Indian River Medical Center (IRMC) United Way Charity Inshore Tournament results

[Fishing Report]

FLFA/IRMH TOURNAMENT SCORES BIG!

Anglers from Merritt Island, Okeechobee and as far south as Stuart came together at Capt. Hiram’s in Sebastian on Saturday, September 10th for the 3rd Annual Indian River Medical Center’s Inshore Fishing Tournament benefiting the United Way of Indian River County. The event was a sanctioned event of the Florida Flatsfishing Association, with 80 anglers registering in the tournament to catch their biggest snook, trout & redfish while competed for cash prizes totaling over $1000.00. This year’s tournament started at midnight on Saturday to take advantage of the full moon and continued through 1:00 p.m.

IRMH Tournament Director Ann Rieben was very happy with the turnout because “the fishing tournament raised $3,200 dollars for the United Way of Indian River County, where all the funds raised will go towards programs like the Boys and Girls Club, Homeless Family Center, Meals on Wheels and Safe Space.”

FLFA Executive Director Jeff Brauer stated “the midnight start enabled anglers to take advantage of the full moon, which was reflected by the quality and quantity of fish brought to the scales, making it a more exciting weigh-in for all that were there!”

Numerous fish were brought to the scales on Saturday, but only a few could win. Tony Vercillo from Fort Pierce was the top angler, taking first place in the spotted sea trout category and second in the redfish category. He also won the 2-fish slam award with 14.22 pounds, which was the combined weight of his trout and redfish. However, Jason Bailey from Vero Beach came in with a very impressive 7.37 pound redfish and took first place in the category. T.J. Kiefer of Ft. Pierce came in third with a 6.47 pound redfish. Vero Beach resident Luke Simonds took second in the trout category with a 6.25 pound fish, with Palm Bay’s Jeff Kraynik weighing in a 6.00 pound trout to wrap up third place.

In the Junior division, Sebastian resident Colin Willis took first place in both the Ladyfish and Jack Crevalle categories. Gage Pollard, also from Sebastian, took second in the Jack category. Jordan Cole of Vero Beach took second place in the Ladyfish category with Ana Gent of Merritt Island taking third place.


Pic #1 (100-3111) Jason Bailey from Vero Beach (pictured with his son Jacob) came in with a very impressive 7.37 pound redfish that took first place in the category.

Pic #2 (100-3105) Vero Beach resident Luke Simonds releasing his 6.25 pound trout that he won second place with.

Pic #3 & 4 (100-3119 & 100-3118) Sebastian junior angler Gage Pollard may have won second place in the Jack Crevalle category, but also scored with a 6.00 pound redfish and a 5+ pound flounder on tournament day!