Florida First-Time Angler Wins Women’s Fall Fly

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — First-time tournament angler Joan Goodman of Pembroke Pines, Fla., landed two of four target species — bonefish, redfish, snook and tarpon — to take top honors at the annual Women’s Fall Fly Classic that ended Oct. 6.

Tournament rules mandate that the angler/guide team with the most species released earns the grand champion award. Guided by Captain Chris Jones of Islamorada, Goodman overcame challenging windy conditions to score six redfish and one snook released on fly for the win.

Jodie Reece of Homestead, Fla., led by Islamorada’s Captain Jared Raskob, took second place with 10 redfish releases — the tournament’s highest number.

The Women’s Fly Series includes both spring and fall angling challenges. The 36th annual Women’s Spring Fly Tarpon Tournament is set for June 11-13, 2012. The 2012 Women’s Fall Fly Classic is to be held Oct. 2-4, and permit is expected to be an eligible species during the event.