Don Gurgiolo Sailfish Classic Awards ‘Reel’ Winners

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — Miami anglers Matt McClean and Dan Haassen, fishing on the Reel McCoy, captured a pre-Christmas gift by winning grand champion honors at the 12th annual Don Gurgiolo Sailfish Classic that ended Dec. 11.

Led by Islamorada’s Captain George McElveen, the duo concluded their weekend of action with 17 sails.

Captain William Chapman, on board Capt. Cadillac, led teammates Mike and Julie Havener of Naples, Fla., to second place on time with three sails.

Hillbilly Deluxe, also with three sails, placed third. Captain Shay Danzig was at the helm guiding anglers Hank Pinder and Devon Frins from Tavernier, Fla., and Kent Krebeck from Key Largo, Fla.

Overall, a field of 32 anglers on a dozen boats fished the two-day angling event.

Gurgiolo, one of the pioneers of today’s offshore light tackle and live ballyhoo fishing techniques, fished for 50 years while operating the Gonfishin’ charter boats until retirement in 1996. The well-liked skipper died in 1999, but his legacy continues