October 27, 2011
By Sam Hudson
There's no shortage of flatfish in the waters near Jacksonville.
The top three largest fish from the 2011 Flounder Pounder event.
By all measures, the 2nd Annual Flounder Pounder Fishing Tournament was another successful event. This year the tourney was held at Ft. George Island Marina in Jacksonville on October 22, 2011.
In total, the 2011 Flounder Pounder Fishing Tournament grossed $25,000 with 101 boats participating and over 400 anglers. This is a non-profit inshore fishing tournament with all net proceeds benefiting the Jacksonville School for Autism (JSA). The tournament was based on a $75 entry fee, with a 4-person maximum. Fishing started at 6:45 a.m. and all anglers checked back at the dock by 3 p.m.
Anglers were required to have a valid saltwater fishing license and abide by all Florida fishing rules. Awards were given for three categories including BIG Fish, 3 Fish Aggregate and Junior Angler. Flounder Pounder supports a catch-and-release program and this year the tournament heavily promoted a Junior Angler competition.
Check out Boattronics forum thread recounting his Saturday during the fishing tournament. Besides catching a mess of fish, he provides some unique techniques for catching flounder without live bait.
Tournament Winners:
BIG FISH:
First Place Winner: Rick Thacker 8.29
Second Place Winner: Ray McCauley 5.89
Third Place Winner: Randy Kight 5.67
Fourth Place Winner: Robert Dykes 5.47
Fifth Place Winner: Rich Kersey 5.45
3 FISH AGGREGATE:
First Place Winner: David Merry 15.42
Second Place Winner: Ben Dodd 14.03
Third Place Winner: Bill Kelly 12.81
Fourth Place Winner: Kevin Mears 12.68
Fifth Place Winner: John English 12.38
JUNIOR ANGLER:
First Place Winner: Ross Kersey 5.45
Second Place Winner: Aaron Hickox/Tony Eden 4.68
Third Place Winner: Christopher Bunting 4.17
HEAVIEST TOAD FISH:
Mike Mango 2.10
