Saturday morning arrived and we all left our respective homes that morning and headed to various launch sites around Yankeetown. We were all excited about the possibility of one of us may catch the winning fish.
Per the rules review portion of the Captain's Meeting the night before, Paul instructed that the very first picture taken with our camera Saturday morning MUST be of our kayaks at the launch site rigged and ready and with a clear picture of the tournament token and measuring device that had been given to us at the meeting.
Per the rules review portion of the Captain's Meeting the night before, Paul instructed that the very first picture taken with our camera Saturday morning MUST be of our kayaks at the launch site rigged and ready and with a clear picture of the tournament token and measuring device that had been given to us at the meeting.
Alice launched at Redneck Beach
Delores and Ty launched at Felburn Park.
Jim and Fern launched at Bird Creek Bridge.
Lucie and Paul launched at Levy Co. Park.
Martha Ann and Wayne also launched at Levy Co. Park.
The following hours from safe light at 6:30 a.m. to Check-In time at 3:00 p.m. were spent quietly thanking the powers that be for beautiful weather and studying the breeze and current directions for the best possible fishing spots. Other than that, we just tried to relax and have fun, too. After all, that's ultimately what it's all about anyway.
By 3:00 p.m. all of the ladies had paddled back to shore, loaded their gear, changed into more comfortable (and better smelling) clothes and met back at the IYLC for the official check-in. Those of us who thought we were contenders for the top prize sauntered in with big huge grins on our faces. Others not so much. But.....things aren't always as they seem.
We handed our camera chips and smart phones to Paul so he could sift through the hand full of wildlife pictures, birds, trees, crocs, etc. that were mixed in with actual pictures of quality fish, and analyze the data. Then we made a bee line and headed straight for the left-over buffet table to chow down on some much needed nourishment. We had really expended a lot of energy out there and needed to refuel. The next half hour was spent sharing fish stories about "the one that got away" until Paul was ready for the big reveal.
We handed our camera chips and smart phones to Paul so he could sift through the hand full of wildlife pictures, birds, trees, crocs, etc. that were mixed in with actual pictures of quality fish, and analyze the data. Then we made a bee line and headed straight for the left-over buffet table to chow down on some much needed nourishment. We had really expended a lot of energy out there and needed to refuel. The next half hour was spent sharing fish stories about "the one that got away" until Paul was ready for the big reveal.
And The Winner Is.....
Ty came in 3rd with a 29 inch Red Drum caught with a shrimp on a circle hook on the way back to the ramp.
Delores came in 2nd with a 31 inch Red Drum caught on a 3" Berkley Power Bait (Gold Flake Shrimp) with scent.
And our very own Martha Ann came in 1st Place with the prize winning whopper Red Drum measuring in at a little over 33 inches and also caught on the way back to shore with a small crab. What a beast!
So, not only did Martha Ann out fish the other 30 + competitors, walking away with a little more jingle-jingle in her pocket and a sweet little trophy to show off. She was also lucky enough to have the first drawn raffle prize ticket which gave her first pick of all the donated prizes. Those prizes happen to included two new concept gullwing paddles , one set went home with her. So Congratulations are in order for that lady, she surely earned it and equally deserved it!
"We're All Winners"
Alice, Delores, Fern, Martha Ann, Theresa, Lucie
Wrapping things up....What an absolutely fun weekend we had. Thanks to the Inglis Yankeetown Lions Club for putting on such a great tournament for the third year in a row. It'll be exciting to see how it grows over the next several years as we, the NCLA, play a small part in it's expansion. IYLC - thanks for everything. We'll see you again next year!
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