Rainy start doesn’t dampen Low Key fishing tourney
The fifth annual Low Key Tiki Redfish Challenge launched under rainy skies Saturday morning.
“I’m really excited this year is the biggest and the best Low Key Redfish challenge,” owner Scott Adams said. “Last year we had 22 boats and 68 anglers. This year we have a whopping 32 boats and 98 anglers.”
“A few years ago my wife and I decided to have a fishing tournament that would benefit the fishermen,” Adams said. “The goal was to try to build the purses up as high as possible for the first, second and third place winners. Each year the turnout gets bigger and the purses get larger.”
Boats began arriving mid afternoon bringing in Redfish and Trout. Scott announced the third place winners first.
Third place team #25, Shallow Fin, brought in Redfish #1 measuring 23 7/8″, Redfish #2 measuring 26 5/8″, and a Trout measuring 20 3/8″ for a total of 70 7/8″. Team Shallow Fin won $1,005.
The second place team, Triple Tail brought in Redfish #1 measuring 26 1/4″, Redfish #2 measuring 24 5/8″ and a Trout measuring 21 1/8″ for a total of 72″. Team Triple Tail won $1,505.
The first place winners for the tournament was the Chasin’ It team with Redfish #1 measuring 27″, Redfish #2 measuring 26 7/8″, Trout measuring 18 1/2″ for a total of 72 3/8″. The Chasin’ It team consisted of just two members, Anthony Torres and David Auger. Team ‘Chasin’ It’ won $2,505.
“Early this morning things didn’t look too good weather wise,” Adams said. “But probably by 10 the rain cleared out. It’s been cloudy all day but we managed to finish the day without the heavy rains we had earlier.”
This year’s sponsors were: Monroe Canal Marina, E.T Lawn Care, Jensen’s Marine, Mayday Mobile Welding, Beach Fender Mender, Castaway Reality, Miller Beer (JJ Taylor), Parrot Magazine, Wing Nuts (for cooking), Harris Dermatology (donations for captains bags).
“Music was provided by High Tide from 4-8 and food and beverage were free for all participants in the challenge,” Adams said. “I want to thank all of our sponsors and everyone who worked so hard to make this happen.”