Winner crowned in Redfish Challenge
Local fisherman and residents came together Saturday at Low Key Tiki on Pine Island for the Sixth Annual Redfish Challenge.
“It brings in people from all over the community,” Low Key Tiki owner John Smith said. “Every-body has a good time. It’s my livelihood.”
Fishermen packed up their gear and headed out early Saturday morning to find big redfish.
The goal is to bring the redfish to Low Key Tiki to have them measured in length and the team with the longest wins the competition.
There was also second and third place cash prizes. Onlookers at the event could also win door prizes, as well.
Teams paid $50 ($55 dollars after Sept. 3) per angler to participate in the event.
Smith said he thinks this event is worth it and he enjoyed every bit of it. This was his first year doing it since he started running the Low Key Tiki last September.
His wife is his partner in the island business.
“It’s a new experience for us,” Smith said. “But this is a small community and everybody knows everybody.”
In addition to the competition, Low Key Tiki also had live music, food and drinks.
Sponsors for the event included Monroe Canal Marina, Mayday Mobile, Lazy Flamingo, Dynamic South Inc., The Wing Nuts, Jensen’s Marina and Cottages, Castaways Reality 1, Inc., James Bryan Lawncare and Landscaping, ET Lawn Care, A.J. Watson Land Surveying, Inc., Harris Dermatology, Cruise and Travel Experts, Hanshaw Sales, Pine Island Construction, LLC.
Low Key Tiki is located at 3135 Stringfellow Road in St. James City. For more on the restaurant, call 239-282-8454.