 9:30PM.

Congrats to Boneshaker Crew

The Boneshaker Crew including Capt. Scott Fawcett, mates Kyle Francis, Patrick Price, Brandon Walton, anglers Joe Lehner, Sky Wichers, and Van Wichers pulled in 1st place in the Treasure Coast Sailfish Championship 2011 yesterday with a tournament record of 73 releases. Congratulations, guys. Click on articles above by Ed Killer and the Stuart News of January 9.