Anglers participate in Low Key Tiki tourney
Eleven boats and 27 anglers participated in the 2nd annual Low Key Tiki Red Fish Challenge Saturday afternoon.
The first place winner for the tournament was the Olde Fish House, claiming the $750 purse; 3 Stooges earned second place and $350; and Team Triple Tail was third taking the $250 purse.
The longest redfish measured 26 1/2 inches and the longest trout was 25 1/2 inches.
Billy Dutko, the weight master of the tournament, said since he is a St. James City resident he decided to volunteer and stay at the establishment and hold down the fort during the Redfish Challenge. He said he was really touched by everyone thanking him for being at Low Key Tiki.
Dutko said although they had 11 boats at the tournament, he would like to see more boats come out for next year’s challenge, which will be the second weekend in September.
“It’s a lot of fun, it’s a local tournament,” he said. “It’s kind of Scott and Barb (Adams) saying thanks to the local fishermen. It’s about the locals hanging together and having fun.”
Eric Post, who came in second place with his team 3 Stooges, said they need more local support for next year’s event.
“All need to come out and fish,” he said.
George Hansen, a rookie angler, was on the team who placed third place in the tournament. The part-time resident of St. James City and New Jersey said he never went out fishing until the tournament.
“I caught two out of the three winning fish and won third place,” he said smiling.
Hansen said the best part about the tournament was just being on Pine Island.
“If you catch a fish it’s fine, but it’s just about being here,” he said.
After placing third he said he caught the fishing bug and intends to go out on the water more.
“I’m going to start fishing a lot more every time I’m down here,” Hansen said.
Bill Hummer, Greg Willis and Jim McCulla also enjoyed the tournament although they did not catch any redfish.
McCulla said although he spends most of his time on the east coast, he heard about the tournament and decided to sign up.
“I had a blast,” he said.
Hummer, a regular at Low Key Tiki, said they are almost signed up for the tournament again next year. He said they have a lot of fishing to do from now until next year, especially catching some redfish to win the tournament next year.
Willis said it was a beautiful day on the water.
Although the trio did not catch any redfish, they still received a prize for catching at least one fish, which was one free year of access to the boat ramp at the St. James Marina.
They all wanted to thank Barb and Scott Adams for holding the tournament because they really had a good time.
The Wingnuts provided food for the tournament and High Tide performed once all the anglers arrived at Low Key Tiki for the weigh-in and 4 p.m.