Several local anglers win prizes in annual sheepshead and trout fishing tournament

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MEGHAN McCOY Ida Hargins won the largest sheepshead award during the annual Water’s Edge Sheepshead Tournament last week.

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Meghan McCoy Al Van Meter, Do Dorr and John Campbell placed first in the Water’s Edge Sheepshead Tournament last week. Not pictured Jerry Lemkelde.

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SW Florida Magazine Moderator Larry Witkowski and 2nd place winner for the largest trout Jim Gardner.

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The annual sheepshead and trout fishing tournament, which is sponsored by Water’s Edge Motel and Apartments in St. James City, was held last week earning many fishermen prizes.

The tournament kicked off at 8 a.m., Feb. 19, with weigh-in at 2:30 p.m. at Water’s Edge.

The first place team for sheepshead was Don Dorr, Jerry Lemkelde, John Campbell and Al Van Meter. The second place winners were John England, Norm Louden and Bill.

The largest sheepshead, 18 1?4 inches, went to Ida Hargins. Her husband Mitch also went out on the boat with her.

This is the third year Hargins has participated in the tournament.

“Pure luck, that’s all I got to say,” she said of claiming the prize.

The couple, who are from Indiana, try to make it to Pine Island every February so they can participate in the tournament.

Awards were also given to the first and second place winner for catching the largest trout. Larry Tynch, who missed the awards ceremony due to helping others back to the dock with his boat, claimed first place. Jim Gardner received second place.

Once the awards and prizes were given, a potluck dinner took place for all those who participated in the tournament.