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)