Great Junior Angler Tournament - 2013



(Click pictures to enlarge)

STUART SAILFISH CLUB JUNIOR ANGLER TOURNAMENT - AUG. 10, 2013

With brisk winds and choppy seas blowing up late morning, 35 anglers (8 to 18) hung in and fished all morning aboard the Safari I charter boat.  Another 25 kids fished on smaller private boats.  All were participating in The Stuart Sailfish Club’s 35th Junior Angler Tournament out of Sailfish Marina Saturday morning.  Most of the boys and girls on the Safari I were from the Florida Sheriffs Youth Camps from around the state for the second year in a row.  Ten anglers were from The Port St. Lucie scout troop who joined in the fun.  They all caught fish, with large blue runners being the dominant catch.  Kids on the private boats caught dolphin and kingfish up to 24 pounds as well as many Bonita. 

Back at Sailfish Marina each fish was weighed, including a certificate of catch, photographed and displayed by the happy anglers.   After a BBQ lunch prepared by “Southern Pig and Cattle Company” each angler received the traditional rod and reel from the Club as well as dozens of sports and fishing prizes won in a raffle.  Every angler won something.  After lunch the trophies covering offshore and inshore categories were presented. The nearly 40lb and 3’ high, Ted Glasrud Perpetual Outstanding Junior Angler Award was won by Derek Scherz as the Club junior angler with the most points/pounds overall.  He had just joined the Club prior to the tournament! Brent Kane won the Yamaha motor donated by Manatee Marina for his 4 kids.

A heartfelt moment came when Andrew Boyer, from Merritt Island, who had just won a new bike in the raffle came up to the emcee and offered to give his new bike to one of the Florida Sheriff Youth Camp kids.  The 20 club volunteers who organized the event and all of the 120 adults and kids in the crowd were overwhelmed by his generosity. In addition to the many raffle prizes, the Florida Youth Camp kids were going home with two new bicycles!  Heartfelt thanks to all of the sponsors and volunteers; the Club could not hold such an event without their support. 

RESULTS:  OFFSHORE
Ted Glasrud Perpetual Outstanding Junior Angler Award -   Derek Scherz
Outstanding Offshore Angler – Ethan Milton
Outstanding Inshore Angler – Baylor Bullock
Kingfish -  1^st- Derek Scherz (24  #) , 2^nd- Ethan Milton  ( 18 #)  ,3^rd - Marlin Huff ( 16 #)
Dolphin -  1^st - Chase Franco (  5 #)
Bonita  -   1^st – Chase Franco  ( 12 #),   2^nd -  Derek Scherz  (  11 #),  3^rd – Marlin Huff  ( 8 #)
Peewee Division –Kingfish, 1^st - Bentley Forester (13 #), Bonita 1^st– Bentley Forester (9 #)
Outstanding Peewee Angler - Bentley Forester

INSHORE:                                                   
Snapper -    1^st -  Baylor Bullock                                
Trout –  1^st - Baylor Bullock       
Catfish – 1^st - Lindsay Carnes              
Ladyfish – 1^st  - Morgan Carnes

VOLUNTEERS

Team Leaders: Martin Kurtz, Jim Weix, Brett Shamming, Betty Olliges, Carol Burke, Tish Gelineau, Erica Long
Volunteers: Beth Davis, Keith Grandchamp, John Millroy,Joyce Powell, Doug Lindsey, Andy Kubiak, Chase Franco, Bobby Beatty, Jeffrey Mullen, Corry Gindlesperger, Brisley Lopez, Betsey Riley,

CHAIRMAN: Dave Powell

See and album of pictures at Stuart Sailfish Club Pictures from our web site.

www.stuartsailfishclub.com                                 Contributed by Dave Powell

CONGRATS TO 2013 SSC SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Dave Powell with Greg Kusel and Ashley Meade

Representing Martin County High School are Greg Kusel and Ashley Meade.

 Greg has been active with the Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts and has received some of their highest awards, as well as being active in several other civic activities. In the area of marine service and conservation, he has volunteered with the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuse, Indian River lagoon Oyster Habitat Restoration, and Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup. He plans to study Environmental Engineering at University of Florida in order to focus on such issues as water runoff, nutrient levels in water and how to encourage efficient use of land to maximize the natural habitat for plants and animals.

 Ashley was awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze Congressional Meals for her voluntary public service. Among other activities, she has worked with the American Red Cross and Boys and Girls Club. She has over 650 volunteer hours. Additionally, she is a member of the Treasure Coast Junior Rowing Club and has won several awards. Ashley will attend U of F, FIT, or SUNY where she plans a double major in Wildlife Conservation and Ecology as well as Biology.

 

 

 Liz Cordier with Jennifer Guerra and Victoria Caba

From Jensen Beach High School are Jennifer Guerra and Victoria Caba.

 Included among the many organizations Victoria has volunteered for during high school are Beach Clean Up, Treasured Lands Foundation, Red Cross, Humane Society, and the Environmental Study Center. She plans to attend University of Miami, University of South Florida, or Florida Institute of Technology and study Marine Biology. “One personal goal of mine is to continue to work to keep our marine ecosystems and marine habitat healthy and clean. Water is viewed as a renewable resource, but our oceans and its ecosystems are nonrenewable.”

 In addition to the many extracurricular activities at school (Key Club, Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, Earth Savers Crew, Cheerleader, Relay for Life to name a few), Jennifer has nearly 200 volunteer hours with such groups as the Environmental Studies Center and Environmental Studies Junior Council. She understands that realizing her dream of becoming a Marine Biologist will be a financial challenge for her and her family, but she is determined. She plans to attend UCF and major in Marine Biology.

 

 

Liz Cordier with Brisly Lopez

 

Representing South Fork High School is Brisly Lopez.

Brisly’s co-curricular activities have been largely focused with JROTC. “I was the S-5 assistant sophomore year, a Company Commander my junior year, and I am currently the primary S-6. S-5 is in charge of public affairs, which includes taking pictures and posting up newsletters for every month. Being Company Commander, I am in charge of 2 classes, a total of about 40 students. Our mission is to help teach the cadets about JROTC and to help influence them to be better citizens. I am now the primary S-6, and in charge of organizing major events such as the Raider PACMAN Challenge, Military Ball, and the Homecoming float. We won 1st place in both the Raider Challenge and Homecoming float.”

Brisly plans to attend Florida Atlantic University or Indian River State College to study Marine Biology and become a Marine Biologist.

 Many thanks to all our 2013 Scholarship Recipients for helping out at SSC functions this summer. Special recognition goes to Greg and Brisly whose faces have become familiar to us on several accessions.

2013 Fishing Classic

53 anglers on 20 boats fished Stuart Sailfish Club’s 2013 Fishing Classic. This Father’s Day weekend event differed from previous years in that it included the Ladies Tournament and Small Boat Tournament rolled into one day. Men, ladies, and juniors fished for sailfish, dolphin, cobia, kingfish and wahoo using their choice of dead or live bait. Interestingly enough in this summer time event, all species were caught except dolphin.

The Friday night Captain’s Meeting was held under the tent at Sailfish Marina where Rules Committee Chairman, Tom Wichers read the rules , and the Awards Dinner took place at the Fish House Art Center in Port Salerno Saturday evening. Activities included a 50/50 raffle, Silent Auction, and Chinese Auction. Proceeds go to fund SSC’s college scholarships for Martin County HS Seniors who are going on to careers in the marine industry.  5 of this year’s recipients fished this tournament, Greg Cusel and Ashley Meade on R KA NU and Victoria Caba, Brisley Lopez, and Jennifer Guerra on Unicity, a 48 foot boat generously donated by Tom Dyer for this purpose. Brisley released her 1^st sailfish ever.

The Tournament Committee Members, Liz Cordier, Gary Greenfield, Tish Gelineau, Erika Long, Don Wilson, Brett Schaming, Jim Weix, Bill Whippen, and Martin Kurtz wish to recognize and thank the many volunteers who generously gave their time to make this tournament a success. And, the Stuart Sailfish Club thanks our sponsors, boat owners, and anglers who support these fun events. Please visit our sponsors and give them your business whenever you have a need.

Trophy winners are listed below. Many pictures will be posted on Stuart Sailfish Club Pictures from our Home Page this week. Congratulations to all our winners.

20 boats – 53 anglers – 14 Releases -12 on live bait – 2 on dead bait – 1 on a J hook

JUNIOR DIVISION

1^st Place           Jon Fogel         25 pts. 1 Sail (Live Bait) (Challenge)

MEN’S DIVISION

3^rd Place          Dave Powell    30.64pts.         1 King (R KA NU)

2^nd Place          Skyler Wichers            32.36pts.        1 Wahoo, 1 King (Prime Time)

1^st Place*         JJ Davidson      50.00pts.         1 Sail (Dead bait) (Lucky Duck)

*It was later determined that an earlier release by Dustin Hicks was recorded as Live Bait due to radio distance relaying confusion, and actually was on Dead bait.  Therefore the Club issued an additional 1^st place trophy to Dustin Hicks on Coconut Express.

LADIES DIVISION

3^rd Place           Patty Miller     45.45pts          1 Wahoo (Lo Que Sea)

2^nd Place          Jodi Fogel        50.00pts          2 Sails (Live bait) (10:25) (Challenge)

1^st Place           Nicole Mueller 50.00pts         2 Sails (Live bait) On Time (9:07) (Scurry Along)

TOP SMALL BOAT      < 35', Total Poins

Prime Time     57.36pts.         1 sail, 1 Wahoo, 1 King

POLLY WHIPPEN AWARD      Total points sailfish release, Member Lady Angler

Jodi Fogel       50pts. 2 Sails (Live Bait)

POWELLS FIND ST. CROIX AND TARPON

Dave and Joyce were recently at their son's second home on the quiet east end of US Virgin Island of St. Croix.  Quiet, it was for R and R for Joyce.  I found small schools of 20 to 80# tarpon just off of some of the beaches within easy casting distance.  Changed my sons medium weight spinners to 30# braid and 40# fluoro leader rigged with # 5 circle hooks in DOA type soft bait fish and 4" crabs. Fished about 1 hour each evening and always hooked up.   Usually took about 1/2 hour to get them to the beach and release them.  The biggest was 60# and the smallest about 20#.  Photos are of a 40#’er and the east end of the island.  Teague Bay and Chenay Bay were the best spots, but they were at many beaches as the locals do not fish for tarpon.  In a couple of months the new owners (friends) of Chenay Bay resort will be offering our club members a 50% discount on cottages.  More on this when the deal is finalized.  Direct 3 hour flights from Miami make St. Croix a great beach fishing vacation.
 
(Contributed by Dave Powell)

So You Think You Can Fish!

Congratulations (again) to SSC Member Lorraine Francis for winning the International Women's Fishing Association (IWFA) Kay Rybovich Trophy for catching and releasing the greatest number of species for the year, 2012. Count 38! This is the 2nd time for her. She has also been the winner of the Ginny Sherwood trophy for accumulating the most weight points for a year. The Kay Rybovich, along with the Crowninshield and Sherwood trophies are to honor the members who founded the IWFA in 1955.

You may recall we reported on Lorraine in  February, 2010 for taking 1st place honors at the 2010 International Women's Billfish Tournament in Guatemala. Lorraine caught 21 pacific sailfish. She also was High Angler on day 2 releasing 10 sails. On day 3 she caught 8 fish on "Rum Line", formerly the "Outlaw" from Stuart.

Again, congratulations, Lorraine. Your represent yourself well and we are proud to recognize you as a member of the Stuart Sailfish Club and call you our friend.

Dennis Roseman Speaks Swordfish!

Nearly 40 people braved the wind and rain that wasn’t to attend our April 5^th general meeting. The weather forecasters made many think that it might be too nasty to be out.

Food and drink began at 6:00pm and the meeting came to order at 6:30 with a few announcements including Dave Powell’s reminder that he and Liz Cordier would be presenting the Club’s college scholarship awards to students from three Martin County High Schools this coming Tuesday, Thursday, and the following Thursday. Five students qualified this year by being in the upper third of their class and planning to enter college to study for careers in the marine sciences.

Then, meeting chairman, VJ Bell introduced our guest speaker for the evening, Dennis Roseman. Dennis is Captain of Blue Barron II, a commercial sword fishing boat, sister boat to Blue Barron owned by Tim Palmer.  Dennis talked on sword fishing, rigging techniques, and differences between day time and night time fishing. Many were surprised to learn that sword fishing is generally better around the full moon, unlike fishing for most other species.  As an aside, several of us take our fishing gear to Dennis for repair or rigging. He owns Offshore Tackle Repair, located at 2201 SE Indian St, Unit #3, Stuart, across the driveway from Chapman Marine Supply.  His number is 772-214-6731.

Following Dennis’s question and answer period, Jodi Mills won the 50/50 raffle that raises money for our scholarships. And two lucky recipients won drawings for two very nice shirts donated by Brent and Heather Kane, owners of Fish Heads Bait and Tackle. If you haven’t stopped in there to shop yet, you should. They are very well stocked with excellent gear, and they give Sailfish Club members 10% off.

The meeting closed at 7:45 with the announcement that the next meeting is May 3^rd.

Many thanks to VJ, for getting the meeting together, and Liz, Tish and their volunteers for meals and bar service, John Millroy for handling the PA system, and Butch Bayley and his staff for their space, tables, chairs, etc.

Capt. Wink Knows Fishing!

A standing room only crowd of sixty-five members and guests gathered to swap stories and listen as Captain Wink Doerzbacher described some of the changes in Treasure Coast fishing over the past several years. His comments addressed evolving technologies in electronics and gear, and fish populations that have led to modifying fishing techniques and methods. He included some thoughts about how to catch fish even during the traditionally slow months of summer.  For instance, he suggested rigging with wire leader even if fishing for dolphin so that a king fish or wahoo that would otherwise bite through mono might be brought to the boat.

Though the evening was cool, attendees enjoyed finger food and beverages in comfort, as the function was moved inside the vacant fly and light tackle shop. (Thank you, Butch!) Prior to introducing Wink, program director VJ Bell called on Brent and Heather Kane, owners of the newly opened Fish Heads that replaced Finest Kind, to introduce themselves and their store. They donated a nice spinning rod and reel as a door prize and announced a 10% in-store discount for Stuart Sailfish Club members. Attending representatives of Whiticar Boats also donated a set of Tervis Tumblers as another door prize. Many thanks to both of them.

Dave Powell described the Club’s scholarship program for graduating Martin County seniors who are going off to study for careers in marine and conservation industries. When a bowl passed around, generous donors contributed $424 toward the scholarship fund.

Great evening! A particular big thanks to Wink, VJ, Liz Cordier, and the volunteers who made the event a success. Mark your calendar for April 5, our next general meeting.

70 Year SSC Supporter, Curt Whiticar Turns 102 Today

Curt Whiticar, founder of Whiticar Boat Works in Stuart Florida turns 102 years old today.  This photo was taken yesterday when we had a party for Curt at the Boat Yard.

Curt was born on February 13, 1911 in New Jersey to Addison & Kate Whiticar.  Addison (Capt. Add) lived the hard life as a commercial fisherman year round in the sometimes harsh and cold New Jersey weather.  Curt was 6 years old when Capt. Add decided to start spending his winters in Florida in 1917.  As some of the original Snow Birds, the Whiticar family would spend winters in Florida commercial fishing and then summers in New Jersey.  Eventually they moved to Florida to live year round.

Wealthy tourists visiting Florida in the winter started to ask  Curt to take them fishing.  This new occupation along with dwindling price for fish, Curt acquired a larger boat around 1926 and became one of the pioneers in the new sport fishing industry in South Florida.

Curt graduated from high school in 1929 and shortly there after he began to study marine architecture.and in the early 30's started to build custom fishing boats. After building his first "big" boat in 1937, the 33 ft. Shearwater, Curt found that there was now a demand for his boat building talents.  He then built boats for his Uncle and Father as well as both brothers, Jack and Johnson.  The fleet of boats became to be known as the Whiticar Fleet and father Capt. Add and sons ran a reputable and successful sportfishing company out of Willoughby Creek in Stuart, Florida.

Later Curt phased out of Sportfishing and became a full time boat builder.  Sensing the need not only for boat construction but also boat repair,  Curt started Whiticar Boat Works in 1947 next door to where the Whiticar Fleet docked. As the business grew Curt enlisted his brother in law, John Dragseth and the two of them along with their sons John Whiticar and Jim Dragseth have grown the business into what it is today.

Curt's wife Elsa, passed away in 2009 but his family still consists of his son John and daughters Laura Kay Darvill and Joanne Talley along with many grand and some great grand children.

Curt's hobbies include Golf which he stopped playing at 100 but his love is oil painting.  He makes most of his own frames and has created over 1450 paintings.  Curt's secret for longevity is good genes, hard work, exercise, moderation, and an afternoon nap every day.

Contributed by John Whiticar

2012 Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner

President Dave Powell called the meeting to order at 7:00PM just as Mariner Sands Country Club staff was serving the Caesar salad.  70 members, sponsors, friends, and guests turned out Friday, Jan. 25  to celebrate SSC’s 2012 award winning boats, captains, mates, and anglers.

First, DaveP held a short business meeting recognizing committee and tournament chairs for the past years.  Next, he thanked retiring BOD members Michael Fogel, Geoff Mayfield, Fritz Grell, Sarah Wichers, Cindy Mumford, and Sherry Simmons for all their hard work during their terms. Then, he named nominees for the coming year who club members voted into office unanimously.  They are:

Dave Mills           VJ Bell

Dave Powell       Andy Kubiak

Tim Bausch         Butch Bayley

Erika Long            Dick Roland

Neil Subin            Bill Whippen

Don Wilson         Joe Yeni
Curt Croteau

New nominees:

Don Rinzel           Liz Cordier

James Ewing      Gary Greenfield

Martin Kurtz       Jim Weix

Weigh master Jim Weix and the rules committee made up of Tim Bausch, Curt Croteau, Bill Whippen, Gene Detmer, and Dick Roland headed up by Tom Wichers were recognized for their service all year.

Dave Mills recognized Lifetime Club Members including:

Gene Detmer                    Dave & Jodi Mills

Tom & Sarah Wichers     Mary Bayley

Dean & Laura Crawford George & Jilline Fearons, Jr.

Patty Lambrecht               Neil & Carla Subin

Ed & Willy Welter

New Lifetime Members welcomed include:

Ted & Lynne Glasrud      Dave & Joyce Powell

Robert & Patricia Miller

DaveM then thanked all 2012 SSC Sponsors for their support and contributions.  Please visit our sponsors and support their businesses.  They are all listed on our website and they appreciate our patronage.

Honorary Members for 2013 were named including 2012 members Joe Lehner, Ed Killer, Bonnie Powell, and Curt Whiticar.  Added this year is Ray Parker.  Ray and his wife Francis have supported the Club and fished the LTT for many, many years.

Special recognition went to new club member Fred Hardwick and his team on Showtime! for their fine results in their 1^st year on the sailfish tournament circuit.  Their successes included the Finest Kind Quickie, Pirates Cove Sailfish Classic, SSC LTT, 2^nd place in the Pelican Invitational, the Treasure Coast Championship, and the Sailfish Point Invitational.

Awards and trophies this year went to the following:

Outstanding Mate Award in honor of Ben L. Glaspey

John Meade on the SHOWTIME!

Sailfish pendants (25 releases)

Bob Greene

Phil Anson

Donna H Detmer Wahoo Memorial Award

No Wahoo weighed in this year.

Polly Whippen Award awarded at the Ladies Tournament

Co-recipients - Jody Robinson & Kimberly Luckey

Ted Glasrud Perpetual Trophy – awarded at the JAT

 Top Junior Angler, Zane Price

2012 Sailfish Release (Total releases, dead & live bait):

ADULT ANGLER

3^rd Place –Earl Prickett.................................................................................... 27 releases

2^nd Place – Van Wichers........................................................................................ 28 releases

1^st Place– Skyler Wichers................................................................................ 32 releases

LADY ANGLER

3^rd Place – Erika Long.............................................................................................. 2 releases

2^nd Place – Patti Miller...................................................................................... 5 releases

1^st Place Lady Angler – Jody Robinson..................................................................... 9 releases

JUNIOR ANGLER

3^rd Place – Matt Fredryk.......................................................................................... 1 release

2^nd Place – Zane Price........................................................................................ 1 release

1st Place Jr.  Angler – Sean Dunnuck....................................................................... 2 releases

2012 Ed & Suzan Sellian Sailfish Release Award

Skyler Wichers............................................................................................... 32 releases

Top Catch Awards – Adult ­Division

Cobia................................................. 34 lbs. 4 o .......................................... Conrad Casselli

Grouper............................................. 9 lbs. 6 oz........................................... Conrad Casselli

Dolphin.............................................. 42 lbs. 4 oz.......................................... Tim Lynch

Kingfish.............................................. 30 lbs. 5 oz......................................... Jody Robinson

Red Fish............................................. NONE

Snook................................................ NONE

Tarpon............................................... NONE

Tuna.................................................. 16 lbs................................................. Matt McLaughlin

Wahoo............................................... NONE

Pompano........................................... 2 lbs. 15 oz...........................................   Daniel Gardner

Snapper............................................. NONE

Trout.................................................. NONE

Junior Division

Dolphin.............................................. NONE

Kingfish.............................................. NONE

Pompano........................................... NONE

Red Fish............................................. 2 lbs. 4 oz…………………………………. Baylor Bullock

Tarpon............................................... 7 lbs. ......................................... Baylor Bullock

Trout.................................................. NONE

Tuna.................................................. NONE

Cobia................................................. NONE

Grouper............................................. NONE

Snapper............................................. NONE

Snook................................................ 8 lbs. 7 oz.................................... Baylor Bullock

Wahoo............................................... NONE

Top Private Boat

3^rd Place – SCURRY ALONG........................... 39 releases................................. Michael O’Neill

2^nd Place – PAVER........................................ 45 releases........................ Earl Prickett

1^st Place – MILLER TIME................................ 69 releases........................ Rob Miller

Top Charter Boat

3^rd Place – BONE SHAKER, 58 releases

Capt. James Ewing

Owner Joe Lehner

2^nd Place – SEA CHECK, 80 releases

Capt. VJ Bell

Owner, Bob Green & Phil Anson

1^st Place – CHALLENGE, 122 releases

Capt. Jimmy Hardee

Owner Michael Fogel

2012 Outstanding Jr. Angler

Sean Dunnuck................................................................................. 12 points with 2 releases

2012 Outstanding Adult Angler

Skyler Wichers............................................................................... 40 points with 32 releases

Congratulations to all these fine anglers.  We hope the coming year will be good for all.

Go to Stuart Sailfish Club Pictures from our Home Page to see an album of 75 pictures.