“This is flat out a great tournament run by a great bunch of people and fished by a great bunch of anglers” Sid Dobrin from Inventive Fishing stated after competing in last Saturday’s Extreme Kayak/Paddle board Fishing Tournament.
117 brave anglers took part of the spectacular shot gun start after fueling up on Dandee Donuts and coffee just as the morning sun peeked through the east at around 6:20a.m. Sid goes on to say “there was something spectacular about looking out to the clear-skied sunrise to see that many yaks headed out into the Atlantic”. A true vision indeed, and what a way to start off the first day of summer! Just as they all headed out to battle yet another 30+ people started to immerge to take part of the Sunshine SUP Series race.
The water called for spectacular conditions for all the racers. 30+ vendors started to crowd the beach around the launch site while 4th Generation was tearing it up on stage with Reggae music that was “simply amazing” according to one of the spectators taking part of the festivities.
Other festivities during the day included a Sand Sculpting competition brought to you by the Sand Lovers, free food provided by Zona Fresca, free paddle board rentals, Frisbee games and so much more. It was the perfect setting for fun in the sun!
Around 12pm anglers started to return to the beach with their catches. Everything from nice-sized kings and bonita were ready to be weighed in, but what really stood out was Matt Eckerts beautiful 22.2-pound blackfin tuna.
As the afternoon fell upon us so did the rain, but that didn’t stop folks from having fun as Sid states “I missed the weigh in, but made it in time to watch Joe Hector photograph the winners. There were some nice fish there, and some really nice people. And, thank god, they hadn’t put the Screaming Reel Ale kegs from Salt Water brewery away yet. It was a great atmosphere despite the afternoon weather”.
The already soaked anglers were showered with champagne once announced as winners…Michael Wood especially wet with bubbly taking home first place with his two kings totaling weight of 26.4lbs earning him $3500.00 cash from Turbo USA and a handsome cup from Broward & Engraving.
Dwayne Stewart was close behind with his king, weighing 24.0lbs swooping up $1500.00 cash provided by (Performance Nissan), a Hobie Outback from Nautical Ventures and a plaque from Global Fish Mounts.
Third place belonged to Matthew Eckert with his beautiful black fin tuna which weighed 22.2lbs. He was stoked to take home $500.00 cash, a Hobie Revo from Nautical Ventures and a plaque from Global Fish Mounts.
Kristjan Must caught a nice 19.8lb kingfish which gave him the rights to fourth place and $200.00 cash, Costa Del Mar glasses and a plaque from Global Fish Mounts.
Christopher Simmons was in fifth place with his two kings, totaling 18.6lbs. He received Costa Del Mar glasses, and Rod & Reel (Aces Bait & Tackle)
Some of the other winnings included:
Biggest Pelagic- Dwayne Stewart, King 24.0lbs
Trash Can Slam- Jay Kamensky, Bonita- 19.8lbs
Wreck the weight- Shawn Fields, AJ 15.6lbs (Adrenaline Rods)
CALCUTTA- Josh Henson, KING 18.0lb $2000.00 cash
CALCUTTA- Matthew Eckert, TUNA 22.2lbs $80.00 cash
Director Joe Hector of EKFT happily concluded the day by saying “Special thanks to our sponsors, volunteers and participants for making this all possible.
Thank you to The Broward’s Children’s Center which we are honored to support. Big shout out to our main sponsors Nautical Ventures, Adrenaline Rods, Turbo USA & Costa Del Mar glasses!!! Also a serious thanks to Joe from Hillsbro Inlet Live Bait, as well as Louis from Blue Marlin Chronicles for supplying the scale, & help boats on the water!”
Excited and gleaming with pride, Joe went on to say “Another great tournament now let’s get ready for part 2 and a chance to win the super bowl ring August 16th, 2014!!”
For more on these exciting events visit www.extremekayakfishing.com
