Gas prices - anglers toward inshore fish

Gas prices steering many anglers toward inshore fish



Column by Jerry Gerardi • DEMOCRAT CORRESPONDENT • June 20, 2008


If you want a true picture of what's biting, hang around the scales at a major fishing tournament.


In previous contests about a third of the anglers participating were weekend warriors with some degree of skill, but more in it for the luck factor. The other two-thirds were hard-core fishermen who knew what they were doing; the 10 percent of fishermen who catch 90 percent of the fish.
But times have changed.

When gas prices were still reasonable, the offshore-field of fishermen was well represented. Plenty of fish were caught by anglers willing to run 60-100 miles out in their quest for the gold.
Inshore-fishing wasn't so popular. But now, with it costing $600-$1,000 dollars to top off their tanks, many anglers opted to stick close and go after inshore species. That left the offshore fish to be targeted by fewer anglers, but they were the ones who really knew what they were doing, and were willing to spend hundreds — maybe even thousands — of dollars to prove it.

By now you're asking what all this rambling is leading to.
Why, just one of the most successful Big Bend Saltwater Classics ever.

Fish were entered in all 39 categories, and only four of those categories did not have the five-fish maximum number of winners. There weren't many anglers just floating around trying to catch whatever bit. Of the 850 fishermen entered and trying for more than $130,000 in money and prizes, most were focused.
This year, as in the past, several members of the armed forces fished as guests of the tournament. This time it was the Air Force's turn.

Technical Sergeant Brent Conlon, of Patrick Air Force Base in Florida, participated in the Take a Soldier Fishing program for the first time. He weighed in a Spanish and king mackerel.
Commenting on his experiences, he said, "I really appreciate the tournament having us and I had a great time out there. I definitely enjoyed reeling in that king and Spanish mackerel."

Several other airmen participated and caught fish. Last year's group, soldiers from Ft. Gordon, Georgia has already been deployed to Iraq. They left with many happy fishing memories.
First-place winners in the Recreational Division were Jerry Davis with a 63.7-pound amberjack, Bryan Love for his 63.9-pound cobia, Tom Perry with a 29.7-pound dolphin, Marilyn Lawhon for a 4.45-pound flounder, Zach Hoelzle, who caught a 6.6-pound gafftopsail catfish, Bill Bryant with a 39.75-pound grouper, Robert Rich for a 40.55-pound king mackerel, Josh Grantham for his 22.75-pound snapper, Ben Monroe with a 5-pound sheepshead, Bob Hoelzle with a 5.8-pound Spanish mackerel, Ashley Mock for a 5.05-pound spotted seatrout, and Cliff Courteney with a 58.65-pound wahoo.

In the Junior Division, first-place winners were Caleb Bickerstaff who caught a 1.85-pound black sea bass, Luke Solomon for his 2.65-pound flounder, Brandon Taranto with a 6.2-pound gafftopsail catfish, Blythe Gunter for a 12.85-pound grouper, Ian Eyler with a 1.95-pound Key West grunt, Alex Kadew for a 19.05-pound king mackerel, Ian Eyler with a 4.65-pound Spanish mackerel, Jake Jeter, who caught a 3.65-pound spotted seatrout, Amy Runkel with a 4.75-pound triggerfish, and William Sundberg Jr. with a 1.55-pound whiting.

In the Masters Division, first place went to Doug Lake on the Last Call for a 45.2-pound amberjack, D.A. Pope on the LeeLana L with a 21.35-pound dolphin, David Rich on the Illustrious with a 44.7-pound grouper, Jason Knight on the Cracker Rigging for a 28-05-pound king mackerel, Barry Poole on the Rezoned for a 15.65-pound red snapper, and Richard Squires on the Fin Head with a 45-pound wahoo.

The Recreational Team Challenge was won by the teams of Backwoods Outdoors with a 51.8-pound amberjack, Iron Duke with a 29.7-pound dolphin, Paul's Plumbing for their 4.45-pound flounder, Freedom/Sunset Grill with a 5.8-pound gafftopsail catfish, Freedom/Sunset Grill with an 11.65-pound grouper, Backwoods Outdoors for a 24.2-pound king mackerel, Sea Dawg with a 14.75-pound red snapper, Marquardts Marina with a 3.1-pound sheepshead, Eye Catchers and their 4.65-pound Spanish mackerel, Chemonie with a 4.95-pound spotted seatrout, and Freedom/Sunset Grill with a 58.65-pound wahoo.

Tournament news
Jerry's Bait and Tackle Redfish Tournament takes place Saturday. The entry fee is $50 per team (two person team). Register at the tackle shop on Woodville Highway, Crawfordville.
The Hydrilla Gnats fished out of Wingate's Lodge on Sunday. Sean Neel took first place with five fish weighing 9.80 pounds. Paul Tyre took second with 5.44 pounds and Mike Prindle third with 4.40 pounds. Big fish was caught by Mike Prindle and weighed 4.40 pounds.