January 26, 2003

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Press Release

From: The Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association

Subject: 2003 - 13th Annual Swamp Guides Ball Fishing Tournament Results

Saturday, January 25th, a total of 54 boats and 108 anglers departed the Lor-e-lei in pursuit of redfish, bonefish and snook. With air temperatures around 48 degrees and water temperatures even colder, nothing was going to stop the fun. The angler's attire was not the normal shorts and long sleeve shirts, but instead consisted of artic ski masks, winter underwear, insulated gloves and even motor cycle helmets - anything to stay warm.

The anglers were top notch and mostly consisted of guides. Great anglers and the best guides in the world, from Homestead to Key West came together to support the Don Hawley Foundation, which helps guides during times of need. Almost as important, bragging rights were at stake. The winners of this tournament know they have beaten the best. There are no excuses. No guide complained that his angler couldn't see the fish or blew the cast, because in most cases the anglers were the guides.

Yet under what most would consider impossible conditions for backcountry fishing, the angler teams showed why they are the best in the world and why Islamorada is the Sport Fishing Capital of the World. with each fish having to be 20 inches to the fork to count points, 119 fish were caught and released in six hours of fishing. Forty Eight (48) snook, sixty seven (67) redfish and even two (2) bonefish were boated, photographed and carefully released. Lesson learned, in 44-58 degree water, snook and bonefish can be located and tricked into eating.

The grand champion team was Capt. Paul Tejera and Dan Longman with a spectacular 6 redfish and 22 snook. First runner up team was Capt. Mark Johnson and Daryl Wheatley with 2 redfish and 14 snook. The second runner up team was Jim Trice and Tommy Collins with 11 redfish and 1 snook. Click here to view photos

The most bonefish trophy was awarded to Frank Kulisky guided by Capt. Rick Miller. Frank not only proved bonefish do eat in cold water, he landed a bonefish that was officially weighed and topped the scales at 13 lbs, 2 oz. Frank caught 3 bonefish with two exceeding the 20-inch requirement. The most redfish was caught by Paul Wingrove with Capt. Dave Denkert, and Capt. Paul Tejera won the most snook for an individual anger with 13 releases.

Priority points go to the teams that catch all three species. This was the 2nd year in 13 years that only two species were caught by any team, so priority went to the teams with two species. Other notable performances included:

- Paul Wingrove and Capt. Dave Denkert with 14 redfish.
- Jim and Pam Martindale, guided by Capt. Chris Humphrey with 3 snook
- Capt. George Clark and Capt. Tadd VanDemark with 2 snook
- Mike Forster and John Bedell guided by Capt. Hank Brown with 9 redfish
- Robert Collins and Mike Gallops guided by Capt. Tom Roland with 3 redfish
- Capt. Tim Klein and Julian Robertson with 5 snook and 1 redfish
- Capt Dale Perez and Capt. Harry Spears with 5 redfish
- Capt. Jason Richards and Capt. Kiwi Hughes with 8 redfish
- Capt. Tad Burke and Ken Thompson with 2 redfish
- Capt. Brian Cutchins and Don Miller with 2 redfish

Proceeds from the Tournament and Silent Auction will be donated by the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association to the Don Hawley Foundation. Even with the poor weather forcing the outdoor silent auction to Mangrove Mike's (who saved the day), the proceeds are expected to reach $20,000.

Next year's Swamp Guides Ball Fishing Tournament and Silent Auction will be held on January 23-24th, and as always on Super Bowl weekend. Mark your calendars now, join the fun, and be one of the few wearing a famous Swamp Guides Ball tee-shirt.

Respectfully submitted,

Jim and Sherri Trice
Tournament Directors