Day One.......
It was pretty much blowing a gale, so offshore was out of the question. The kids were eager to catch a big fish, and catch they did. We anchored by Bardens Inlet and had all day action on sharks, and rays. Each of the kids had a shot at besting sharks in the 200 lb. range, all 4 anglers teamed up to bring 2 large blacktips, 2 large nurses, and a few giant rays to the boat on 20 lb. tackle. Many other big spinner sharks gave the kids a thrill when they would air out with the drag screaming after hook up, but eventually would wrap and cut off before we could get them to the boat. I asked my friends Don and Fred who's grandkids were the crew if they wanted to move on and go try and get some spanish or blues to weigh in for the tourney. Don said "The kids are loving this, why do something else". EXACTLY......we stayed put and had nothing to bring to the scales after the day was done.
Day Two.........
We made a game plan to try and get the kids a trophy for their efforts in the inshore bluefish category. No more screaming drags and watching kids follow big ole sharks 360 around the boat today. These kids were on a mission and bluefish were squarely in the crosshairs. We started about half an hour after lines in and soon had a contender bluefish in the tank, the kids took turns cranking in little sharks and bluefish, and contender size fish were caught by each angler. As an extra bonus, the kids also managed a pair of small cobia. I clipped various fins on the fish to keep it straight who's fish was who's and about 12:00 we figured we had a few good shots at being on the leader board. Ran in early, cleaned up the boat and ourselves, and headed to the scales. The kids were anxious to see if their hard work paid off, and after the fish were weighed, it turned out that they all were on the leader board with their individual fish.
Joshua Cauthen 1st. place bluefish 1.62 lbs.
Jonathon Cauthen 3rd. place bluefish 1.40 lbs.
Andrew Butler 4th. place bluefish 1.40 lbs.
Meredith Butler 5th. place bluefish 1.38 lbs.
What an awesome tourney, what a great cause !!!!!!!
A special Thanks to the Parents and Grandparents of my crew that made it happen and trusted me with them. Thanks again !!
Check out the tournament website at www.bartabillfish.com