Fisherman’s Post Inshore Challenge 2004
Fisherman’s Post Inshore Challenge
In its first year, the Fisherman’s Post Inshore Challenge attracted 67 boats to compete in two divisions-speckled trout and flounder. The first fish weighed in at 2:00 p.m. when the scales opened at Oceana Marina in Carolina Beach was a tournament heavy 10.47 lb. flounder caught by Jason Frazier. Not long after, the winning trout, weighing 7.26 lbs., was brought to the docks by Barry Yopp.
Almost $9000 was awarded in prize money this year. The tournament also raised awareness and made a donation to the Brigade Boys and Girls Club, this year’s charitable beneficiary. Another nice aspect of the tournament was that several of the flounder and trout were released after weigh-in. Approximately 35% of the fish brought to weigh-in were released.
The one fishing day was May 22, and boats checked out of 5 different locations. Approximately 50 boats checked out of Carolina Beach, and the rest left from Southport, Wrightsville Beach, Topsail, and Sneads Ferry. All fishermen had to bring in their catch by boat to the one weigh-in location at Oceana Marina. It took the Sneads Ferry fishermen about 2 hours to make the run to weigh-in; however, it paid off in prize money.
Jason Frazier, a Wilmington resident and an employee of Cheerwine, caught the winning 10.47 lb. flounder in Snow’s Cut on a pogey. The fish brought Frazier $1100 for first place and a complimentary tow package from TowBoat U.S. for the aggregate prize (total weight of an angler’s one heaviest flounder and one heaviest trout).
Second place in the flounder division went to Carolina Beach local Ted Connor. Connor brought in a 7.68 lb. flounder, and that weight was also heavy enough to win him second place in the aggregate. Connor took first place in the TWT and this payout combined with his second place money brought him a total of $1490.
Third place and a check for $386 was awarded to Randy Howell, of Wilmington, for his 5.89 lb. flounder.
The three top spots in the trout division all came from the New River and the Sneads Ferry anglers. The top spot went to Barry Yopp, from Sneads Ferry, for a 7.26 lb. trout caught off of live shrimp. He took home $1460 for his heavy trout.
Second place and $716 went to Tim Fletcher for a 5.91 lb. trout. He was followed by Ricki Kellum in third place with a 4.51 lb. trout and a payout of $530.
The Inshore Challenge also awarded a Club Cup trophy this year. Raleigh, Charlotte, Oak Island, and NC Fly Fishing Clubs were all represented at the tournament. However, the trophy went Ted Connor of the Got-Em-On Live Bait Club. The Club Cup trophy will remain in Got-Em-On’s possession until next year’s Inshore Challenge when it will have to be defended.
Coastal Carolina Marine and Mercury Outboards awarded a prize package, including a check for $500, to the heaviest fish brought in by a boat powered with a Mercury engine. Jason McDowell won the prize money with a 3.24 lb. flounder.
The Lady Angler award of a guaranteed $100, sponsored by Musicman Charters, went to Teresa Lomas for a 4.02 lb. flounder. The Junior Angler, sponsored by Island Tackle and Hardware, was won by Jordan Crowther and a 4.04 lb. flounder. He also won the guaranteed prize money of $100.
Capt. Travis Dant, of Flat Out Flying Charters, donated his boat and time to take out one of the children from the Brigade Boys and Girls Club. Austin Cain, age 10, represented the Brigade Boys and Girls Club by weighing in a .89 lb. flounder. He was awarded a Fin-Nor rod and reel combo, donated by Cape Fear Rod Company.
The tournament enjoyed strong support from the community and its sponsors, and it will be held every year on the weekend before Memorial Day weekend. Next year’s event looks to attract more boats, release more fish, and get more kids fishing.
