Kayak Fishing Tournament Benefiting Boston Stron

Last weekend I was able to fish a charity tournament benefiting Boston Strong. The tournament was sponsored by Tidewater Kayak Anglers Association(TKAA.ORG) and Pirates of Lynhaven(POL). We had a ton of people out there and it was a blast! A nice calm day no pressure since we were all fishing for a great cause. 

The day started out slow, I launched out of rudee on the incoming. It was nice slightly overcast day, I headed to the Rail since the channel there is my best spot. There were a ton of Googans on the rail as usually chucking lead at anyone who tried to cross the channel. I posted up on the other side of the rail and did my thing. I must have gotten at least 30+ short flounder all in the 10-13 inch range. Mixed in with the flounder were a bunch of tiny Croaker. I was going for that 20+ inch flounder but not my luck today.

Monster Flounder.....

Things started to slow down as the tide was outgoing. I was getting irritated and prayed to the fish gods that I would at least get one keeper flounder. I felt a slight tug on my line and lifted the bail for the flounder to take the jig...1....2.......BAM! I set the hook hard and my rod all but flew from my hands. My drag was SCREAMING!!! I had to set it up almost all the way. My rod was doubled over and I felt like I was dragging up a trashcan...then I realized.....RAY. WHOMP!!!! lol there goes my citation flounder lol. Anyway I finally get the ray to the surface thinking its a Cow-nose but pulled up a pretty looking one. Not sure the species? I caught this decent sized ray on a Penn Battle 2000 and St. Croix Mojo Bass rod...lol, surprised it didn't snap.

Almost a 30 Inch Wingspan

Barely Make Out The Eyes

21.5

Completely Bent The Hook

This Ray was able to get me first place in the Longest Saltwater Species which was pretty cool. I ended up getting a sweet custom paddle! The most rewarding thing though was known we helped the Victims of the Boston Bombings. It was a great day, with tons of old friends and new. 

The Results of the Tournament:

"Here are the results of the 09Jun13 TKAA/POL Kayak Fishing Tournament to benefit the victims of the Boston Marathon Bombings.  

Croaker Division:

1st:  Kyle Sullivan - 14 5/8" (yes 14 5/8")

2nd:  Jimmy Miller - 14.5" 

3rd:  Bob Deml - 11 1/4

Largest Saltwater Species:

1st:  Tim Quintana - 21.5" Ray

2nd:  Thom Mattauch - 10 1/4" Roundhead

2 Fish Slam:

1st:  Joe Underwood - 38.5" Red/Flounder

2nd:  Kris Lozier - 37 1/4" Red/Flounder

3rd:  Andy Bakowski - 32.5" Red/Flounder

4th:  Louis Nguyen - 31 3/4" Red/Flounder

Honorable Mention: 

Joe Underwood's 4 year old son, Wyatt, caught a 15" CROAKER!!!!  Way to go Wyatt - we have anglers who wont catch a 15" Croaker all season!!!  Great job Wyatt!!!!!!!!

We had a total of 36 Anglers competing today in the tournament.  Thanks to Salty C's for hosting the after and awards party and for their generous donation!!!  Thanks to Rob Lee, Mark and Kris Lozier, Russ Hamm, and Wayne Bradby for your generous donations for prizes and raffles.  And finally thanks to all the anglers and spouses/friends who came out to fish and then join us at Salty C's.  We raised a great deal of money for One Fund Boston.  Thanks again!!!

We are still totaling the money raised - once we get a final Ill post up. It looks as though it's gonna be about $931.00 for the victims.

-Joe"