Anthony took First in Junior Angler Division for the second straight year
He had an outstanding tournament going 27 releases with zero dropped fish, he was a machine and that was with him stopping on the rod both days around 12:30'ish do to fatigue
Here is the full report ...
Team Bite Me Oak Bluffs Report
Ok here it goes first and foremost I would like to use the first sentence to thank Dom of Coastal Sport fishing who once again showed tenacity and determination that has made your name stand out. I would also like to than Brian for jumping on and working your ass off with us at the last minute, you were an asset to the crew and finally to my son Anthony who just downright amazes me every minute I spend with you. You?re my joy and you did a perfect job 27 fish you hooked in 2 days with 0 fish dropped by you
pictures to come
The plan was simple, after watching him win the Junior Angler Division in 2007 OB tourney. I decided after watching my son?s rod skills and luck I was going to allow him to be the rod man in 2008 and you did a perfect job. Pretty impressive for a 13 year old who weighs 120 even if I am biased? You work an 80W like a man and I?m sure Pelagic Gear will be proud to hear you won another Tournament
THE TOURNAMENT: Steve did an amazing job again on the tournament, first class all the way. Approximately 200 plus boats, everything ran as smooth as could be even though the town took away the liquor license and tent, they made arrangements at the Lamp Post, which worked great. Walking the docks you were taken back by the class, power and money that sits in the slips. Boats from everywhere and every type from small CC?s, to large Yellowfin?s Contenders and Fountains, Lobster boats and yes we couldn?t forget the Vikings Henriques and Customs. There was enough gold hanging behind the boats to blind a person
Pre fishing early on Thursday allowed us to pinpoint our area and hone our teamwork, which would be tested during the weekend. We rolled into OB around noon on Thursday quickly registered and made our way to Nancy?s where the party began until the Captains meeting
I was amazed at the level of competition there, got to spend some time with Peter from Volatility and our new found friends from American Mustang, Congrats on a great thresher. This was a one fish tourney, so it was anyone?s game
DAY ONE: Great conditions compared to last year, we set out with a plan in place found the temp breaks we were looking for away from the fleet and set up. Sharks everywhere unfortunately they were all HUGE blue sharks, literally within 35 minutes they were coming in packs of 4 or more. Anthony would pitch bait, fight the shark and get his release so we could move on.
The first day he had 15 releases before noon as a team we ended with like 27 fish to the boat. Then the big boy showed up 10? fork blue shark showed like a freight train, we put him in the mid-upper 400?s. The junior world record is under 200 and he wasn?t interested in it until this monster showed. Anthony hand fed him, set the hook and 35 minutes later the shark was boat-side. Unfortunately due to the tourney we couldn?t keep it to secure the record so off he went along with the JWR. Anthony checked out and I went on the rod for the rest of the day
We had a shot at a thresher of good proportions but we just couldn?t come tight on him long enough to stay connected I believe we got him in the tail.
DAY ONE TOTALS: 27 sharks released nothing for us to hang, meanwhile back at the docks a 399 thresher; a 365 thresher and a 299 Mako were already hanging
DAY TWO: Same type of situation we felt we had the right spot, good clean water and great temps but we were just overrun with Blue sharks. Had a Thresher but unfortunately it didn?t stick. Anthony spent most of the day fighting blue sharks and releases a short Mako, which was great to see. As it turns out this was a tourney of one fish, that?s all you needed to take it home
I really enjoyed the tournament even though we didn?t hang anything this year, watching my son grow into a seasoned vet on the rod was well worth the cost and time.
Congrats to all place winners we are glad you did so well
John, Pete and crew of American Mustang, feel like we have known you for years, it was our pleasure once again to spend time with you and congrats on placing
Mary, nice seeing you in the same spot I saw you last year ha ha next time we will get to talk earlier
Peter and Crew of Volatility, congrats on sneaking in there day 2, enjoyed the talks
This post edited by gmann 06:57 AM 07/21/2008
Fish was around 300 and pulled the gaff.
