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Catch 22 Tops the Fleet to Win the
44th Annual Islamorada Sailfish Tournament
Captain Scott Stanczyk led anglers David Spilman, Jim Falker, John Soltysiak and Tyson Mayers, all from the Maryland and Delaware area, to the winner’s circle of the 2007 Islamorada Sailfish Tournament. The team released a total of 9 sailfish over the three day event. The Catch 22 from Bud and Mary’s Marina Released 5 fish on the first day putting them in 3rd place behind the Kalex with 5 fish and the Predator who had released 6 fish. After releasing one fish around noon, anglers David Spilman and John Soltysiak hooked up to a double header late on the second day. With the release of the double the Catch was in the lead. A rough morning on the final day had the Catch 22 sitting on pins and needles. At 10:47 Jim Falker released one more sailfish to seal the deal with a total of 9 releases. Angler David Spilman released 5 of the Catch 22’s 9 fish to take home the high point angler award.
Second place XXX anglers Maximilian Tower, Ray Rodriguez and Fulton Ivy put the pressure on the Catch 22 late on the final day. With their 8th Sailfish release at 12:11 they knew a simple double header was all they needed to gain the lead. The XXX would not see another sail that day leaving them in the second place spot.
Third place Which Way was fishing the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament for the first time. Anglers Robert, Robert Jr and Ryan Southard along with Brian Carosiere had a slow start with only one Sailfish release on the first day. Day two would bring them two more sails. It would be day three that would be their big day, with 4 releases, putting them in 3rd place.
The Islamorada Sailfish Tournament is the first leg of the Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship. High point angler David Spilman is well on his way to a championship ring. The second leg of the Gold Cup series is the Cheeca Lodge Presidential Tournament January 17th thru 19th. The Islamorada Fishing Club hosts the final leg of the series on January 23rd and 24th.
Third generation Ryan Southard fishing with his father Robert Southard and his grandfather Robert Southard Sr. took top honors in the junior division. Ryan who is from Hollywood Florida released one sailfish aboard the Which Way.
34 Boats competed in the 2007 Islamorada Sailfish Tournament with a total of 109 anglers. 110 Sailfish were released out of the 140 called in hook ups. 10 fish were tagged. The Islamorada Sailfish Tournament is the primary fund raiser for the Islamorada Charter Boat Association. With the help of our major sponsors Caribee Boat Sales, Contender Boats, Yamaha Outboards, the donation of non-offset circle hooks from VMC, and the splendid parties put on by Whale Harbor Restaurants and Marina, the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament will continue the fight to preserve and protect the fabulous fishing in the Florida Keys. More information on the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament can be found on the web site www.islamoradasailfishtournament.com
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