Think kayaking isn’t becoming a fishing phenomenon? Despite predicted monsoon rains and 25-knot winds, 82 anglers showed up for the inaugural Johnson Outdoors/DOA Lures Paddler’s Only Tournament April 2.

Based on total inches of trout, redfish and snook, one of each species, Frederick Averett took home first place, with Alex Pardo second. Mike Knepper Jr. picked up $400 for third, while his dad, Mike Sr., now owns some very tired arms and shoulders after keeping the canoe from dancing in circles in the wind so his son could cast. Strangest catch? One contestant was dragged into the Intracoastal Waterway in the worst part of the storm before getting a blacktip shark into his rain-filled kayak for a ride to the beach before release.

The west coast version of the tournament will be held May 21 at Englewood. Call (941) 639-0292 for details, or contact jerry@doalures.com.

FS