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As I mentioned to a few folks during the last Meet & Greet, this past February, I participated in the Adventure Fishing World Championship held in the Everglades -- Flamingo, FL. It's a unique, artificial-only, CPR event that requires 2-person teams to paddle, pedal, or pole to checkpoints located at various locations within the Park. Teams that catch at least one of the target species -- redfish, trout, or snook -- at 3 or more checkpoints qualify to place in the tournament. The 2014 tournament started at approximately 8 AM, and a map disclosing the exact locations of the checkpoints was released to each of the ~50 teams at that time. The tournament ended at 5 PM. In all, my teammate (my brother) and I made it to 3 of the 4 established checkpoints and pedaled/paddled around 20 miles in the process. The fish weren't biting for us that day, and only 3 of roughly 50 teams caught fish at 3 checkpoints. Nevertheless, it was a fantastic experience under very challenging conditions, which included portages and close encounters with crocs, gators, and bull sharks. My brother and I knew in advance that the tournament would be grueling, so we elected to both take a set of pedals. He took the Hobie Outback, and the guys at Delaware Paddlesports hooked me up with a Native Slayer Propel. Without the pedals, I am confident that we would have really struggled to reach 3 checkpoints.
So, why all the background? Well, the tournament directors have decided to create a number of regional tournaments that follow the same general format as the AFWC, although it appears they will require less paddling. Registration just opened for a regional tournament in New Jersey on May 31 targeting bluefish, fluke, and striped bass. http://adventurefishingworldchampion...m/?page_id=642 I'm registered, and it would be great to see a few other teams from Snaggedline there too. It looks like they'll be holding regionals in other locations as well, e.g., North Carolina.
So, why all the background? Well, the tournament directors have decided to create a number of regional tournaments that follow the same general format as the AFWC, although it appears they will require less paddling. Registration just opened for a regional tournament in New Jersey on May 31 targeting bluefish, fluke, and striped bass. http://adventurefishingworldchampion...m/?page_id=642 I'm registered, and it would be great to see a few other teams from Snaggedline there too. It looks like they'll be holding regionals in other locations as well, e.g., North Carolina.
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