2024 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
2024 Sailfish Smackdown
January 28th REGISTER HERE
2024 Exotic Bass Roundup
April 20th REGISTER HERE
2024 Summer Slam
June 1st and August 17th REGISTER HERE
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SUMMER SLAM 2023
1st Ranzay Blanco 28.88lbs
$3k from Jaguar/Landrover Fort Lauderdale, 2023 Hobie Outback Kayak from Nautical Ventures & custom Summer Slam driftwood trophy from Powercore Rods LLC
2nd Chris Miller Reel Battery 27.68lbs
$1k & Hobie Passport Kayak from Nautical Ventures
3rd Janos Weisz 25.8lbs
Reel Battery Complete Combo worth $1,200, includes Mini Electric Reel & Rod combo + Battery Pack
4th Mikey Molnar 25lbs
$500 from Powercore Rods & SM JohnnyJigs.com pack
5th Ryan Widman 23.04lbs
$500 from ProYaker
6th Brandon Nodal 22.7lbs
$250 from Jaguar/Landrover
7th Andrew Liquid 22.6lbs
Costa Sunglasses from Nautical Ventures
8th Tyler Nekolny 20.62lbs
FREE entry to any EKFT 2024
9th Duberti Alejandro 19.3lbs
Beach House gift card
10th Romeo Gutierrez 14.22lbs
Oceanic Gift Card
$750/Adventure Jig Pack $239
Johnny Jigs Calcutta: Tobias Castillo 8.6lbs
Kingfish Calcutta: $1K Chris Miller 16.1lbs
$3k from Jaguar/Landrover Fort Lauderdale, 2023 Hobie Outback Kayak from Nautical Ventures & custom Summer Slam driftwood trophy from Powercore Rods LLC
2nd Chris Miller Reel Battery 27.68lbs
$1k & Hobie Passport Kayak from Nautical Ventures
3rd Janos Weisz 25.8lbs
Reel Battery Complete Combo worth $1,200, includes Mini Electric Reel & Rod combo + Battery Pack
4th Mikey Molnar 25lbs
$500 from Powercore Rods & SM JohnnyJigs.com pack
5th Ryan Widman 23.04lbs
$500 from ProYaker
6th Brandon Nodal 22.7lbs
$250 from Jaguar/Landrover
7th Andrew Liquid 22.6lbs
Costa Sunglasses from Nautical Ventures
8th Tyler Nekolny 20.62lbs
FREE entry to any EKFT 2024
9th Duberti Alejandro 19.3lbs
Beach House gift card
10th Romeo Gutierrez 14.22lbs
Oceanic Gift Card
$750/Adventure Jig Pack $239
Johnny Jigs Calcutta: Tobias Castillo 8.6lbs
Kingfish Calcutta: $1K Chris Miller 16.1lbs
SUMMER SLAM 2022
1st - James Butters 41.32lbs
$5,000.00 from Fishbrain and Crown Wine and Spirits
.
2nd - Brian Nelli 31.32lbs
$1,000.00 from Nautical Ventures and a Hobie Fishing Outback Kayak from Nautical Ventures
.
3rd - Tobias Castillo 30.10lbs
$500.00 from Powercore Rods & Hobie Revolution from Nautical Ventures, Fishbrain Ring
4th - Robinson Rodriguez 28.88lbs
$500.00 from Proyaker
5th place - Mike Reese 26.56lbs
$250.00 from Fishbrain
6th - Derrick Gunther 22.26lbs
YETI Cooler
7th - Mark Peterson 22.16lbs
ProYaker Icy Catch bag worth $179
8th - Richard Chavis 19.96lbs
Free entry for any EKFT event worth $150
9th - John McKroid 16.76lbs
$100 Crown Wine Spirits gift card
Kingfish Calcutta: $700 Mark Peterson
Blackfin Tuna Calcutta $450 Brian Nelli
$5,000.00 from Fishbrain and Crown Wine and Spirits
.
2nd - Brian Nelli 31.32lbs
$1,000.00 from Nautical Ventures and a Hobie Fishing Outback Kayak from Nautical Ventures
.
3rd - Tobias Castillo 30.10lbs
$500.00 from Powercore Rods & Hobie Revolution from Nautical Ventures, Fishbrain Ring
4th - Robinson Rodriguez 28.88lbs
$500.00 from Proyaker
5th place - Mike Reese 26.56lbs
$250.00 from Fishbrain
6th - Derrick Gunther 22.26lbs
YETI Cooler
7th - Mark Peterson 22.16lbs
ProYaker Icy Catch bag worth $179
8th - Richard Chavis 19.96lbs
Free entry for any EKFT event worth $150
9th - John McKroid 16.76lbs
$100 Crown Wine Spirits gift card
Kingfish Calcutta: $700 Mark Peterson
Blackfin Tuna Calcutta $450 Brian Nelli
Summer Slam 2021
1st Shaun Roles 71.23lbs
$5,000.00 and HOBIE Outback Kayak worth $3,250
(TURBO USA and Nautical Ventures)
2nd Justin Ritchey 35.29lbs
$2,500.00 and HOBIE Hobie Revo Kayak worth $2,800 (RAILBLAZA and Nautical Ventures)
3rd Patrick DeCarlo 34.59lbs
$1,000.00 (Nautical Ventures)
4th Zack Revolinski 33.03lbs
Garmin Quatix 5, Marine GPS Smartwatch $550
5th Mauricio Giosa 31.44lbs
YETI Tundra 65 White Hard Cooler $350
6th Stephen Klein 26.82lbs
YETI Hopper M30 Soft Cooler $300
7th Denis Barahona 26.44lbs
PROYAKER Icy Catch bag $179
8th Jon Venarchick 22.53lbs
Custom Powercore Rods LLC rod.
9th Ricardo Rodriguez 21.38 lbs
Free entry to EKFT tournament in 2022 $150
$1,250 Kingfish Calcutta - Patrick DeCarlo 34.59lbs
$950 Blackfin Tuna Calcutta - Shaun Roles 16.29lbs
Aces Bait and Tackle “Wildcard Division” winner Jon Venarchick
$200.00 - Aces Bait Tackle
$250.00 for future stay at the Beachside Village Resort
$150.00 2022 Summer Slam entry
$100.00 Yak Gear gift card
Total value $700
$5,000.00 and HOBIE Outback Kayak worth $3,250
(TURBO USA and Nautical Ventures)
2nd Justin Ritchey 35.29lbs
$2,500.00 and HOBIE Hobie Revo Kayak worth $2,800 (RAILBLAZA and Nautical Ventures)
3rd Patrick DeCarlo 34.59lbs
$1,000.00 (Nautical Ventures)
4th Zack Revolinski 33.03lbs
Garmin Quatix 5, Marine GPS Smartwatch $550
5th Mauricio Giosa 31.44lbs
YETI Tundra 65 White Hard Cooler $350
6th Stephen Klein 26.82lbs
YETI Hopper M30 Soft Cooler $300
7th Denis Barahona 26.44lbs
PROYAKER Icy Catch bag $179
8th Jon Venarchick 22.53lbs
Custom Powercore Rods LLC rod.
9th Ricardo Rodriguez 21.38 lbs
Free entry to EKFT tournament in 2022 $150
$1,250 Kingfish Calcutta - Patrick DeCarlo 34.59lbs
$950 Blackfin Tuna Calcutta - Shaun Roles 16.29lbs
Aces Bait and Tackle “Wildcard Division” winner Jon Venarchick
$200.00 - Aces Bait Tackle
$250.00 for future stay at the Beachside Village Resort
$150.00 2022 Summer Slam entry
$100.00 Yak Gear gift card
Total value $700
Summer Slam 2020
Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament competitors show off some of the cash earnings and prizes earned at the 10th annual Summer Slam at Pompano Beach. (EKFT/Courtesy)Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament founder Joe Hector was a popular man for hanging tough and finding a way to put on the Summer Slam tournament at North Ocean Park in Pompano Beach.
Hector overcame numerous challenges to the delight of 98 grateful kayakers who had an early morning shoot off along the shoreline of Pompano Beach for a competitive and fun-filled day of fishing.
What would have been a festive celebration for the 10th anniversary of EKFT was transformed into a subdued affair due to the current COVID-19 restrictions. Missing was the kickoff party and Captains Meeting at Bru’s Room and the weigh-in and on-stage Champagne celebration for the winning anglers. Getting the opportunity to compete on the open water was a cause for celebration.
The Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament Summer Slam champions show off some of their winnings at North Ocean Park in Pompano Beach. They are, from left, Alejandro Duberti (third place), champion Zach Revolinski and Mauricio Giosa (second place). (EKFT/Courtesy)“With the challenges of having part one of the Summer Slam series canceled back in June due to COVID-19 and with this being the 10th year for EKFT, made this tournament more special than most,” Hector said. “We received and hear so many messages of thanks from all the anglers who appreciated what we did.
Hector overcame numerous challenges to the delight of 98 grateful kayakers who had an early morning shoot off along the shoreline of Pompano Beach for a competitive and fun-filled day of fishing.
What would have been a festive celebration for the 10th anniversary of EKFT was transformed into a subdued affair due to the current COVID-19 restrictions. Missing was the kickoff party and Captains Meeting at Bru’s Room and the weigh-in and on-stage Champagne celebration for the winning anglers. Getting the opportunity to compete on the open water was a cause for celebration.
The Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament Summer Slam champions show off some of their winnings at North Ocean Park in Pompano Beach. They are, from left, Alejandro Duberti (third place), champion Zach Revolinski and Mauricio Giosa (second place). (EKFT/Courtesy)“With the challenges of having part one of the Summer Slam series canceled back in June due to COVID-19 and with this being the 10th year for EKFT, made this tournament more special than most,” Hector said. “We received and hear so many messages of thanks from all the anglers who appreciated what we did.
Summer Slam Part 2, 2019
My Extreme Experience, getting the monkey off my back in the Summer Slam!
By 2019 Summer Slam Part 2 Champion Mark Peterson
I knew it was going to be a great weekend, I could just feel the energy in the air; or I was just psyching myself up. I've been fishing all the EKFT tournaments in Florida for a few years now, so this was not my first rodeo. My first mate and girlfriend, Julie, also fishes the tournaments with me. We always have a great time at the Bru's room for the Captains party and of course, the raffle. We have scored some top notch prizes from the raffle as well as supporting a great cause.
It was a beautiful morning to start the tournament. The surf was calm with very little wind. I launched before Julie so I could get in line for bait. It was then that I realized that I had left my paddle in the truck. Good thing Julie was still on the beach and could run back to the truck for my paddle. We get our bait and waited for the 07:15 AM start. It’s truly a site to see - 90 kayaks just a couple hundred feet off of the beach, ready to paddle themselves into the Atlantic in search of some drag screaming fish.
When Joe Hector starts the countdown, the adrenaline starts to pump because you want to paddle as fast as you can to be the first into prime fishing territory and get your baits in the water. Joe Hector sends us off with his trademark “Go! Go! Go!” over the loud speakers and 90 kayaks are on their way. Julie and I paddled just north of the pier to the second reef and put our baits in the water. I knew this would increase our chances of catching just Barracudas, but our plan was to paddle north to the inlet and ride the out-going tide into deeper waters. We were shooting for that big ‘Wahoo’ hoping the current would not take us too far north.
The second bait on my short line was in the water for 10 minutes before the reel sounded off. I thought we were in water too shallow to be anything but a ‘Cuda. While I was bringing the fish in, someone else called in the first catch over the radio. I waited ‘till I got it in the ‘yak before I called anything in. When I first saw the fish, I shouted “It’s a King! It’s a King!” to Julie, who was just ahead of me. I landed the fish and shouted with joy. This was the first fish I would be able to take to the weigh-in aside from a Bonita. I just sat on my ‘yak for a few minutes, soaking in that moment. I called in my catch over the radio to get a few pictures from the help boat. They found me, took a few pictures, and as the boat was leaving, the captain shouted out “Now catch its big brother!”
I put my baits back in the water and we continued our trek north for the inlet. When we reached the inlet, there was a beautiful weed line which looked like it could be holding a plethora of hungry fish. The weed line was roughly 50 feet wide, so Julie went up one side as I went up the other. We followed the weed line for roughly ½ of a mile with no success. At that point, we were in a stronger current which was pushing us north. The current was so strong, our peddling efforts were ineffective as we could not make up any ground. So we decided to head towards shallower waters where the currents were not as strong.
Just then, my reel sounded off again; this time, I brought in a 3-4 ft. shark. My problem now was that I had drifted another ½ mile north; which meant Julie is probably now about 1 mile south of me. I rigged up my rod again and headed in for the 100 ft. mark before I started to peddle south to catch-up with Julie.
I got to around 120 ft. and the reel started singing again, it was the strongest yet. I brought my catch up to the kayak and could see it was another Kingfish. As I brought him up to the side, he got a shot of energy and ran off another 50 ft. of line. I got this fish within 10 ft. away three different times, but he kept making runs. I knew this fish could put me in the running if I could land it and all I could think was ‘please don't get sharked’.
This King fought with me for over 20 minutes and made multiple runs. I just knew the tax man was going to come and collect if I did not get this fish in soon. So, I tightened the drag an extra half of a turn and it was just enough to get him close enough for the gaff. I got him in the kayak and a flood of emotions poured over me because I suddenly had 2 fish to take to the weigh-in. I was super hyped up. It took a few minutes to settle down and get the fish in my fish bag.
After all of that, even in 120 ft. of water, the current had pushed me further north once more. I was the farthest north of the inlet that I had ever been. I still had another line out, so I didn’t bother rigging up a second. I needed to focus on getting closer to the inlet again. I didn’t even call the second fish in right away. I got my cell phone out and called Julie, so I could share my moment with her. I was on the phone with her while peddling my way back when all of a sudden; I see the help boat just a few 100 yards away. I saw that it was the same help boat which took the pictures of my first fish.
So, I got off of the phone and radioed in that I caught my second king and asked the help boat if they wanted to come take some pictures. They asked where I was and I told them that I was right next to them. As the help boat approached, I yelled to the boat “You told me to catch its big brother!” I pulled my second King out of the fish bag, held it up, and yelled “Here it is!” Thats when the photographer, Hunter, jumped into the water with his camera and shot a few close-ups of me with my second Kingfish. After a brief photo shoot, I made my way over to Julie and got there just in time for a rain storm to blow through. There was about 2 hours fishing time left, but we were short on bait and the action had slowed. So we decided to do a slow troll back to the launch point and call it a day.
Julie and I were probably one of the first ones back to the beach that day. I felt so proud as I walked up to the weigh-in station holding those two fish. After my weigh-in, I hung out around the weigh-in table watching other people bring up their fish which drove me bonkers. To occupy my mind and hunger I enjoyed some great food provided by Zona Fresca and Jersey Mikes and brews from Budweiser.
Everyone was back on the beach, the fish were all weighed, and the totals were tallied. As Joe Hector got on the microphone to announce the winners, I looked at Julie and said “The longer it takes to call my name, the better.” I think Joe was just about to announce 5th place when a second rain storm of the day came through and forced a short delay for the top half of the finishes. I was starting to get really excited because I realized I should be at least the top 3.
Getting first place for the EKFT Summer Slam II 2019 has been one of my most proud and memorable experiences. The prize money is awesome, but I get to see that sweet ass trophy from Global Fishmounts every single day on my shelf. Several people have asked me what it felt like to finally win and it was hard to describe. The best way I have found to put it into perspective is that it felt like winning the Daytona 500.
For those of you out there that are thinking of entering one of the EKFT tournaments, they are run professionally and in my opinion, this is the safest way to experience fishing offshore in a kayak. This is the only time that you can have a beach launch, a quick coast guard safety check, have your bait waiting for you just past the breakers, and have several safety boats just a radio call away to provide assistance if needed. As an extra bonus they have a professional photographer out there to take some great pics of you and your catch on the water. Just be prepared for anything because they do call it Extreme fishing for good reasons.
By 2019 Summer Slam Part 2 Champion Mark Peterson
I knew it was going to be a great weekend, I could just feel the energy in the air; or I was just psyching myself up. I've been fishing all the EKFT tournaments in Florida for a few years now, so this was not my first rodeo. My first mate and girlfriend, Julie, also fishes the tournaments with me. We always have a great time at the Bru's room for the Captains party and of course, the raffle. We have scored some top notch prizes from the raffle as well as supporting a great cause.
It was a beautiful morning to start the tournament. The surf was calm with very little wind. I launched before Julie so I could get in line for bait. It was then that I realized that I had left my paddle in the truck. Good thing Julie was still on the beach and could run back to the truck for my paddle. We get our bait and waited for the 07:15 AM start. It’s truly a site to see - 90 kayaks just a couple hundred feet off of the beach, ready to paddle themselves into the Atlantic in search of some drag screaming fish.
When Joe Hector starts the countdown, the adrenaline starts to pump because you want to paddle as fast as you can to be the first into prime fishing territory and get your baits in the water. Joe Hector sends us off with his trademark “Go! Go! Go!” over the loud speakers and 90 kayaks are on their way. Julie and I paddled just north of the pier to the second reef and put our baits in the water. I knew this would increase our chances of catching just Barracudas, but our plan was to paddle north to the inlet and ride the out-going tide into deeper waters. We were shooting for that big ‘Wahoo’ hoping the current would not take us too far north.
The second bait on my short line was in the water for 10 minutes before the reel sounded off. I thought we were in water too shallow to be anything but a ‘Cuda. While I was bringing the fish in, someone else called in the first catch over the radio. I waited ‘till I got it in the ‘yak before I called anything in. When I first saw the fish, I shouted “It’s a King! It’s a King!” to Julie, who was just ahead of me. I landed the fish and shouted with joy. This was the first fish I would be able to take to the weigh-in aside from a Bonita. I just sat on my ‘yak for a few minutes, soaking in that moment. I called in my catch over the radio to get a few pictures from the help boat. They found me, took a few pictures, and as the boat was leaving, the captain shouted out “Now catch its big brother!”
I put my baits back in the water and we continued our trek north for the inlet. When we reached the inlet, there was a beautiful weed line which looked like it could be holding a plethora of hungry fish. The weed line was roughly 50 feet wide, so Julie went up one side as I went up the other. We followed the weed line for roughly ½ of a mile with no success. At that point, we were in a stronger current which was pushing us north. The current was so strong, our peddling efforts were ineffective as we could not make up any ground. So we decided to head towards shallower waters where the currents were not as strong.
Just then, my reel sounded off again; this time, I brought in a 3-4 ft. shark. My problem now was that I had drifted another ½ mile north; which meant Julie is probably now about 1 mile south of me. I rigged up my rod again and headed in for the 100 ft. mark before I started to peddle south to catch-up with Julie.
I got to around 120 ft. and the reel started singing again, it was the strongest yet. I brought my catch up to the kayak and could see it was another Kingfish. As I brought him up to the side, he got a shot of energy and ran off another 50 ft. of line. I got this fish within 10 ft. away three different times, but he kept making runs. I knew this fish could put me in the running if I could land it and all I could think was ‘please don't get sharked’.
This King fought with me for over 20 minutes and made multiple runs. I just knew the tax man was going to come and collect if I did not get this fish in soon. So, I tightened the drag an extra half of a turn and it was just enough to get him close enough for the gaff. I got him in the kayak and a flood of emotions poured over me because I suddenly had 2 fish to take to the weigh-in. I was super hyped up. It took a few minutes to settle down and get the fish in my fish bag.
After all of that, even in 120 ft. of water, the current had pushed me further north once more. I was the farthest north of the inlet that I had ever been. I still had another line out, so I didn’t bother rigging up a second. I needed to focus on getting closer to the inlet again. I didn’t even call the second fish in right away. I got my cell phone out and called Julie, so I could share my moment with her. I was on the phone with her while peddling my way back when all of a sudden; I see the help boat just a few 100 yards away. I saw that it was the same help boat which took the pictures of my first fish.
So, I got off of the phone and radioed in that I caught my second king and asked the help boat if they wanted to come take some pictures. They asked where I was and I told them that I was right next to them. As the help boat approached, I yelled to the boat “You told me to catch its big brother!” I pulled my second King out of the fish bag, held it up, and yelled “Here it is!” Thats when the photographer, Hunter, jumped into the water with his camera and shot a few close-ups of me with my second Kingfish. After a brief photo shoot, I made my way over to Julie and got there just in time for a rain storm to blow through. There was about 2 hours fishing time left, but we were short on bait and the action had slowed. So we decided to do a slow troll back to the launch point and call it a day.
Julie and I were probably one of the first ones back to the beach that day. I felt so proud as I walked up to the weigh-in station holding those two fish. After my weigh-in, I hung out around the weigh-in table watching other people bring up their fish which drove me bonkers. To occupy my mind and hunger I enjoyed some great food provided by Zona Fresca and Jersey Mikes and brews from Budweiser.
Everyone was back on the beach, the fish were all weighed, and the totals were tallied. As Joe Hector got on the microphone to announce the winners, I looked at Julie and said “The longer it takes to call my name, the better.” I think Joe was just about to announce 5th place when a second rain storm of the day came through and forced a short delay for the top half of the finishes. I was starting to get really excited because I realized I should be at least the top 3.
Getting first place for the EKFT Summer Slam II 2019 has been one of my most proud and memorable experiences. The prize money is awesome, but I get to see that sweet ass trophy from Global Fishmounts every single day on my shelf. Several people have asked me what it felt like to finally win and it was hard to describe. The best way I have found to put it into perspective is that it felt like winning the Daytona 500.
For those of you out there that are thinking of entering one of the EKFT tournaments, they are run professionally and in my opinion, this is the safest way to experience fishing offshore in a kayak. This is the only time that you can have a beach launch, a quick coast guard safety check, have your bait waiting for you just past the breakers, and have several safety boats just a radio call away to provide assistance if needed. As an extra bonus they have a professional photographer out there to take some great pics of you and your catch on the water. Just be prepared for anything because they do call it Extreme fishing for good reasons.
1st - Mark Peterson 27.38lbs - $5,000.00 TURBO USA and RAILBLAZA Trophy Global Fishmounts
2nd – Jon Cunningham 23.92lbs - Hobie Outback Kayak worth $2,750 Nautical Ventures
3rd – Alejandro Duberti 20.04lbs - Hobie Revo Kayak worth $2,550 Nautical Ventures
4th – Leandro Pera 19.86lbs - $500 Costa Sunglasses prize pack, Garmin Striker Plus 7cv + Transducer
5th – Matt Romeyn 17.39lbs - $600 YETI Prize Pack
6th – (Texas) Tracy Deadman 16.51lbs - $400 Garmin Quatix 5, Marine GPS Smart Watch
7th – Christian Childs 15.97lbs - $365 Hobie Livewell V2
8th – Brian Nelli 14.99lbs - Costa Glasses worth $250
9th – Shaun Roles 11.09lbs - Torqeedo Kayak Fishing $200 Gift Certificate
10th – (Australia) Martyn Gittens 9.63lbs - FREE Summer Slam Entry worth $150
Trash Can SLAM – Adam Roeck 16.18lbs - Costa Sun Glasses and Trash Can Global Fishmounts Trophy
$1800 Kingfish Calcutta – Tracy Deadman -16.51lbs
2019 EKFT Championship Ring Winner - Shaun Roles. Total weight 54.16lbs
2nd – Jon Cunningham 23.92lbs - Hobie Outback Kayak worth $2,750 Nautical Ventures
3rd – Alejandro Duberti 20.04lbs - Hobie Revo Kayak worth $2,550 Nautical Ventures
4th – Leandro Pera 19.86lbs - $500 Costa Sunglasses prize pack, Garmin Striker Plus 7cv + Transducer
5th – Matt Romeyn 17.39lbs - $600 YETI Prize Pack
6th – (Texas) Tracy Deadman 16.51lbs - $400 Garmin Quatix 5, Marine GPS Smart Watch
7th – Christian Childs 15.97lbs - $365 Hobie Livewell V2
8th – Brian Nelli 14.99lbs - Costa Glasses worth $250
9th – Shaun Roles 11.09lbs - Torqeedo Kayak Fishing $200 Gift Certificate
10th – (Australia) Martyn Gittens 9.63lbs - FREE Summer Slam Entry worth $150
Trash Can SLAM – Adam Roeck 16.18lbs - Costa Sun Glasses and Trash Can Global Fishmounts Trophy
$1800 Kingfish Calcutta – Tracy Deadman -16.51lbs
2019 EKFT Championship Ring Winner - Shaun Roles. Total weight 54.16lbs
SUMMER SLAM PART 1, 2019
Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament anglers reel in prize-winning fish
By EMMETT HALL SUN SENTINEL CORRESPONDENT
With Mother Nature cooperating with near perfect conditions, 122 offshore anglers enjoyed a tremendous day on the ocean with a record number of catches at the Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament Summer Slam Series Part I at Pompano Beach. When the fish are hitting, every angler has an equal opportunity of landing cash and prize-winning catches that totaled in excess of $20,000.
The tournament has enjoyed a successful run for nine years at Pompano Beach, which has proved to be a gold mine for fishing enthusiasts with its nearby natural reefs and man-made wrecks. The monster-size fish might have been missing from the first part of the Summer Slam series, but the quantity of fish caught was record breaking.
EKFT tournament director and founder Joe Hector said he was thrilled with the day’s proceedings that started with a 7 a.m. launch off the Pompano Beach shoreline and a weigh in at 2 p.m.
“It was awesome and the turnout of 122 anglers was the most we had since the 2017 tournament,” he said. “We had very good fishing reports and that had a lot of people signing up. This was the most fish caught that we ever had in this tournament. The quantity was unbelievable and we had around 700 pounds caught. I love the fact that just about every angler caught fish.”
It’s difficult to keep a secret in the fishing community and word is out on the EKFT Summer Slam Series. The popularity of the event continues to grow on a national level. Participants came in from California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Vermont.
“Every tournament that we have is so different when it comes down to what they bring in as well as the conditions,” Hector said. “There are new winners just about every tournament. We’ve put on tournaments in Texas and the Bahamas. Your preparation is everything when you go out there. You’re on a little piece of plastic, offshore fishing for big money and monster fish almost as big as your craft. The anglers were working their tails off. It’s all on them and they get all the glory.”
Justin Ritchey, of Orlando, captured first place with an aggregate weight total of 41.8 pounds. He earned the grand prize of $5,000 from Turbo USA and received the Railblaza Trophy Global Fishmounts. Ritchey also won the Tunaskin Tuna Division prize of $250 Tunaskin apparel package. Coming in second place with a weight total of 35.8 pounds was Orlando resident Jeff Forland who won a Hobie Outback Kayak worth $2,750. Brian Nelli took third place with 33.2 pounds of fish to win a $2,550 Hobie revo kayak from Nautical Ventures.
Ritchey was celebrating his victory with Champagne and enjoying the festivities. The Star Rods representative was in town servicing a couple accounts when he got the opportunity to enter the tournament in which he always wanted to compete.
“I got my fish finder, got all my rods and reels and was finally able to get out there and make it all happen,” Ritchey said. “It was perfect conditions out there today with a great turnout from the South Florida kayak community. I got first place with two kingfish and a big blackfin tuna. I’m an avid kayak fisherman and I’ve been doing this for about 10 years.”
Ritchey was more than happy to share his keys to winning.
“This is my first offshore tournament so this makes a pretty good success story. Success is a formula of preparation and luck. One of those variables is in your control. I tend to obsess in the preparation part. My technique led me to the Hillsboro Inlet and I had two kingfish by 8 a.m. It’s all about speed and getting to the hunting grounds before anybody else. I plan on being back for the Summer Slam II Series.”
Mere ounces separated many of the anglers who were within striking distance of each other. Shaun Rolles had a fourth-place finish with 33.07 pounds for $500, Costa sunglasses and a Garmin Striker Plus and Transducer. Rolles enhanced his productive day by entering and winning the Kingfish Calcutta with a 20.68-pound catch that added $1,300 cash to his bank account. Eric Clark who came in sixth place had caught the biggest single fish in the tournament with a 32.25-pound kingfish but never registered for the Calcutta. Clark had bragging rights, minus the prize money.
Forand is another Orlando resident who secured second place and had tales to tell on his fishing adventure.
“This is where it’s at with Pompano Beach,” he said. “Where I’m at you have to go out 30 miles to get to these depths but out here it’s less than a mile. It’s worth the drive. I had two kingfish over 10 pounds and two blackfin tunas. This is so much fun and is what I live for. I could do this every single day. I work when I’m out there and every muscle is cramping. I also brought two hammerhead sharks to the kayak with one at 8 feet and the other at 6 feet. I just cut them off when I got them by the kayak.”
The anglers continue to hone their craft and are getting better and better each year. World-class wahoo are being caught off the Pompano shoreline. Hector has marveled at the evolution of the sport he has helped create. Anglers are now kite fishing off of kayaks.
By EMMETT HALL SUN SENTINEL CORRESPONDENT
With Mother Nature cooperating with near perfect conditions, 122 offshore anglers enjoyed a tremendous day on the ocean with a record number of catches at the Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament Summer Slam Series Part I at Pompano Beach. When the fish are hitting, every angler has an equal opportunity of landing cash and prize-winning catches that totaled in excess of $20,000.
The tournament has enjoyed a successful run for nine years at Pompano Beach, which has proved to be a gold mine for fishing enthusiasts with its nearby natural reefs and man-made wrecks. The monster-size fish might have been missing from the first part of the Summer Slam series, but the quantity of fish caught was record breaking.
EKFT tournament director and founder Joe Hector said he was thrilled with the day’s proceedings that started with a 7 a.m. launch off the Pompano Beach shoreline and a weigh in at 2 p.m.
“It was awesome and the turnout of 122 anglers was the most we had since the 2017 tournament,” he said. “We had very good fishing reports and that had a lot of people signing up. This was the most fish caught that we ever had in this tournament. The quantity was unbelievable and we had around 700 pounds caught. I love the fact that just about every angler caught fish.”
It’s difficult to keep a secret in the fishing community and word is out on the EKFT Summer Slam Series. The popularity of the event continues to grow on a national level. Participants came in from California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Vermont.
“Every tournament that we have is so different when it comes down to what they bring in as well as the conditions,” Hector said. “There are new winners just about every tournament. We’ve put on tournaments in Texas and the Bahamas. Your preparation is everything when you go out there. You’re on a little piece of plastic, offshore fishing for big money and monster fish almost as big as your craft. The anglers were working their tails off. It’s all on them and they get all the glory.”
Justin Ritchey, of Orlando, captured first place with an aggregate weight total of 41.8 pounds. He earned the grand prize of $5,000 from Turbo USA and received the Railblaza Trophy Global Fishmounts. Ritchey also won the Tunaskin Tuna Division prize of $250 Tunaskin apparel package. Coming in second place with a weight total of 35.8 pounds was Orlando resident Jeff Forland who won a Hobie Outback Kayak worth $2,750. Brian Nelli took third place with 33.2 pounds of fish to win a $2,550 Hobie revo kayak from Nautical Ventures.
Ritchey was celebrating his victory with Champagne and enjoying the festivities. The Star Rods representative was in town servicing a couple accounts when he got the opportunity to enter the tournament in which he always wanted to compete.
“I got my fish finder, got all my rods and reels and was finally able to get out there and make it all happen,” Ritchey said. “It was perfect conditions out there today with a great turnout from the South Florida kayak community. I got first place with two kingfish and a big blackfin tuna. I’m an avid kayak fisherman and I’ve been doing this for about 10 years.”
Ritchey was more than happy to share his keys to winning.
“This is my first offshore tournament so this makes a pretty good success story. Success is a formula of preparation and luck. One of those variables is in your control. I tend to obsess in the preparation part. My technique led me to the Hillsboro Inlet and I had two kingfish by 8 a.m. It’s all about speed and getting to the hunting grounds before anybody else. I plan on being back for the Summer Slam II Series.”
Mere ounces separated many of the anglers who were within striking distance of each other. Shaun Rolles had a fourth-place finish with 33.07 pounds for $500, Costa sunglasses and a Garmin Striker Plus and Transducer. Rolles enhanced his productive day by entering and winning the Kingfish Calcutta with a 20.68-pound catch that added $1,300 cash to his bank account. Eric Clark who came in sixth place had caught the biggest single fish in the tournament with a 32.25-pound kingfish but never registered for the Calcutta. Clark had bragging rights, minus the prize money.
Forand is another Orlando resident who secured second place and had tales to tell on his fishing adventure.
“This is where it’s at with Pompano Beach,” he said. “Where I’m at you have to go out 30 miles to get to these depths but out here it’s less than a mile. It’s worth the drive. I had two kingfish over 10 pounds and two blackfin tunas. This is so much fun and is what I live for. I could do this every single day. I work when I’m out there and every muscle is cramping. I also brought two hammerhead sharks to the kayak with one at 8 feet and the other at 6 feet. I just cut them off when I got them by the kayak.”
The anglers continue to hone their craft and are getting better and better each year. World-class wahoo are being caught off the Pompano shoreline. Hector has marveled at the evolution of the sport he has helped create. Anglers are now kite fishing off of kayaks.
SAILFISH SMACKDOWN, 2019
New winners take center stage in the 2019 Sailfish Smackdown!
The Extreme Kayak Fishing Sailfish Smackdown kicked off at Bru’s Room in Pompano Beach Friday night January 11th. Some of the best kayak anglers from around the country came to register for the tournament and take part in the huge raffle, which benefited the Broward Children’s Center. The Broward Children’s Center helps support a cause that provides homes to some of the most technologically dependent children in the country and addresses the educational, social and medical needs of both typically developing and special needs children.
Due to bad weather the following day, in the interest of safety, EKFT officials decided to make the tournament a one day event taking place on Sunday January 13th. Sunday morning the anglers congregated south of the Pompano Beach Pier where they fueled up on coffee and donuts provided by Dandee Donuts while being checked in by EKFT officials and the US Coast Guard to make sure they were in compliance with equipment and safety.
Local Miami angler Robwil Valderrey was the first to catch and release a sailfish about an hour after the 7:30am shoot off. He kept his lead throughout the day over the other competitors, earning him the Sailfish Smackdown Champion title, taking home the $5,000 check donated by RAILBLAZA and Turbo USA, with a beautiful Sailfish trophy made by Global Fishmounts. Just minutes before the 3pm lines out time, Shaun Roles snagged his trophy sailfish putting him in second place with a nice $2,000 check provided by Nautical Ventures. Ivy Harris was rewarded $500 for his beautiful mahi mahi catch, and took the Nautical Ventures Dolphin Division prize. Seasoned angler Brian Nelli won the Kingfish Calcutta and received $1,200 Cash!
The winners were celebrated at the Beach House Pompano Beach Sunday evening after competition. Free food and drinks were awaiting all the hungry participants, as they were greeted VIP style at the beautiful restaurant overlooking the ocean. What a perfect ending to a great weekend of competition.
Click the photo to view 2019 Sailfish Smackdown video
The Extreme Kayak Fishing Sailfish Smackdown kicked off at Bru’s Room in Pompano Beach Friday night January 11th. Some of the best kayak anglers from around the country came to register for the tournament and take part in the huge raffle, which benefited the Broward Children’s Center. The Broward Children’s Center helps support a cause that provides homes to some of the most technologically dependent children in the country and addresses the educational, social and medical needs of both typically developing and special needs children.
Due to bad weather the following day, in the interest of safety, EKFT officials decided to make the tournament a one day event taking place on Sunday January 13th. Sunday morning the anglers congregated south of the Pompano Beach Pier where they fueled up on coffee and donuts provided by Dandee Donuts while being checked in by EKFT officials and the US Coast Guard to make sure they were in compliance with equipment and safety.
Local Miami angler Robwil Valderrey was the first to catch and release a sailfish about an hour after the 7:30am shoot off. He kept his lead throughout the day over the other competitors, earning him the Sailfish Smackdown Champion title, taking home the $5,000 check donated by RAILBLAZA and Turbo USA, with a beautiful Sailfish trophy made by Global Fishmounts. Just minutes before the 3pm lines out time, Shaun Roles snagged his trophy sailfish putting him in second place with a nice $2,000 check provided by Nautical Ventures. Ivy Harris was rewarded $500 for his beautiful mahi mahi catch, and took the Nautical Ventures Dolphin Division prize. Seasoned angler Brian Nelli won the Kingfish Calcutta and received $1,200 Cash!
The winners were celebrated at the Beach House Pompano Beach Sunday evening after competition. Free food and drinks were awaiting all the hungry participants, as they were greeted VIP style at the beautiful restaurant overlooking the ocean. What a perfect ending to a great weekend of competition.
Click the photo to view 2019 Sailfish Smackdown video
SUMMER SLAM PART 2, 2018
summer slam part 1, 2018
SAILFISH SMACKDOWN LEG 2, 2018
First time offshore anglers winning big bucks in the Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament!
The Sailfish Smackdown Series in 2018 crowned two champions from Pittsburgh, PA. & Jacksonville FL.
Brandon Skoff from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania won Leg 2 of the Smackdown taking home 5k from RAILBLAZA & Turbo USA & a Sailfish Trophy from Global Fishmounts.
2018 marks the first time anglers from out of town won back to back tournaments!
First time offshore angler Franco Natividad from Jacksonville, FL. won Leg 1 taking home 5k from RAILBLAZA & Turbo USA and placed 3rd in Leg 2 winning $1,000.00 from Nautical Ventures Marine Superstore. With the combined 2 Sailfish he took home the EKFT Billfish Championship Ring!
Stats:
1st - Brandon Skoff, $5,000.00 Railblaza, Turbo USA Global Fishmounts Trophy
2nd - Thomas Kuhns, $2,000.00 Railblaza, Turbo USA, Global Fishmounts plaque, YETI Hopper Flip Cooler
3rd - Franco Natividad, $1000.00 Nautical Ventures
4th - Sammy Palacios, Global Fishmounts plaque
Nautical Ventures Mahi Division - Brian Whelan 7.7lbs
Jacksonville Angler Franco Natividad wins the EKFT Championship Billfish Ring!!
The Sailfish Smackdown Series in 2018 crowned two champions from Pittsburgh, PA. & Jacksonville FL.
Brandon Skoff from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania won Leg 2 of the Smackdown taking home 5k from RAILBLAZA & Turbo USA & a Sailfish Trophy from Global Fishmounts.
2018 marks the first time anglers from out of town won back to back tournaments!
First time offshore angler Franco Natividad from Jacksonville, FL. won Leg 1 taking home 5k from RAILBLAZA & Turbo USA and placed 3rd in Leg 2 winning $1,000.00 from Nautical Ventures Marine Superstore. With the combined 2 Sailfish he took home the EKFT Billfish Championship Ring!
Stats:
1st - Brandon Skoff, $5,000.00 Railblaza, Turbo USA Global Fishmounts Trophy
2nd - Thomas Kuhns, $2,000.00 Railblaza, Turbo USA, Global Fishmounts plaque, YETI Hopper Flip Cooler
3rd - Franco Natividad, $1000.00 Nautical Ventures
4th - Sammy Palacios, Global Fishmounts plaque
Nautical Ventures Mahi Division - Brian Whelan 7.7lbs
Jacksonville Angler Franco Natividad wins the EKFT Championship Billfish Ring!!
SAILFISH SMACKDOWN LEG 1, 2018
Kayak Anglers battled rough seas and a surprise from Jacksonville emerged with the win!
The first leg of the 2018 Sailfish Smackdown was full of thrills and extremely rough conditions. Jacksonville angler Franco Natividad took first place with the first sailfish caught. Franco's win marks the third time a non-local angler has won a EKFT event. Local angler Rob Rodriguez placed second making it the fourth straight year he has placed in the Sailfish Smackdown. Texas angler Erik D'aloise won third catching his sailfish at the end of day 2. the 2018 Sailfish Smackdown pushed the limits of offshore kayak fishing and showed the world that kayak anglers can compete with the best of them.
Stats:
1ST – Franco Natividad- $5,000 FROM TURBO USA and RAILBLAZA with SAILFISH TROPHY FROM GLOBAL FISHMOUNTS and Yeti Hopper Two 30 Cooler worth $350
2ND – Rob Rodriguez- $2,000 FROM RAILBLAZA with SAILFISH PLAQUE FROM GLOBAL FISHMOUNTS and Yeti Hopper Flip 18 Cooler worth $250
3RD – Erik D’aloise- $1,000 FROM NAUTICAL VENTURES with SAILFISH PLAQUE FROM GLOBAL FISHMOUNTS and Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Cooler worth $250
Benny Scoca - $1,000 BONAFIDE KINGFISH CALCUTTA
Brian Nelli - NAUTICAL VENTURES DOLPHIN DIVISION - $500.00
SUMMER SLAM PART 2, 2017
Record-Smashing EKFT Event to Cap the Year!!
Extreme Kayak Fishing Inc. had an incredible end to the Summer Slam Series last Saturday. Records were broken with an astonishing 71.9lb Wahoo and total weight of 101.7lbs for the first place winner John McKroid.
More massive Wahoos were caught in the 50lb range from Cuban and Texas anglers. Massive African Pompano, Nice Kings and Tunas also hit the scales.
John McKroid broke 3 EKFT records in the Summer Slam Series 2017. He had the most total weight ever in a EKFT event with 101.7lbs, The largest single fish ever weighed in at 71.9lbs and the heaviest wahoo ever caught beating our 52lb record from last year. –
First place winner John McKroid won with a total weight of 101.7lbs & took home $5,000.00 from Turbo USA & a Trophy from Global Fishmounts and won the $1,400 RAILBLAZA Kingfish Calcutta. He washed it down with winning the $500 YakAttack Wahoo Division. Total winnings - $6,900. For all the stats click here.
Extreme Kayak Fishing Inc. had an incredible end to the Summer Slam Series last Saturday. Records were broken with an astonishing 71.9lb Wahoo and total weight of 101.7lbs for the first place winner John McKroid.
More massive Wahoos were caught in the 50lb range from Cuban and Texas anglers. Massive African Pompano, Nice Kings and Tunas also hit the scales.
John McKroid broke 3 EKFT records in the Summer Slam Series 2017. He had the most total weight ever in a EKFT event with 101.7lbs, The largest single fish ever weighed in at 71.9lbs and the heaviest wahoo ever caught beating our 52lb record from last year. –
First place winner John McKroid won with a total weight of 101.7lbs & took home $5,000.00 from Turbo USA & a Trophy from Global Fishmounts and won the $1,400 RAILBLAZA Kingfish Calcutta. He washed it down with winning the $500 YakAttack Wahoo Division. Total winnings - $6,900. For all the stats click here.
SUMMER SLAM PART 1, 2017
KINGS DOMINATE THE 2017 SUMMER SLAM PART 1!
By Steve Waters, June 5th 2017
120 anglers geared up for the Extreme Kayak Fishing Summer Slam in Pompano Beach, Fl., the first part to the series to gather weight for the coveted EKFT Championship ring. Kingfish provided big paydays for saltwater tournament anglers over the weekend.Jim Jobson caught two kingfish weighing a total of 34.6 pounds Saturday to win the Extreme Kayak Fishing Summer Slam Part 1 offshore kayak fishing tournament out of Pompano Beach and a check for $5,000 from Turbo USA.
Benny Townend was second with a 20.1 king that won him a Hobie Outback kayak from Nautical Ventures and $2,000 from RAILBLAZA for the big fish in the kingfish calcutta.
Ahmad Vazquez won a Hobie Revo from Nautical Ventures for finishing third at 19.6. Benny Scoca won a $1,000 check from Pompano Ford for finishing fourth at18.1. Michael Wood was fifth at 17.9 to win a Vibe Sea Ghost kayak.
By Steve Waters, June 5th 2017
120 anglers geared up for the Extreme Kayak Fishing Summer Slam in Pompano Beach, Fl., the first part to the series to gather weight for the coveted EKFT Championship ring. Kingfish provided big paydays for saltwater tournament anglers over the weekend.Jim Jobson caught two kingfish weighing a total of 34.6 pounds Saturday to win the Extreme Kayak Fishing Summer Slam Part 1 offshore kayak fishing tournament out of Pompano Beach and a check for $5,000 from Turbo USA.
Benny Townend was second with a 20.1 king that won him a Hobie Outback kayak from Nautical Ventures and $2,000 from RAILBLAZA for the big fish in the kingfish calcutta.
Ahmad Vazquez won a Hobie Revo from Nautical Ventures for finishing third at 19.6. Benny Scoca won a $1,000 check from Pompano Ford for finishing fourth at18.1. Michael Wood was fifth at 17.9 to win a Vibe Sea Ghost kayak.
BATTLE IN THE BAHAMAS, 2017
The 2017 Battle in the Bahamas gone EXTREME!!
Extreme anglers battled 8ft seas for the crown and 10k..
61 Anglers competed in the EKFT 2017 Battle in the Bahamas this year. 105 people in total made the trip across to the Bahamas to take part in the epic 2-day event this year. Veteran offshore kayak angler Jon Venarchick won the 10k from Costa Sunglasses & Turbo USA and also won the $500 Tunaskin Division.
2nd - Gabe Pinkston 25.8lbs, 2017 Hobie Outback from Nautical Ventures.
3rd - Joe Kraatz 16.8lbs, $2,000.00 from Turbo USA & Global Trophy.
4th - William Centrone 16.3lbs, $1,000.00 from Nautical Ventures.
5th - Julian Dalton from South Africa 15.7lbs, Vibe Kayak worth $900.
6th - Bryan Wheeler 14.3lbs, $600 Costa Sunglasses prize pack.
7th - Mike Venarchick 9.9lbs, Hobie Livewell & Fishbag. Stay tuned for the summer edition EKFT Magazine for more on this event.
Extreme anglers battled 8ft seas for the crown and 10k..
61 Anglers competed in the EKFT 2017 Battle in the Bahamas this year. 105 people in total made the trip across to the Bahamas to take part in the epic 2-day event this year. Veteran offshore kayak angler Jon Venarchick won the 10k from Costa Sunglasses & Turbo USA and also won the $500 Tunaskin Division.
2nd - Gabe Pinkston 25.8lbs, 2017 Hobie Outback from Nautical Ventures.
3rd - Joe Kraatz 16.8lbs, $2,000.00 from Turbo USA & Global Trophy.
4th - William Centrone 16.3lbs, $1,000.00 from Nautical Ventures.
5th - Julian Dalton from South Africa 15.7lbs, Vibe Kayak worth $900.
6th - Bryan Wheeler 14.3lbs, $600 Costa Sunglasses prize pack.
7th - Mike Venarchick 9.9lbs, Hobie Livewell & Fishbag. Stay tuned for the summer edition EKFT Magazine for more on this event.
SAILFISH SMACK DOWN, 2017
Benny Scoca catches a record four sailfish to win Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament
By Steve Waters February 21, 2017
After catching the biggest dolphin in last year’s Extreme Kayak Fishing Sailfish Smack Down, Benny Scoca was sold on kayak fishing.
“I won a check and that just got me hooked,” said Scoca, of Sunrise, who had never fished a kayak tournament before.
He did even better this past Saturday and Sunday, catching and releasing a record four sailfish to win the tournament out of Pompano Beach and the Turbo USA $3,500 first prize.
Three of the fish ate live goggle-eyes and the other ate a live pilchard, which he got from tournament supplier Hillsboro Inlet Live Bait. The sails were caught on 20-pound spinning and conventional outfits.
Robinson Rodriguez was second with two releases and won $1,000 from Nautical Ventures. John McKroid Jr. won $500 for third place from Nautical Ventures with two releases.
Richard Chavis was fourth with one sailfish to win a free three-night stay and transportation to this year’s Battle in the Bahamas tournament. Mitchell Murphy was fifth and won sunglasses and Nick Weber was sixth and won a $100 AFTCO gift card. Andrew Imes caught a 24-pound kingfish to win the RAILBLAZA kingfish calcutta and $3,000.
Tournament director Joe Hector said a record 17 sailfish were released and another 22 were hooked and lost over the two-day tournament.
A licensed captain and freelance mate who does fishing charters and also competes in offshore tournaments, Scoca said that catching fish all the time from a boat got a little old and he lost his passion for the sport.
Fishing on a kayak is totally different. As he noted, you are the captain, mate, angler and gaff man on a kayak.
“You get in a kayak, you get that passion back,” Scoca said, adding that he has now fished in five kayak tournaments and finished in the money three times.
Scoca, 33, said a strong north current was an issue Saturday. Fishing in a Hobie kayak that he rented from Deep Blue Kayak Fishing Charters in Boynton Beach, Scoca hooked a sailfish in 140 feet off Pompano Pier where a lot of wrecks are located.
The fish dragged him out to 400 feet, where the current was 5 knots, and by the time he touched the leader to get the release, he had drifted almost to Deerfield Pier.
“It put up the toughest fight of the four fish I caught,” Scoca said.
That sailfish was the fourth and final one caught on Saturday and no one had more than one release. That meant that whichever of the four anglers caught the first fish Sunday would take the lead based on time.
“There were only four fish caught, so I was still pretty confident,” said Scoca, who added that the ocean was “glass flat” on Sunday. “I decided I wanted to go back to those same wrecks. I do charters on those wrecks.”
As soon as he got there, he hooked a sailfish and quickly released it to take the lead. He went back to the spot and immediately hooked a third fish and released it north of Hillsboro Inlet.
“At that point I knew I sealed the deal. My second fish would have won on time,” said Scoca, who needed 90 minutes to get south of the inlet.
He put a bait in the water, headed east and hooked his fourth sailfish in 90 feet. The three catches set a one-day tournament record.
By Steve Waters February 21, 2017
After catching the biggest dolphin in last year’s Extreme Kayak Fishing Sailfish Smack Down, Benny Scoca was sold on kayak fishing.
“I won a check and that just got me hooked,” said Scoca, of Sunrise, who had never fished a kayak tournament before.
He did even better this past Saturday and Sunday, catching and releasing a record four sailfish to win the tournament out of Pompano Beach and the Turbo USA $3,500 first prize.
Three of the fish ate live goggle-eyes and the other ate a live pilchard, which he got from tournament supplier Hillsboro Inlet Live Bait. The sails were caught on 20-pound spinning and conventional outfits.
Robinson Rodriguez was second with two releases and won $1,000 from Nautical Ventures. John McKroid Jr. won $500 for third place from Nautical Ventures with two releases.
Richard Chavis was fourth with one sailfish to win a free three-night stay and transportation to this year’s Battle in the Bahamas tournament. Mitchell Murphy was fifth and won sunglasses and Nick Weber was sixth and won a $100 AFTCO gift card. Andrew Imes caught a 24-pound kingfish to win the RAILBLAZA kingfish calcutta and $3,000.
Tournament director Joe Hector said a record 17 sailfish were released and another 22 were hooked and lost over the two-day tournament.
A licensed captain and freelance mate who does fishing charters and also competes in offshore tournaments, Scoca said that catching fish all the time from a boat got a little old and he lost his passion for the sport.
Fishing on a kayak is totally different. As he noted, you are the captain, mate, angler and gaff man on a kayak.
“You get in a kayak, you get that passion back,” Scoca said, adding that he has now fished in five kayak tournaments and finished in the money three times.
Scoca, 33, said a strong north current was an issue Saturday. Fishing in a Hobie kayak that he rented from Deep Blue Kayak Fishing Charters in Boynton Beach, Scoca hooked a sailfish in 140 feet off Pompano Pier where a lot of wrecks are located.
The fish dragged him out to 400 feet, where the current was 5 knots, and by the time he touched the leader to get the release, he had drifted almost to Deerfield Pier.
“It put up the toughest fight of the four fish I caught,” Scoca said.
That sailfish was the fourth and final one caught on Saturday and no one had more than one release. That meant that whichever of the four anglers caught the first fish Sunday would take the lead based on time.
“There were only four fish caught, so I was still pretty confident,” said Scoca, who added that the ocean was “glass flat” on Sunday. “I decided I wanted to go back to those same wrecks. I do charters on those wrecks.”
As soon as he got there, he hooked a sailfish and quickly released it to take the lead. He went back to the spot and immediately hooked a third fish and released it north of Hillsboro Inlet.
“At that point I knew I sealed the deal. My second fish would have won on time,” said Scoca, who needed 90 minutes to get south of the inlet.
He put a bait in the water, headed east and hooked his fourth sailfish in 90 feet. The three catches set a one-day tournament record.
SUMMER SLAM PART 3, 2016 TEXAS
Texas anglers get a taste of what Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament has to offer, winner takes home $7,000.00.
September 26th, 2016
The Summer Slam Part 3 in Corpus Christi, TX was one of the most challenging events in the history of the tournament. Weather was rough and anglers had to fight wind and strong currents, but these extreme anglers were up to the task. In the end Texas native Ernesto Vega stole the show and won the tournament with a 22lb Kingfish. Ernesto also won the 2,000.00 RAILBLAZA Calcutta with a total winning of $7,000.00. Texas anglers got a taste of what EKFT has to offer and are excited for the future of Extreme tournaments in Texas.
1st Ernesto Vega, $5,000.00 Turbo USA, 2,000.00 Railblaza Kingfish Calcutta winner, Global Fish Mounts Trophy &
Biggest Pelagic Wood carving from Keylo Art
2nd Glenn Madden, $2,000.00 Turbo USA & Adrenaline Fishing Custom Rod
3rd Duy-Le, $1,000.00 Fishbrain & Adrenaline Fishing Custom Rod
Eric Clark, $500.00 YakAttack Spanish Mack Division
September 26th, 2016
The Summer Slam Part 3 in Corpus Christi, TX was one of the most challenging events in the history of the tournament. Weather was rough and anglers had to fight wind and strong currents, but these extreme anglers were up to the task. In the end Texas native Ernesto Vega stole the show and won the tournament with a 22lb Kingfish. Ernesto also won the 2,000.00 RAILBLAZA Calcutta with a total winning of $7,000.00. Texas anglers got a taste of what EKFT has to offer and are excited for the future of Extreme tournaments in Texas.
1st Ernesto Vega, $5,000.00 Turbo USA, 2,000.00 Railblaza Kingfish Calcutta winner, Global Fish Mounts Trophy &
Biggest Pelagic Wood carving from Keylo Art
2nd Glenn Madden, $2,000.00 Turbo USA & Adrenaline Fishing Custom Rod
3rd Duy-Le, $1,000.00 Fishbrain & Adrenaline Fishing Custom Rod
Eric Clark, $500.00 YakAttack Spanish Mack Division
SUMMER SLAM PART 2, 2016
Despite having to contend with rough seas on Saturday, tournament anglers caught some great fish.
By Steve Waters Sun Sentinel August 27th
The Extreme Kayak Fishing event out of Pompano Beach featured the biggest fish ever weighed since the tournament trail began in 2011.
Rob Rodriguez had fun winning the kayak tournament with a kingfish and a wahoo weighing a total of 67.2 pounds. He won $5,000 from Turbo USA as well as a kingfish calcutta worth an additional $1,000.
Carl Slagle of North Carolina was second with a 52.3-pound wahoo to establish an Extreme Kayak Fishing record. He won a Hobie Outback kayak from Nautical Ventures Marine plus $500 for the YakAttack Wahoo Division and a custom wood art award carved by Keylo of Reel Nerve for the heaviest fish. William Centrone won a Hobie Revo kayak from Nautical Ventures for third place with 14.3 pounds. Brandon Nodal was fourth at 13.2 to win $1,000, followed by Carl Torresson at 12.7, Frank Castillo at 10.6, David Gauzins at 10.4, Josh Coffman at 6.5 and Paul McTigue at 6.4. Benny Scoca won the sailfish catch and release division.
By Steve Waters Sun Sentinel August 27th
The Extreme Kayak Fishing event out of Pompano Beach featured the biggest fish ever weighed since the tournament trail began in 2011.
Rob Rodriguez had fun winning the kayak tournament with a kingfish and a wahoo weighing a total of 67.2 pounds. He won $5,000 from Turbo USA as well as a kingfish calcutta worth an additional $1,000.
Carl Slagle of North Carolina was second with a 52.3-pound wahoo to establish an Extreme Kayak Fishing record. He won a Hobie Outback kayak from Nautical Ventures Marine plus $500 for the YakAttack Wahoo Division and a custom wood art award carved by Keylo of Reel Nerve for the heaviest fish. William Centrone won a Hobie Revo kayak from Nautical Ventures for third place with 14.3 pounds. Brandon Nodal was fourth at 13.2 to win $1,000, followed by Carl Torresson at 12.7, Frank Castillo at 10.6, David Gauzins at 10.4, Josh Coffman at 6.5 and Paul McTigue at 6.4. Benny Scoca won the sailfish catch and release division.
SUMMER SLAM PART 1, 2016
New winners steal the show in the Summer Slam Part 1
By Steve Waters Sun Sentinel June 18th
Tunas and Kingfish were the catch of the day for the 117 kayak anglers who competed in Extreme Kayak Fishing's Summer Slam Part 1 tournament out of Pompano Beach.
Ricardo Palmero caught a total weight of 58.4 pounds Saturday to win the tournament and $5,000. Benny Townend was second at 39.4 to win a Hobie Outback kayak from Nautical Ventures. Freddy York won a Hobie Revolution kayak from Nautical Ventures for his weight of 37.5 plus $2,500 for also winning the kingfish calcutta. Kristen Hansen won $1,000 for fourth with a 33.5 kingfish, which also won the biggest pelagic fish division and a custom kingfish trophy carved by Keylo of Reel Nerve. Robinson Rodriguez won an Eddy-Gear Stingray kayak for fifth place with a 30-pound tuna and $500 for winning the YakAttack tuna division. Allen Escuage won the FishBrain junior division and $1,000. Rounding out the top 10 were Bobby Buzaki (29.2), Samuel Palacious (28.6), James Butters (23.5), Daniel Gauzens (22.9) and Daniel Foster (20.2).
Get ready for Part 2 August 27th in Pompano Beach, FL.
By Steve Waters Sun Sentinel June 18th
Tunas and Kingfish were the catch of the day for the 117 kayak anglers who competed in Extreme Kayak Fishing's Summer Slam Part 1 tournament out of Pompano Beach.
Ricardo Palmero caught a total weight of 58.4 pounds Saturday to win the tournament and $5,000. Benny Townend was second at 39.4 to win a Hobie Outback kayak from Nautical Ventures. Freddy York won a Hobie Revolution kayak from Nautical Ventures for his weight of 37.5 plus $2,500 for also winning the kingfish calcutta. Kristen Hansen won $1,000 for fourth with a 33.5 kingfish, which also won the biggest pelagic fish division and a custom kingfish trophy carved by Keylo of Reel Nerve. Robinson Rodriguez won an Eddy-Gear Stingray kayak for fifth place with a 30-pound tuna and $500 for winning the YakAttack tuna division. Allen Escuage won the FishBrain junior division and $1,000. Rounding out the top 10 were Bobby Buzaki (29.2), Samuel Palacious (28.6), James Butters (23.5), Daniel Gauzens (22.9) and Daniel Foster (20.2).
Get ready for Part 2 August 27th in Pompano Beach, FL.
BATTLE IN THE BAHAMAS, 2016
Last minute kayak heroics clinch Battle in the Bahamas
By RICH HOLLAND Kayak Fish Magazine
PORT LUCAYA, BAHAMAS (April 9, 2016) – Crazy. The Extreme Kayak Fishing (EKF) Battle in the Bahamas spun silly. A Canadian cracked a tropical record, a first-timer cranked up a convincingly strong finish, and the series-best grouper mark was shattered by a saltwater virgin.
The Battle of the Bahamas is itself unlikely. For the third consecutive year fifty anglers packed their fishing kayaks onto the Balearia Caribbean ferry out of Port Everglades, Florida. Four hours later they arrived on Grand Bahama, in another country, one that feels a world away. The water is vibrant blue. Palms sprout from the white, pillowy sands. Only one outcome felt like an inevitability, achieved by an angler who could no longer be denied.
“I’ve finished second twice, third, fourth, and sixth. Last year I was in first after day one, and got my hopes up. I lost one tournament by one-tenth of a pound,” said EKF regular Joe Kraatz of Florida. He turned in a spectacular two-day 72.9-pound tally and finally claimed a tournament victory on the strength of late heroics both fishing days. But first, the foundation.
Kraatz set himself up for success by a one-drop stick of a 17.2-pound yellowfin grouper early on day one. He stuck out a deadly slow period, riding out a nasty, pervasive wind, and hooked up again with just 30 minutes left in the fishing day. The freight train blew right through the station, nearly spooling him before heartbreakingly busting him off.
He didn’t fret. He quickly tossed out another bait and bam! He was right back onto his kicker fish, a 30.4-pound kingfish, yet he wasn’t in the lead.
First-time saltwater angler Nick Weber of Minnesota pinned a live goggleeye onto a jig and let the unconventional combo dangle. He hooked up and pried a 39.1-pound grouper out of the reef – the heaviest ever logged in EKF competition. That single fish held up well enough for an overall fourth place and $1,500.
Canadian Brian Arnold added to the mayhem when he brought a 40.2-pound kingfish to the scale – an impressive new EKF record for a series that has seen more than its share of big kings. It earned him third place and $2,000.
Kraatz didn’t look back. Luck played a role. He was rebaiting a hook when a mahi mahi swam by his kayak almost in touching range. He rushed his cast, seemingly crapping out when it splashed down three feet back. A 7.7-pound mahi hit it immediately. Finally, Kraatz picked up a 17.6-pound wahoo while drifting, completing his 72.9-pound total for a convincing win and a hefty $10,000 check.
Brandon Nodal of Florida scored 54.8 pounds to take second place in just his first EKF competition. Nodal, who focused on fishing the bottom, said he thought it would be easy. It wasn’t. “I got very few bites that counted. I made them count,” he said. Nodal won a Limited Edition Hobie Outback, just one of 500, valued at $3,400.
By RICH HOLLAND Kayak Fish Magazine
PORT LUCAYA, BAHAMAS (April 9, 2016) – Crazy. The Extreme Kayak Fishing (EKF) Battle in the Bahamas spun silly. A Canadian cracked a tropical record, a first-timer cranked up a convincingly strong finish, and the series-best grouper mark was shattered by a saltwater virgin.
The Battle of the Bahamas is itself unlikely. For the third consecutive year fifty anglers packed their fishing kayaks onto the Balearia Caribbean ferry out of Port Everglades, Florida. Four hours later they arrived on Grand Bahama, in another country, one that feels a world away. The water is vibrant blue. Palms sprout from the white, pillowy sands. Only one outcome felt like an inevitability, achieved by an angler who could no longer be denied.
“I’ve finished second twice, third, fourth, and sixth. Last year I was in first after day one, and got my hopes up. I lost one tournament by one-tenth of a pound,” said EKF regular Joe Kraatz of Florida. He turned in a spectacular two-day 72.9-pound tally and finally claimed a tournament victory on the strength of late heroics both fishing days. But first, the foundation.
Kraatz set himself up for success by a one-drop stick of a 17.2-pound yellowfin grouper early on day one. He stuck out a deadly slow period, riding out a nasty, pervasive wind, and hooked up again with just 30 minutes left in the fishing day. The freight train blew right through the station, nearly spooling him before heartbreakingly busting him off.
He didn’t fret. He quickly tossed out another bait and bam! He was right back onto his kicker fish, a 30.4-pound kingfish, yet he wasn’t in the lead.
First-time saltwater angler Nick Weber of Minnesota pinned a live goggleeye onto a jig and let the unconventional combo dangle. He hooked up and pried a 39.1-pound grouper out of the reef – the heaviest ever logged in EKF competition. That single fish held up well enough for an overall fourth place and $1,500.
Canadian Brian Arnold added to the mayhem when he brought a 40.2-pound kingfish to the scale – an impressive new EKF record for a series that has seen more than its share of big kings. It earned him third place and $2,000.
Kraatz didn’t look back. Luck played a role. He was rebaiting a hook when a mahi mahi swam by his kayak almost in touching range. He rushed his cast, seemingly crapping out when it splashed down three feet back. A 7.7-pound mahi hit it immediately. Finally, Kraatz picked up a 17.6-pound wahoo while drifting, completing his 72.9-pound total for a convincing win and a hefty $10,000 check.
Brandon Nodal of Florida scored 54.8 pounds to take second place in just his first EKF competition. Nodal, who focused on fishing the bottom, said he thought it would be easy. It wasn’t. “I got very few bites that counted. I made them count,” he said. Nodal won a Limited Edition Hobie Outback, just one of 500, valued at $3,400.
SAILFISH SMACK DOWN, 2016
Collins prevails in Sailfish Smack Down kayak tournament..
By Steve Waters Sun Sentinel
Losing a sailfish close to the boat is one of the worst things that can happen to a tournament angler, but Austin Collins didn't lose hope.
It took 24 hours for Collins, who remained patient and positive, to get another chance and he made the most of it, catching a sailfish Sunday afternoon to win the Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament Sailfish Smack Down out of Pompano Beach.
"It was exciting and terrifying," said Collins of having the winning sailfish on the line, "especially after what happened to me on Day 1."
Collins, of Delray Beach, was the first of the 87 kayak anglers from throughout the United States, Canada and South Africa to catch and release a sailfish Saturday.
That put him in the driver's seat because, unlike traditional sailfish tournaments where the tie goes to the boat that caught its last fish first, the tie in the Smack Down went to the person who caught his or her first fish the earliest. Collins released that sailfish at 9:07 a.m. He had launched his Hobie Mirage Pro Angler kayak south of Pompano Pier. Slow-trolling north with live goggle-eyes behind his kayak on the surface, one on a short line and one on a longer line, he hooked the fish in 140 feet just north of Hillsboro Inlet.
"The second I turned around he was already airborne," said Collins of the fish, which ate both of his baits. "It was a little hectic. I had to risk cutting one line so I could fight it on one rod."
Collins went with the stronger of his two hooksets and the fish towed him and his kayak out to sea.
"He took me pretty deep. I don't think I landed him until 280 feet," Collins said. "The fight was probably about 15 minutes. It was a medium-size sail, so it didn't whup me too bad."
Anglers had to report all sailfish hook-ups and releases on a VHF radio, so Collins knew he had the first sailfish of the tournament. The second sailfish was released 28 minutes later. Rob Rodriguez of South Florida Kayak Guide, which runs fishing and diving kayak trips, released the next sail at 11:01, followed by Brian Nelli at 11:14. Two other anglers released sails at 12:40 and 1:25 p.m. As the 3 p.m. lines out approached, Collins hooked a second sailfish at 2:45 in 80 feet off Hillsboro Inlet. He got the fish to his kayak and reached for the leader to make the catch official, but he missed and the sail got away.
"It came off the hook right next to the kayak," Collins said. "The leader was a foot from my fingertips for that fish to count.
"It was a heartbreaker."
Fishing was slow on Sunday, then things got crazy, with seven sailfish releases in the final two hours of the tournament.
Pam Wirth got two of them, at 1:09 and 1:45, to take the lead. Then Nelli took the lead with his second sailfish of the tournament at 2:13.
Suddenly in third place, Collins didn't panic and he didn't go north to get in on the bite. Instead, the former Florida Atlantic University golfer, who works with Rodriguez when he's not working in the bag room at Seagate Country Club in Delray Beach, figured the sailfish would swim south towards him.
He was right, getting a bite at 2:40 p.m. on a goggle-eye on the short line in 154 feet.
"I had to trust that the fish were moving south. It reassured everything that I was hoping for," Collins said.
The fish took Collins out to 390 feet and he released it at 3:04 – "The first chance I had at the leader I was able to do it" -- then hurriedly paddled his kayak back to the beach to make the 4:30 p.m. check-in deadline.
For the victory, Collins won $3,000 and a Global sailfish mount, which he said will go on a wall inside his new house. Nelli won $1,000 for second. Wirth won $500 for third and the women's division, which earned her free entry into EKFT's Summer Slam series. Brandon Meltzer won the RAILBLAZA Kingfish Calcutta and $4,600 for an 11.8-pound king.
By Steve Waters Sun Sentinel
Losing a sailfish close to the boat is one of the worst things that can happen to a tournament angler, but Austin Collins didn't lose hope.
It took 24 hours for Collins, who remained patient and positive, to get another chance and he made the most of it, catching a sailfish Sunday afternoon to win the Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament Sailfish Smack Down out of Pompano Beach.
"It was exciting and terrifying," said Collins of having the winning sailfish on the line, "especially after what happened to me on Day 1."
Collins, of Delray Beach, was the first of the 87 kayak anglers from throughout the United States, Canada and South Africa to catch and release a sailfish Saturday.
That put him in the driver's seat because, unlike traditional sailfish tournaments where the tie goes to the boat that caught its last fish first, the tie in the Smack Down went to the person who caught his or her first fish the earliest. Collins released that sailfish at 9:07 a.m. He had launched his Hobie Mirage Pro Angler kayak south of Pompano Pier. Slow-trolling north with live goggle-eyes behind his kayak on the surface, one on a short line and one on a longer line, he hooked the fish in 140 feet just north of Hillsboro Inlet.
"The second I turned around he was already airborne," said Collins of the fish, which ate both of his baits. "It was a little hectic. I had to risk cutting one line so I could fight it on one rod."
Collins went with the stronger of his two hooksets and the fish towed him and his kayak out to sea.
"He took me pretty deep. I don't think I landed him until 280 feet," Collins said. "The fight was probably about 15 minutes. It was a medium-size sail, so it didn't whup me too bad."
Anglers had to report all sailfish hook-ups and releases on a VHF radio, so Collins knew he had the first sailfish of the tournament. The second sailfish was released 28 minutes later. Rob Rodriguez of South Florida Kayak Guide, which runs fishing and diving kayak trips, released the next sail at 11:01, followed by Brian Nelli at 11:14. Two other anglers released sails at 12:40 and 1:25 p.m. As the 3 p.m. lines out approached, Collins hooked a second sailfish at 2:45 in 80 feet off Hillsboro Inlet. He got the fish to his kayak and reached for the leader to make the catch official, but he missed and the sail got away.
"It came off the hook right next to the kayak," Collins said. "The leader was a foot from my fingertips for that fish to count.
"It was a heartbreaker."
Fishing was slow on Sunday, then things got crazy, with seven sailfish releases in the final two hours of the tournament.
Pam Wirth got two of them, at 1:09 and 1:45, to take the lead. Then Nelli took the lead with his second sailfish of the tournament at 2:13.
Suddenly in third place, Collins didn't panic and he didn't go north to get in on the bite. Instead, the former Florida Atlantic University golfer, who works with Rodriguez when he's not working in the bag room at Seagate Country Club in Delray Beach, figured the sailfish would swim south towards him.
He was right, getting a bite at 2:40 p.m. on a goggle-eye on the short line in 154 feet.
"I had to trust that the fish were moving south. It reassured everything that I was hoping for," Collins said.
The fish took Collins out to 390 feet and he released it at 3:04 – "The first chance I had at the leader I was able to do it" -- then hurriedly paddled his kayak back to the beach to make the 4:30 p.m. check-in deadline.
For the victory, Collins won $3,000 and a Global sailfish mount, which he said will go on a wall inside his new house. Nelli won $1,000 for second. Wirth won $500 for third and the women's division, which earned her free entry into EKFT's Summer Slam series. Brandon Meltzer won the RAILBLAZA Kingfish Calcutta and $4,600 for an 11.8-pound king.
SUMMER SLAM PART 2, 2015
Torresson wins second straight Summer Slam Event!
Carl Torresson took the crown for a second consecutive win taking home the coveted championship cup and $4,000 from Turbo USA with his total weight of 45.2lbs! He also took home the Kingfish Calcutta worth $2,000 for a total win of $6,000 cash!
Michael Wood placed 2nd with a total weight of 30.1lbs winning a 2015 Hobie Outback from Nautical Ventures and a plaque from Global Fish Mounts. 3rd place went to Jon Venarchick with a total weight of 25.3lbs earning him a 2015 Revo from Nautical Ventures and a plaque. David Gauzens brought 17.9 lbs of fish to the scale and was happy to take 4th place and a Viking Reload fully rigged kayak as well as a plaque. Daniel Foster received a check for $1,500 for placing 5th with 16.7lbs. 6th place belonged to Michael Welsh and he received a brand new pair of Costas. 7th place went to Jason Broach who was happy to receive a Maxel Reel donated by Bimini Bay Outfitters. The popular Trash Can SLAM belonged to Colan Bukowski with his 22.1 Barracuda. Junior angler Allen Escuage was ecstatic to win the Junior division along with a $1,000 check from Fishbrain. Woman angler Nicole Olken takes the ladies division with her 8.1lb Kingfish. Nicole received an all expense payed trip to the Battle in the Bahamas 2016 along with a Shimano TLD20 Live Bait reel and black hook rod from LMR Bait and Tackle!
SUMMER SLAM PART 1, 2015
Torresson wins record kayak tournament
By Steve Waters Sun Sentinel / June 30th, 2015
Carl Torresson topped a tournament-record fleet of 170 kayaks Saturday to win the Extreme Kayak Fishing Summer Slam Part 1 out of Pompano Beach.
Torresson caught two kingfish weighing a total of 40.5 pounds to win the $4,000 top prize plus another $3,300 for winning the kingfish calcutta.
Adam Roek was second with an 18.9 blackfin tuna to win a Hobie Outback kayak from Nautical Ventures Marine and the $500 YakAttack Jumbo Tuna division.
Lance Irvine won a Hobie Revolution kayak from NVM for third place with a 17.2 wahoo. John McKroid was fourth with a 14.9 kingfish to win a Profish Reload from Viking Kayaks.
Adam Fisk was fifth at 14.8 to win $1,500 and Bill Sikora was sixth to win a rod and reel from Custom Rod and Reel.
Pamela Wirth won the Matt Storelli Lady's Division and an invitation to fish the China Open Tournament, plus $1,000. Casey Debrecht was the top junior angler with a 23.3 kingfish to win $1,000.
Christopher Simmons had the first sailfish release at 8:11 a.m. to win the West Marine Sailfish Division and a free entry in the Sailfish Smack Down 2016. Leonardo Pera caught a barracuda to win the Trash Can SLAM.
By Steve Waters Sun Sentinel / June 30th, 2015
Carl Torresson topped a tournament-record fleet of 170 kayaks Saturday to win the Extreme Kayak Fishing Summer Slam Part 1 out of Pompano Beach.
Torresson caught two kingfish weighing a total of 40.5 pounds to win the $4,000 top prize plus another $3,300 for winning the kingfish calcutta.
Adam Roek was second with an 18.9 blackfin tuna to win a Hobie Outback kayak from Nautical Ventures Marine and the $500 YakAttack Jumbo Tuna division.
Lance Irvine won a Hobie Revolution kayak from NVM for third place with a 17.2 wahoo. John McKroid was fourth with a 14.9 kingfish to win a Profish Reload from Viking Kayaks.
Adam Fisk was fifth at 14.8 to win $1,500 and Bill Sikora was sixth to win a rod and reel from Custom Rod and Reel.
Pamela Wirth won the Matt Storelli Lady's Division and an invitation to fish the China Open Tournament, plus $1,000. Casey Debrecht was the top junior angler with a 23.3 kingfish to win $1,000.
Christopher Simmons had the first sailfish release at 8:11 a.m. to win the West Marine Sailfish Division and a free entry in the Sailfish Smack Down 2016. Leonardo Pera caught a barracuda to win the Trash Can SLAM.
BATTLE IN THE BAHAMAS, 2015
A new era in Extreme Kayak Fishing’s Battle in the Bahamas 2015 draws fishermen from all over the world living up to the name Saltwater World Championship.
Anglers from China, Canada, and all over the states came together to fish last week in the Extreme Kayak Fishing Battle in the Bahamas 2015. With live bait being hard to come by, the 60 anglers had to resort to old tactics from when Extreme Kayak Fishing first began…catching your own bait and using anything they can find to win the $10,000!
Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament records were broken with Brian Nelli’s 13.9lb Mutton Snapper being the largest in Extremes history. Another big mutton weighed in by Rob Rodriguez hitting the scales at 12.1lbs. Extreme also had its largest Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi) caught in the series with a whopping weight of 29.3lbs by Adam Fisk. There were also multiple Wahoo’s, Blackfin Tuna, Grouper, and Kingfish caught in this international event.
Brian Nelli once again showed that he rules the Bahamas with a total weight of 43.2lbs. He won a beautiful custom Marlin Fish Mount Trophy from Global Fish Mounts, $10,000.00 from Turbo USA and FishBrain, an all-expense paid trip to China to compete in the China Open, and his second Extreme Champion Ring as well as an Adrenaline Fishing Custom Extreme Rod.
Eric McDonald takes 2nd place winning a fat check of $3,500.00 from Turbo USA, Costa Glasses & a beautiful custom Wahoo trophy made by Global Fish Mounts. His total weight was 36 lbs.
Dyllan Swervice grabs 3rd place with his massive king weighing in at 30.6lbs taking home a new 2015 Hobie Outback from one of Extremes main sponsors Nautical Ventures, Costa Glasses & a trophy from Global Fish Mounts.
Adam Fisk wins 4th place catching the biggest Dolphin in Extremes history which weighed in at 29.3lbs. He won $500.00 from Turbo USA, Costa Glasses and a custom Dolphin trophy made by Global Fish Mounts.
Shawn Fields takes 5th place and was happy to receive a brand new pair of Costa Glasses. Nick Dimov won the $500.00 YakAttack grouper division & a custom grouper trophy. Rob Rodriguez nabs the $500.00 Raging Tunaskin Division making him $500 richer. Jon Venarchick takes home $350 winning the Dolphin Calcutta & a custom Dolphin mount. Austen Collins won Trash Can Slam and received Costa Glasses & the popular trash Mount Trophy.
This was truly a tournament to remember for all that were involved … Now stay tuned for the highly anticipated Summer SLAM Series kicking off June 27th, 2015. Check out extremekayakfishing.com for more information. A special thanks to the sponsors for making it all possible:
Anglers from China, Canada, and all over the states came together to fish last week in the Extreme Kayak Fishing Battle in the Bahamas 2015. With live bait being hard to come by, the 60 anglers had to resort to old tactics from when Extreme Kayak Fishing first began…catching your own bait and using anything they can find to win the $10,000!
Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament records were broken with Brian Nelli’s 13.9lb Mutton Snapper being the largest in Extremes history. Another big mutton weighed in by Rob Rodriguez hitting the scales at 12.1lbs. Extreme also had its largest Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi) caught in the series with a whopping weight of 29.3lbs by Adam Fisk. There were also multiple Wahoo’s, Blackfin Tuna, Grouper, and Kingfish caught in this international event.
Brian Nelli once again showed that he rules the Bahamas with a total weight of 43.2lbs. He won a beautiful custom Marlin Fish Mount Trophy from Global Fish Mounts, $10,000.00 from Turbo USA and FishBrain, an all-expense paid trip to China to compete in the China Open, and his second Extreme Champion Ring as well as an Adrenaline Fishing Custom Extreme Rod.
Eric McDonald takes 2nd place winning a fat check of $3,500.00 from Turbo USA, Costa Glasses & a beautiful custom Wahoo trophy made by Global Fish Mounts. His total weight was 36 lbs.
Dyllan Swervice grabs 3rd place with his massive king weighing in at 30.6lbs taking home a new 2015 Hobie Outback from one of Extremes main sponsors Nautical Ventures, Costa Glasses & a trophy from Global Fish Mounts.
Adam Fisk wins 4th place catching the biggest Dolphin in Extremes history which weighed in at 29.3lbs. He won $500.00 from Turbo USA, Costa Glasses and a custom Dolphin trophy made by Global Fish Mounts.
Shawn Fields takes 5th place and was happy to receive a brand new pair of Costa Glasses. Nick Dimov won the $500.00 YakAttack grouper division & a custom grouper trophy. Rob Rodriguez nabs the $500.00 Raging Tunaskin Division making him $500 richer. Jon Venarchick takes home $350 winning the Dolphin Calcutta & a custom Dolphin mount. Austen Collins won Trash Can Slam and received Costa Glasses & the popular trash Mount Trophy.
This was truly a tournament to remember for all that were involved … Now stay tuned for the highly anticipated Summer SLAM Series kicking off June 27th, 2015. Check out extremekayakfishing.com for more information. A special thanks to the sponsors for making it all possible:
SAILFISH SMACK DOWN, 2015
LOCALS & OKLAHOMA MEN BATTLE BUT A ROOKIE FROM NAPLES TAKES IT
By Steve Waters Sun Sentinel / January 20, 2015
There's a reason that Extreme Kayak Fishing's Sailfish Smack Down appeals to offshore fishing novices:
They have as good a chance to win as anybody.
For the second consecutive year, the winner of the tournament, which was Saturday and Sunday off the beach by Pompano Pier, had never fished offshore in a kayak.
Jon Venarchic of Naples caught and released a sailfish at 10:33 a.m. Saturday. It was one of five sailfish caught by the 61 anglers who competed. He won the $3,000 first prize and a sailfish mount from Global Fish Mounts. Six other sailfish were hooked and lost. "It was funny," said tournament founder Joe Hector. "At the kickoff party he walked up to the trophy and said, 'Man, I'd love to have this one day.' And I said, 'Hey man, anything could happen, look at last year.' " The inaugural Sailfish Smack Down, which had 12 anglers, was won by a fisherman from Oklahoma and his buddy placed second. Neither had fished offshore before. Hector said Venarchic fishes inshore from his kayak in Naples. He'd heard about Hector's tournaments, checked out the extremekayakfishing.com website and decided to fish the Smack Down because he really wanted to catch a sailfish.
"He'd never caught a sail, he'd never seen one in person," Hector said of Venarchic. "Jon went straight out from the pier and he got whacked."
Rob Rodriguez of Dania Beach was second with a sailfish at 11:02 Saturday to win $1,000 from Nautical Ventures. Joe Kraatz won $500 for third for a release at 11:52. He hooked a second sailfish Saturday, but lost it after a long fight. Another angler hooked a sailfish doubleheader Saturday, but lost both fish when the fish tangled the lines and broke off. Sunday morning, Brian Whelan landed a sailfish at 9:35 and lost a second fish after a long fight. Lynn Hall of Oklahoma landed the day's other sailfish at 11:05. Tod Johnson of Texas caught a 14.1-pound dolphin to win the YakAttack Dolphin Division and $500. Hector said a couple of schoolie dolphin and some small kingfish also were caught.
By Steve Waters Sun Sentinel / January 20, 2015
There's a reason that Extreme Kayak Fishing's Sailfish Smack Down appeals to offshore fishing novices:
They have as good a chance to win as anybody.
For the second consecutive year, the winner of the tournament, which was Saturday and Sunday off the beach by Pompano Pier, had never fished offshore in a kayak.
Jon Venarchic of Naples caught and released a sailfish at 10:33 a.m. Saturday. It was one of five sailfish caught by the 61 anglers who competed. He won the $3,000 first prize and a sailfish mount from Global Fish Mounts. Six other sailfish were hooked and lost. "It was funny," said tournament founder Joe Hector. "At the kickoff party he walked up to the trophy and said, 'Man, I'd love to have this one day.' And I said, 'Hey man, anything could happen, look at last year.' " The inaugural Sailfish Smack Down, which had 12 anglers, was won by a fisherman from Oklahoma and his buddy placed second. Neither had fished offshore before. Hector said Venarchic fishes inshore from his kayak in Naples. He'd heard about Hector's tournaments, checked out the extremekayakfishing.com website and decided to fish the Smack Down because he really wanted to catch a sailfish.
"He'd never caught a sail, he'd never seen one in person," Hector said of Venarchic. "Jon went straight out from the pier and he got whacked."
Rob Rodriguez of Dania Beach was second with a sailfish at 11:02 Saturday to win $1,000 from Nautical Ventures. Joe Kraatz won $500 for third for a release at 11:52. He hooked a second sailfish Saturday, but lost it after a long fight. Another angler hooked a sailfish doubleheader Saturday, but lost both fish when the fish tangled the lines and broke off. Sunday morning, Brian Whelan landed a sailfish at 9:35 and lost a second fish after a long fight. Lynn Hall of Oklahoma landed the day's other sailfish at 11:05. Tod Johnson of Texas caught a 14.1-pound dolphin to win the YakAttack Dolphin Division and $500. Hector said a couple of schoolie dolphin and some small kingfish also were caught.
EXTREME SUMMER SLAM PART 2, 2014
Extreme Kayak Fishing Adds to Historic Year
By Paul Lebowitz, Kayak Fish Magazine |August 20, 2014
Can the kayak fishing tournament scene get any better than this? It’s flying high, setting one new mark after another.
The same weekend Louisiana’s Ride the Bull tournament smashed the all-time attendance record with an astounding 732 registered anglers, Extreme Kayak Fishing was partying it up in Pompano Beach as only they can, with giant trophies and oversized checks, championship ring bling, and one impressive pelagic after another.
The celebration started early at the Extreme Summer Slam finale. “We were blasting AC/DC in the morning,” EKF’s Joe Hector told me. As they should have; before any of the event’s more than 100 offshore anglers paddled or pedaled out, EKF had already made history. In spring, Hector’s bold crew and two Oklahomans in particular scored big at Extreme’s inaugural Sailfish Smack Down, the first billfish-only kayak fishing content. Extreme followed it up with more legendary action at the Battle of the Bahamas, the first international venue for a major kayak fishing competition, and another giant leap that came up aces. Matt Eckert’s 11-hour blue marlin sleigh ride is a modern epic. Yet Extreme wasn’t finished. The Summer Slam finale was another home run.
“Everything with the tournament was unbelievable. I would say almost every single angler got a king. Crazy,” said Hector.
With action so hot, it took two of a kind to emerge on top. Jack Daughtry’s pair ‘o kings tallied 51.7 pounds. Joe Kraatz wasn’t far behind with 47.8 pounds for his twin kings. Given his strong Summer Slam 1 performance, they also earned him the Summer Slam series championship ring. Then came an exotic, John Simms’ 46.3-pound cobia.
“Such a wild card. We don’t get them here that much. That’s the other coast,” Hector said of Simms’ unexpected catch. It didn’t stand alone. Justin Moody roped a unicorn, a 36.7-pound wahoo. Insane.
“We had three sails caught in this tournament. In the middle of summer. It is ridiculous. I’ll put it to you this way, the quality of our big fish was better than 80 percent of boat tournaments,” Hector said.
What a way to end the season! Hector says his Extreme team is busy planning next year’s slate of offshore kayak fishing competition. Both the Sailfish Smackdown and Battle in the Bahamas are making a return.
“Who knows what the future holds? We’re excited. We’re proud of these anglers, I can see how much better they are,” said Hector.
I know what’s coming. The trends are impossible to miss. The kayak fishing tournament scene is going to keep on getting bigger and better.
By Paul Lebowitz, Kayak Fish Magazine |August 20, 2014
Can the kayak fishing tournament scene get any better than this? It’s flying high, setting one new mark after another.
The same weekend Louisiana’s Ride the Bull tournament smashed the all-time attendance record with an astounding 732 registered anglers, Extreme Kayak Fishing was partying it up in Pompano Beach as only they can, with giant trophies and oversized checks, championship ring bling, and one impressive pelagic after another.
The celebration started early at the Extreme Summer Slam finale. “We were blasting AC/DC in the morning,” EKF’s Joe Hector told me. As they should have; before any of the event’s more than 100 offshore anglers paddled or pedaled out, EKF had already made history. In spring, Hector’s bold crew and two Oklahomans in particular scored big at Extreme’s inaugural Sailfish Smack Down, the first billfish-only kayak fishing content. Extreme followed it up with more legendary action at the Battle of the Bahamas, the first international venue for a major kayak fishing competition, and another giant leap that came up aces. Matt Eckert’s 11-hour blue marlin sleigh ride is a modern epic. Yet Extreme wasn’t finished. The Summer Slam finale was another home run.
“Everything with the tournament was unbelievable. I would say almost every single angler got a king. Crazy,” said Hector.
With action so hot, it took two of a kind to emerge on top. Jack Daughtry’s pair ‘o kings tallied 51.7 pounds. Joe Kraatz wasn’t far behind with 47.8 pounds for his twin kings. Given his strong Summer Slam 1 performance, they also earned him the Summer Slam series championship ring. Then came an exotic, John Simms’ 46.3-pound cobia.
“Such a wild card. We don’t get them here that much. That’s the other coast,” Hector said of Simms’ unexpected catch. It didn’t stand alone. Justin Moody roped a unicorn, a 36.7-pound wahoo. Insane.
“We had three sails caught in this tournament. In the middle of summer. It is ridiculous. I’ll put it to you this way, the quality of our big fish was better than 80 percent of boat tournaments,” Hector said.
What a way to end the season! Hector says his Extreme team is busy planning next year’s slate of offshore kayak fishing competition. Both the Sailfish Smackdown and Battle in the Bahamas are making a return.
“Who knows what the future holds? We’re excited. We’re proud of these anglers, I can see how much better they are,” said Hector.
I know what’s coming. The trends are impossible to miss. The kayak fishing tournament scene is going to keep on getting bigger and better.
EXTREME SUMMER SLAM PART 1, 2014
Extreme kayak tournament has record field, good catches and a close call
June 25, 2014|By Steve Waters, Sun Sentinel
Michael Wood was the big winner in Saturday’s Extreme Kayak Fishing Summer Slam Part 1 tournament out of Pompano Beach, but top junior angler Hunter Irvine might have had the most exciting catch.
Wood, who fishes on the saltwater tournament team Pennyless, caught two kingfish weighing a total of 26.4 pounds to win $3,500.00
Irvine, 11, was fishing with his father, Lance, in a tandem Hobie Mirage-drive kayak when he hooked a 14.2-pound bonito on a live goggle-eye fished deep in 300-350 feet off Pompano. After about 20 minutes, Hunter, who also fishes tournaments with his dad on Young Guns, a 39 Contender, had the bonito close to the kayak when a large hammerhead shark appeared. As dad was getting ready to gaff the bonito, the shark charged after it, missed, and slammed into the kayak. Hunter stayed cool and held on to his spinning rod and his father was able to gaff the fish and lift it into their kayak before the shark ate the bonito. Dwayne Stewert was second out of the 117 anglers -- according to tournament director Joe Hector, that made the event the country’s largest offshore kayak tournament -- with a kingfish weighing 24 pounds to win $1,500 and a Hobie Outback kayak from Nautical Ventures. Matthew Eckert, who battled a 500-pound blue marlin for five hours in the previous Extreme tournament in the Bahamas, won $500 and a Hobie Revolution kayak from Nautical Ventures for third place with a 22.2 blackfin tuna. Kristjan Must was fourth with a 19.8 kingfish to win $200 and Costa sunglasses. Christopher Simmons was fifth with two kings weighing a total of 18.6 to win Costas and a rod and reel. Stewert won the biggest pelagic award for his kingfish. Jay Kamensky won the Trash Can Slam for his 19.8 bonito. Shawn Fields won the new Wreck the Weight category with a 15.6 amberjack caught using an Adrenaline Rods jigging rod that is specially made for kayak fishing.
Josh Henson won the biggest kingfish calcutta with an 18-pounder that was worth $2,000. Eckert won the tuna calcutta and $80.
The next tournament is the Summer Slam Part 2 Aug. 16 out of Pompano Beach. The angler with the heaviest combined weight from both Slam events wins the Extreme Champion Ring. Visit extremekayakfishing.com.
June 25, 2014|By Steve Waters, Sun Sentinel
Michael Wood was the big winner in Saturday’s Extreme Kayak Fishing Summer Slam Part 1 tournament out of Pompano Beach, but top junior angler Hunter Irvine might have had the most exciting catch.
Wood, who fishes on the saltwater tournament team Pennyless, caught two kingfish weighing a total of 26.4 pounds to win $3,500.00
Irvine, 11, was fishing with his father, Lance, in a tandem Hobie Mirage-drive kayak when he hooked a 14.2-pound bonito on a live goggle-eye fished deep in 300-350 feet off Pompano. After about 20 minutes, Hunter, who also fishes tournaments with his dad on Young Guns, a 39 Contender, had the bonito close to the kayak when a large hammerhead shark appeared. As dad was getting ready to gaff the bonito, the shark charged after it, missed, and slammed into the kayak. Hunter stayed cool and held on to his spinning rod and his father was able to gaff the fish and lift it into their kayak before the shark ate the bonito. Dwayne Stewert was second out of the 117 anglers -- according to tournament director Joe Hector, that made the event the country’s largest offshore kayak tournament -- with a kingfish weighing 24 pounds to win $1,500 and a Hobie Outback kayak from Nautical Ventures. Matthew Eckert, who battled a 500-pound blue marlin for five hours in the previous Extreme tournament in the Bahamas, won $500 and a Hobie Revolution kayak from Nautical Ventures for third place with a 22.2 blackfin tuna. Kristjan Must was fourth with a 19.8 kingfish to win $200 and Costa sunglasses. Christopher Simmons was fifth with two kings weighing a total of 18.6 to win Costas and a rod and reel. Stewert won the biggest pelagic award for his kingfish. Jay Kamensky won the Trash Can Slam for his 19.8 bonito. Shawn Fields won the new Wreck the Weight category with a 15.6 amberjack caught using an Adrenaline Rods jigging rod that is specially made for kayak fishing.
Josh Henson won the biggest kingfish calcutta with an 18-pounder that was worth $2,000. Eckert won the tuna calcutta and $80.
The next tournament is the Summer Slam Part 2 Aug. 16 out of Pompano Beach. The angler with the heaviest combined weight from both Slam events wins the Extreme Champion Ring. Visit extremekayakfishing.com.
Extreme Kayak Fishing "BATTLE IN THE BAHAMAS" 2014
Big kings, Mahi Mahi, Grouper & Marlin!!
By Steve Waters, Sun Sentinel 5:49 pm, April 29, 2014
Two of the anglers competing in the inaugural Extreme Battle in the Bahamas kayak fishing tournament Friday and Saturday had a lot more excitement than they anticipated.
Joe Kraatz caught a white marlin Saturday morning fishing off Lucaya. While Kraatz was releasing his fish, Matt Eckert was fighting an estimated 500-pound blue marlin. Eckert reeled the leader to the rod tip of his 50-pound outfit numerous times, making the catch official, but he continued to fight the big blue for 11 hours, until the line broke.
Joe Settembrino of Hillsboro Inlet Live Bait, who supplied the nearly 40 anglers with live pilchards and goggle-eyes, was in his center console watching the anglers fight their marlins, both of which ate goggle-eyes along a dropoff where the depth went from 100 feet to 1,100. Settembrino said Kraatz, whose white won the billfish division and who also had the biggest dolphin of the tournament, hooked the marlin on his first drop with a stinger rig and a 12-inch wire leader. He needed about an hour to land the white.
Eckert, who won a four-day stay at Flamingo Bay Resort for his blue, was hooked up at the same time, "but he never knew what he had until it jumped an hour into the fight," Settembrino said, adding that the blue towed Eckert 15 miles into 3,000 feet. "He had the fish around his boat for four hours, he just couldn't get it close enough to grab it."
Brian Nelli won the tournament and $5,000 for a total weight of 75.2 pounds. He also won the biggest pelagic division to earn another $1,000 and a paddle board from Adventure Sports, Don Miley was second at 35.9 and won a Hobie kayak from Nautical Ventures. Drew Mixon was third at 32.7 and also won a Hobie kayak.
By Steve Waters, Sun Sentinel 5:49 pm, April 29, 2014
Two of the anglers competing in the inaugural Extreme Battle in the Bahamas kayak fishing tournament Friday and Saturday had a lot more excitement than they anticipated.
Joe Kraatz caught a white marlin Saturday morning fishing off Lucaya. While Kraatz was releasing his fish, Matt Eckert was fighting an estimated 500-pound blue marlin. Eckert reeled the leader to the rod tip of his 50-pound outfit numerous times, making the catch official, but he continued to fight the big blue for 11 hours, until the line broke.
Joe Settembrino of Hillsboro Inlet Live Bait, who supplied the nearly 40 anglers with live pilchards and goggle-eyes, was in his center console watching the anglers fight their marlins, both of which ate goggle-eyes along a dropoff where the depth went from 100 feet to 1,100. Settembrino said Kraatz, whose white won the billfish division and who also had the biggest dolphin of the tournament, hooked the marlin on his first drop with a stinger rig and a 12-inch wire leader. He needed about an hour to land the white.
Eckert, who won a four-day stay at Flamingo Bay Resort for his blue, was hooked up at the same time, "but he never knew what he had until it jumped an hour into the fight," Settembrino said, adding that the blue towed Eckert 15 miles into 3,000 feet. "He had the fish around his boat for four hours, he just couldn't get it close enough to grab it."
Brian Nelli won the tournament and $5,000 for a total weight of 75.2 pounds. He also won the biggest pelagic division to earn another $1,000 and a paddle board from Adventure Sports, Don Miley was second at 35.9 and won a Hobie kayak from Nautical Ventures. Drew Mixon was third at 32.7 and also won a Hobie kayak.
Oklahomans STEAL THE SHOW IN EXTREME SAILFISH SMACK DOWN, 2014
Chris Thomas and Ryan Jones take down locals to win the Sailfish Smack Down in Pompano Beach
By Steve Waters, Sun Sentinel 7:23 p.m. EST, January 28, 2014
Three sailfish were caught & two lost in the Sailfish Smack Down, the country's first offshore kayak fishing tournament for sailfish, which automatically qualifies the event as a big success.
The bad news for local offshore kayak anglers is that two bass fishermen from Oklahoma took first and second place in Saturday's tournament out of Pompano Beach.
Chris Thomas caught and released the first sailfish in the tournament to place first and win $3,000 from Turbo USA, Costa sunglasses and a live bait rod from Blue Marlin Chronicles.
His fellow Oklahoman Ryan Jones was the second of the 12 anglers competing to release a sailfish, which earned him $1,000 from Bru's Room in Pompano Beach and Costa glasses. Local angler Marcos Baldo released the third sailfish of the day to win $500 from Bru's Room and Costa glasses. All three anglers also received Extreme Kayak Fishing jackets. Tournament director Joe Hector was as surprised as his anglers at the results. Neither Thomas nor Jones had ever fished in the ocean before. The sailfish also was the first for Baldo. According to Hector, Thomas and Jones had Googled "kayak fishing tournaments" and the Extreme Kayak Fishing website was at the top of the search results.
"They do a lot of bass fishing and they wanted to go offshore for the first time," Hector said, noting that the rest of the field included many of the top finishers from Extreme Kayak Fishing's fun fish tournaments. "They came here because that was the fish they'd always wanted to catch." The Oklahomans drove to South Florida, arriving last Wednesday. Hector gave them some basics about the fishing here and they pre-fished off Pompano Pier, where they saw free-jumping sailfish Wednesday and Thursday, but never got a bite. That's where Thomas and Jones fished on Saturday after buying some goggle-eyes from Hillsboro Live Bait. An hour into the tournament, Thomas reported on his VHF radio that he was fighting a sailfish. When Hector, who was on a powerboat, heard that, he said, "Who is this?" The response from Thomas was "Oklahoma." Hector came over and videotaped the fight and got photos of the catch, then members of his crew released the sailfish from their boat. Thirty minutes later, another sailfish hookup was reported. When Jones was asked who he was, his response was "Oklahoma 2." "We just couldn't believe it," Hector said.
Jones released that fish, then 90 minutes later, Marcos caught his sailfish off the steeple. Fifteen minutes after that, "Oklahoma" was hooked up again, but the sailfish spit the hook.
By Steve Waters, Sun Sentinel 7:23 p.m. EST, January 28, 2014
Three sailfish were caught & two lost in the Sailfish Smack Down, the country's first offshore kayak fishing tournament for sailfish, which automatically qualifies the event as a big success.
The bad news for local offshore kayak anglers is that two bass fishermen from Oklahoma took first and second place in Saturday's tournament out of Pompano Beach.
Chris Thomas caught and released the first sailfish in the tournament to place first and win $3,000 from Turbo USA, Costa sunglasses and a live bait rod from Blue Marlin Chronicles.
His fellow Oklahoman Ryan Jones was the second of the 12 anglers competing to release a sailfish, which earned him $1,000 from Bru's Room in Pompano Beach and Costa glasses. Local angler Marcos Baldo released the third sailfish of the day to win $500 from Bru's Room and Costa glasses. All three anglers also received Extreme Kayak Fishing jackets. Tournament director Joe Hector was as surprised as his anglers at the results. Neither Thomas nor Jones had ever fished in the ocean before. The sailfish also was the first for Baldo. According to Hector, Thomas and Jones had Googled "kayak fishing tournaments" and the Extreme Kayak Fishing website was at the top of the search results.
"They do a lot of bass fishing and they wanted to go offshore for the first time," Hector said, noting that the rest of the field included many of the top finishers from Extreme Kayak Fishing's fun fish tournaments. "They came here because that was the fish they'd always wanted to catch." The Oklahomans drove to South Florida, arriving last Wednesday. Hector gave them some basics about the fishing here and they pre-fished off Pompano Pier, where they saw free-jumping sailfish Wednesday and Thursday, but never got a bite. That's where Thomas and Jones fished on Saturday after buying some goggle-eyes from Hillsboro Live Bait. An hour into the tournament, Thomas reported on his VHF radio that he was fighting a sailfish. When Hector, who was on a powerboat, heard that, he said, "Who is this?" The response from Thomas was "Oklahoma." Hector came over and videotaped the fight and got photos of the catch, then members of his crew released the sailfish from their boat. Thirty minutes later, another sailfish hookup was reported. When Jones was asked who he was, his response was "Oklahoma 2." "We just couldn't believe it," Hector said.
Jones released that fish, then 90 minutes later, Marcos caught his sailfish off the steeple. Fifteen minutes after that, "Oklahoma" was hooked up again, but the sailfish spit the hook.
Extreme September Slam, 2013
"King Me"
One Extreme fish takes the win at offshore September Slam
By Ben Duchesney, Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Only three years in, the Extreme Kayak Fishing (EKFT) Tournament series is living up to its name. If you want to stand on the stage when the day is done, take the champion’s trophy from a bikini girl, then hold the hardware high while the champagne showers and the crowd cheers, you better go big. Brian Nelli of Pushin’ Water Kayak Fishing Charters is up to the task. At this year’s September Slam contested the weekend of the 27th in the waters offshore of Pompano Beach, Florida, he did it with just one fish, a 34.3-pound king. “It feels great to come back and win it after taking second in the May
Madness,” the consistent offshore threat says. “When I caught [the king] I was pumped, as I knew it would probably win the big pelagic category and put me in the top five, but I didn’t think I had it won.” Nelli has been fishing competitively for the past five years. “I got started because I’m competitive in everything I do,” he says. “You improve your skills in the days, weeks and months before a tourney.” 82 kayak anglers fished the September Slam, which featured live entertainment, a raffle with $10,000 in prizes and a festival with food and games.
“This tournament series is great. It has also brought kayak fishing, especially offshore kayak fishing, to people that may have never even thought that you could fish off a kayak,” Nelli says. “The big money prizes also draw in guys that fish offshore powerboat tournaments that are willing to give kayak fishing a shot.”
The EKF website sets the stage—and expectations. “This event wants nothing to do with skinny water, that’s too lame. This crew is after bigger game,” it reads. EKF tournaments are the largest on the East Coast to highlight beyond the breakers (BTB) pelagic fishing. Payouts are stratospheric for kayak fishing, exceeding those of the IFA kayak fishing series. In addition to a glittering trophy worthy of a NASCAR winner, Nelli collected $3000 in cash provided by Turbo USA and a showcase of merchandise prizes highlighted by an ENGEL SUP paddle board worth $1,600. “The series brings in a lot of new people to the sport,” says Nelli. “I think all anglers should come out and give it a try. If you have ever thought about fishing offshore, the tournament is a good way to meet some people, check out how they rig their boats and see what equipment they use.”
The next Extreme Series event, “The Battle in the Bahamas” in Freeport, Grand Bahamas, will take place in 2014. Learn more at www.extremekayakfishing.com.
One Extreme fish takes the win at offshore September Slam
By Ben Duchesney, Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Only three years in, the Extreme Kayak Fishing (EKFT) Tournament series is living up to its name. If you want to stand on the stage when the day is done, take the champion’s trophy from a bikini girl, then hold the hardware high while the champagne showers and the crowd cheers, you better go big. Brian Nelli of Pushin’ Water Kayak Fishing Charters is up to the task. At this year’s September Slam contested the weekend of the 27th in the waters offshore of Pompano Beach, Florida, he did it with just one fish, a 34.3-pound king. “It feels great to come back and win it after taking second in the May
Madness,” the consistent offshore threat says. “When I caught [the king] I was pumped, as I knew it would probably win the big pelagic category and put me in the top five, but I didn’t think I had it won.” Nelli has been fishing competitively for the past five years. “I got started because I’m competitive in everything I do,” he says. “You improve your skills in the days, weeks and months before a tourney.” 82 kayak anglers fished the September Slam, which featured live entertainment, a raffle with $10,000 in prizes and a festival with food and games.
“This tournament series is great. It has also brought kayak fishing, especially offshore kayak fishing, to people that may have never even thought that you could fish off a kayak,” Nelli says. “The big money prizes also draw in guys that fish offshore powerboat tournaments that are willing to give kayak fishing a shot.”
The EKF website sets the stage—and expectations. “This event wants nothing to do with skinny water, that’s too lame. This crew is after bigger game,” it reads. EKF tournaments are the largest on the East Coast to highlight beyond the breakers (BTB) pelagic fishing. Payouts are stratospheric for kayak fishing, exceeding those of the IFA kayak fishing series. In addition to a glittering trophy worthy of a NASCAR winner, Nelli collected $3000 in cash provided by Turbo USA and a showcase of merchandise prizes highlighted by an ENGEL SUP paddle board worth $1,600. “The series brings in a lot of new people to the sport,” says Nelli. “I think all anglers should come out and give it a try. If you have ever thought about fishing offshore, the tournament is a good way to meet some people, check out how they rig their boats and see what equipment they use.”
The next Extreme Series event, “The Battle in the Bahamas” in Freeport, Grand Bahamas, will take place in 2014. Learn more at www.extremekayakfishing.com.
Extreme May Madness, 2013
By Steve Waters, Sun Sentinel 6:27 p.m. EDT, May 21, 2013
Offshore kayak fishing tournament yields good catches
The 113 anglers competing in May Madness bring in wahoo, tuna, kingfish, amberjack and grouper
There were a bunch of noteworthy catches in Saturday's May Madness offshore kayak fishing tournament out of Pompano Beach, including wahoo, tuna, kingfish, amberjack and grouper.
In all, the 113 anglers competing in the Extreme Kayak Fishing event weighed in 424 pounds of fish.Eric Digeon, of Plantation, was the top overall angler with a kingfish and an amberjack weighing a total of 46.13 pounds to win $3,000, plus Costa sunglasses and a silver cup from Crown Trophy.
Brian Nelli was second with a 26.4-pound blackfin tuna and a 12.67 kingfish for a total weight of 39.07 to win a Hobie Outback kayak from Nautical Ventures, Costa sunglasses and a plaque. Nelli also caught a 17-pound barracuda to win the Trash Can Slam, which earned him another pair of Costas, another plaque and a $100 gift certificate from Aruba Bar and Grill.
Carl Torresson was third with a 27.6 kingfish and a 9.47 grouper for a weight of 37.07 to win a Hobie Revolution kayak, sunglasses and a plaque. His king was also the biggest pelagic fish, which earned him a SUP ATX paddle board, a Guy Harvey necklace and another plaque. Austin Collins was fourth with two kings weighing a total of 34.05 to win a Dick's Sporting Goods Eagle Talon 12 kayak, sunglasses and a plaque. Joe Kratz missed out on winning a prize by a hundredth of a pound, placing fifth with a 34.04 amberjack.
Andrew Mixon didn't place, but he had an impressive catch, bringing in what is believed to be the first wahoo landed in an East Coast kayak tournament. Proceeds from the tournament, which was held on the beach north of Pompano Pier, benefitted the Broward Children's Center. The next Extreme Kayak/Paddle Board Fishing Tournament is Sept. 28. Visit extremekayakfishing.com.
Offshore kayak fishing tournament yields good catches
The 113 anglers competing in May Madness bring in wahoo, tuna, kingfish, amberjack and grouper
There were a bunch of noteworthy catches in Saturday's May Madness offshore kayak fishing tournament out of Pompano Beach, including wahoo, tuna, kingfish, amberjack and grouper.
In all, the 113 anglers competing in the Extreme Kayak Fishing event weighed in 424 pounds of fish.Eric Digeon, of Plantation, was the top overall angler with a kingfish and an amberjack weighing a total of 46.13 pounds to win $3,000, plus Costa sunglasses and a silver cup from Crown Trophy.
Brian Nelli was second with a 26.4-pound blackfin tuna and a 12.67 kingfish for a total weight of 39.07 to win a Hobie Outback kayak from Nautical Ventures, Costa sunglasses and a plaque. Nelli also caught a 17-pound barracuda to win the Trash Can Slam, which earned him another pair of Costas, another plaque and a $100 gift certificate from Aruba Bar and Grill.
Carl Torresson was third with a 27.6 kingfish and a 9.47 grouper for a weight of 37.07 to win a Hobie Revolution kayak, sunglasses and a plaque. His king was also the biggest pelagic fish, which earned him a SUP ATX paddle board, a Guy Harvey necklace and another plaque. Austin Collins was fourth with two kings weighing a total of 34.05 to win a Dick's Sporting Goods Eagle Talon 12 kayak, sunglasses and a plaque. Joe Kratz missed out on winning a prize by a hundredth of a pound, placing fifth with a 34.04 amberjack.
Andrew Mixon didn't place, but he had an impressive catch, bringing in what is believed to be the first wahoo landed in an East Coast kayak tournament. Proceeds from the tournament, which was held on the beach north of Pompano Pier, benefitted the Broward Children's Center. The next Extreme Kayak/Paddle Board Fishing Tournament is Sept. 28. Visit extremekayakfishing.com.
Extreme September Slam, 2012
By Steve Waters, Sun Sentinel 2:22 p.m. EDT, September 17, 2012
Why has offshore kayak fishing become so popular?
The answers offered by some of the 87 anglers who competed in Saturday's Extreme Kayak September Slam tournament ranged from the physical and psychological benefits to the environmental and economic advantages.
There's also the exhilaration of going one-on-one against something that might be delicious or dangerous, or both.
The first fish Bobby Buzaki caught offshore in his kayak was a shark about three feet long.
"A wave took it and landed it in my lap," Buzaki said. "I punched it as hard as I could."
Instead of threatening, he found the experience thrilling. The 15-year-old from Hollywood got another thrill Saturday when he caught kingfish weighing 8 and 4.8 pounds to win the junior angler title and place fourth overall, which earned him an Ascend kayak from Bass Pro Shops and a couple of fishing rods, among other prizes.
A sophomore at Chaminade-Madonna, Buzaki started kayak fishing a year ago after watching YouTube videos of anglers catching big kingfish and because it made financial sense.
"Why spend $30 to fish on a drift boat or several hundred on a charter boat?" said Buzaki, who bought a kayak for $600 and has definitely gotten his money's worth out of it.
Jason Kamensky also has profited from his decision to get a kayak.
Kamensky, of Davie, bought a kayak two months ago after doing some fishing and spearfishing off a kayak with Eric Digeon.
"It's worth its weight in gold," said Kamensky of his Hobie kayak. "You don't need gas, you don't need insurance. You're in and out of the water in two hours."
Kamensky caught a 39.6-pound kingfish Saturday. That earned him first place for the heaviest total weight and a $2,000 check. He also won a Bote standup fishing paddle board for the biggest fish of the Slam.
"She gave me one heck of a fight," Kamensky, 31, said of the biggest kingfish he's ever caught, which ate a live goggle-eye on a flat line in 289 feet south of Pompano Pier. It took him 15-20 minutes to land the king on 20-pound spinning tackle.
Digeon, of Plantation, also had a memorable day.
He caught a dolphin and a kingfish and released his first sailfish from a kayak to win the sailfish division and an all-expenses-paid trip and entry to the Battle of Champions kayak tournament in June in the Bahamas.
Kellan Goertemiller was second overall with two kings weighing 25 pounds and Rob Rodriguez was third with a king and a tuna totaling 16.2. Both men won Hobie kayaks from Nautical Ventures. Roray Kam caught a 10.4 bonito fishing on his paddle board to win the Trash Can Slam.
Devon Lachney, of Altamonte Springs, often fishes out of Indian Harbour Beach, just north of Melbourne. The September Slam was the first time he fished out of Pompano Beach. The nearly four-hour drive was worthwhile, as he caught the biggest fish in the value-added dolphin division and two lesser amberjacks.
"I went out 21/2 miles," Lachney said. "The difference is here it's 300 feet [deep] and up there it's 50 feet."
Why has offshore kayak fishing become so popular?
The answers offered by some of the 87 anglers who competed in Saturday's Extreme Kayak September Slam tournament ranged from the physical and psychological benefits to the environmental and economic advantages.
There's also the exhilaration of going one-on-one against something that might be delicious or dangerous, or both.
The first fish Bobby Buzaki caught offshore in his kayak was a shark about three feet long.
"A wave took it and landed it in my lap," Buzaki said. "I punched it as hard as I could."
Instead of threatening, he found the experience thrilling. The 15-year-old from Hollywood got another thrill Saturday when he caught kingfish weighing 8 and 4.8 pounds to win the junior angler title and place fourth overall, which earned him an Ascend kayak from Bass Pro Shops and a couple of fishing rods, among other prizes.
A sophomore at Chaminade-Madonna, Buzaki started kayak fishing a year ago after watching YouTube videos of anglers catching big kingfish and because it made financial sense.
"Why spend $30 to fish on a drift boat or several hundred on a charter boat?" said Buzaki, who bought a kayak for $600 and has definitely gotten his money's worth out of it.
Jason Kamensky also has profited from his decision to get a kayak.
Kamensky, of Davie, bought a kayak two months ago after doing some fishing and spearfishing off a kayak with Eric Digeon.
"It's worth its weight in gold," said Kamensky of his Hobie kayak. "You don't need gas, you don't need insurance. You're in and out of the water in two hours."
Kamensky caught a 39.6-pound kingfish Saturday. That earned him first place for the heaviest total weight and a $2,000 check. He also won a Bote standup fishing paddle board for the biggest fish of the Slam.
"She gave me one heck of a fight," Kamensky, 31, said of the biggest kingfish he's ever caught, which ate a live goggle-eye on a flat line in 289 feet south of Pompano Pier. It took him 15-20 minutes to land the king on 20-pound spinning tackle.
Digeon, of Plantation, also had a memorable day.
He caught a dolphin and a kingfish and released his first sailfish from a kayak to win the sailfish division and an all-expenses-paid trip and entry to the Battle of Champions kayak tournament in June in the Bahamas.
Kellan Goertemiller was second overall with two kings weighing 25 pounds and Rob Rodriguez was third with a king and a tuna totaling 16.2. Both men won Hobie kayaks from Nautical Ventures. Roray Kam caught a 10.4 bonito fishing on his paddle board to win the Trash Can Slam.
Devon Lachney, of Altamonte Springs, often fishes out of Indian Harbour Beach, just north of Melbourne. The September Slam was the first time he fished out of Pompano Beach. The nearly four-hour drive was worthwhile, as he caught the biggest fish in the value-added dolphin division and two lesser amberjacks.
"I went out 21/2 miles," Lachney said. "The difference is here it's 300 feet [deep] and up there it's 50 feet."
Extreme Winter Classic, 2012
By Kayak Angler Magazine
"The second annual Extreme event lives up to its name."
The Extreme Kayak / Paddleboard Fishing Tournament started last year, a different sort of Florida competition. This one wants nothing to do with skinny water. That's too tame. This crew is after bigger game.
It's fascinating to see deep water ocean kayak fishing catching on in the southeast, particularly in the Pompano Beach area. In my experience, something huge always makes it to the scale. That was true once again. We're glad to have this recap of the Second Annual Extreme contest thanks to tournament staffer Maria Hector.
The 2nd annual Extreme Kayak/Paddle Board Winter Classic Fishing Tournament
The 2nd annual Extreme Kayak/Paddle Board Winter Classic Fishing Tournament benefiting the Palm Beach Reef Rescue took place on Saturday March 24th, 2012.
At 6a.m. the 67 registered anglers set off to sea by the Pompano Beach Pier. They were well fueled with Starbucks coffee and well prepared with bait provided by Atlantic Bait and Tackle and Aces Bait and Tackle. Complementary Chum Bawls were also provided to all anglers.
Around 8 a.m. we got news from our rescue boat provided by Atlantic Boat Rentals that Doug Perez landed a whopping 43.2lb amberjack. A man with a plan as Doug mentions “The AJs (amberjack) started showing up heavy in February so I knew this was my target species from get go.“ Knowing that the current would be a bit strong to the north with a south-southeast wind, Doug says “I knew I had to paddle way south before even attempting to go offshore so that I would drift right over the wreck perfectly with little paddling.”
Doug had two jig set-ups ready to go. As he dropped his jig down he hooked up right away and yelled out "FISH ON"! As fast as he could say "FISH ON!" the fish was GONE… it had cut him off above the leader. “Must of been on the wreck or tail whipped my braid” Doug mumbled in frustration.
As a true sport fisherman he only looks at this as a challenge and after 30 minutes he grabbed his other rod and as soon as it hit the bottom “FISH ON!” After a long battle and the current not being in his favor Doug saw the bubbles come up and realized “He's mine”! As the fish approached to the surface Doug observed that it’s the “biggest amberjack I had ever caught!”
"The second annual Extreme event lives up to its name."
The Extreme Kayak / Paddleboard Fishing Tournament started last year, a different sort of Florida competition. This one wants nothing to do with skinny water. That's too tame. This crew is after bigger game.
It's fascinating to see deep water ocean kayak fishing catching on in the southeast, particularly in the Pompano Beach area. In my experience, something huge always makes it to the scale. That was true once again. We're glad to have this recap of the Second Annual Extreme contest thanks to tournament staffer Maria Hector.
The 2nd annual Extreme Kayak/Paddle Board Winter Classic Fishing Tournament
The 2nd annual Extreme Kayak/Paddle Board Winter Classic Fishing Tournament benefiting the Palm Beach Reef Rescue took place on Saturday March 24th, 2012.
At 6a.m. the 67 registered anglers set off to sea by the Pompano Beach Pier. They were well fueled with Starbucks coffee and well prepared with bait provided by Atlantic Bait and Tackle and Aces Bait and Tackle. Complementary Chum Bawls were also provided to all anglers.
Around 8 a.m. we got news from our rescue boat provided by Atlantic Boat Rentals that Doug Perez landed a whopping 43.2lb amberjack. A man with a plan as Doug mentions “The AJs (amberjack) started showing up heavy in February so I knew this was my target species from get go.“ Knowing that the current would be a bit strong to the north with a south-southeast wind, Doug says “I knew I had to paddle way south before even attempting to go offshore so that I would drift right over the wreck perfectly with little paddling.”
Doug had two jig set-ups ready to go. As he dropped his jig down he hooked up right away and yelled out "FISH ON"! As fast as he could say "FISH ON!" the fish was GONE… it had cut him off above the leader. “Must of been on the wreck or tail whipped my braid” Doug mumbled in frustration.
As a true sport fisherman he only looks at this as a challenge and after 30 minutes he grabbed his other rod and as soon as it hit the bottom “FISH ON!” After a long battle and the current not being in his favor Doug saw the bubbles come up and realized “He's mine”! As the fish approached to the surface Doug observed that it’s the “biggest amberjack I had ever caught!”
First Annual Extreme Kayak Tournament, 2011
By Steve Waters, Sun Sentinel
7:06 p.m. EDT, August 20, 2011
POMPANO BEACH —— Joel Makielski had been trolling a deep-diving plug behind his kayak when he stopped to reel it in.
It was the best move he made all day. At that moment, a 28.5-pound kingfish hit the live goggle-eye that was on Makielski's other fishing rod. That king turned out to be the biggest fish caught Saturday in the inaugural Quality Coral Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament, which had 60 kayaks.
Makielski, of Pompano Beach, was fishing in about 150 feet when the kingfish hit at 7:30 a.m. Makielski stopped reeling in the plug and grabbed his 7-foot Penn spinning outfit spooled with 50-pound braided line as the kingfish ran off. Makielski landed the king, which made two more runs, after a 10-minute fight. He won $600, a $100 gift card from Atlantic Bait and Tackle and a plaque for first place. Fishing out of a tandem kayak, Jonathan Pettus and Doug Perez, of Fort Lauderdale, were second with a 10-pound mutton snapper. They got the fish as they were paddling back to shore for the weigh-in on the beach by Pompano Fishing Pier after what had been a tough day.
The anglers installed rod-holders in their kayak Friday but forgot to seal them. They were 1 1/2 miles offshore Saturday when they realized they were taking on water. So they paddled back to shore — "We were basically underwater," Pettus said — and bought silicone caulk at West Marine. After sealing the rod-holders, they went back out, but the fishing was slow.
"We gave up," Pettus said. "We were coming back in when all of a sudden the reel started screaming."
The mutton hit a bar jack that Pettus and Perez had caught for bait that was on the surface as they trolled in 40-50 feet. Pettus landed the snapper, which earned them $300, a $50 gift card and a plaque.
Randall Seneff, of Hollywood, was third with a 6-pound blackfin tuna that he caught on a jig in 400 feet. Seneff, who is a teammate of Makielski's on Nauti Dogs, which is leading the southeast division of a competition called Kayak Wars, won $200, a $25 gift card, a plaque and the blackfin tuna trophy.
7:06 p.m. EDT, August 20, 2011
POMPANO BEACH —— Joel Makielski had been trolling a deep-diving plug behind his kayak when he stopped to reel it in.
It was the best move he made all day. At that moment, a 28.5-pound kingfish hit the live goggle-eye that was on Makielski's other fishing rod. That king turned out to be the biggest fish caught Saturday in the inaugural Quality Coral Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament, which had 60 kayaks.
Makielski, of Pompano Beach, was fishing in about 150 feet when the kingfish hit at 7:30 a.m. Makielski stopped reeling in the plug and grabbed his 7-foot Penn spinning outfit spooled with 50-pound braided line as the kingfish ran off. Makielski landed the king, which made two more runs, after a 10-minute fight. He won $600, a $100 gift card from Atlantic Bait and Tackle and a plaque for first place. Fishing out of a tandem kayak, Jonathan Pettus and Doug Perez, of Fort Lauderdale, were second with a 10-pound mutton snapper. They got the fish as they were paddling back to shore for the weigh-in on the beach by Pompano Fishing Pier after what had been a tough day.
The anglers installed rod-holders in their kayak Friday but forgot to seal them. They were 1 1/2 miles offshore Saturday when they realized they were taking on water. So they paddled back to shore — "We were basically underwater," Pettus said — and bought silicone caulk at West Marine. After sealing the rod-holders, they went back out, but the fishing was slow.
"We gave up," Pettus said. "We were coming back in when all of a sudden the reel started screaming."
The mutton hit a bar jack that Pettus and Perez had caught for bait that was on the surface as they trolled in 40-50 feet. Pettus landed the snapper, which earned them $300, a $50 gift card and a plaque.
Randall Seneff, of Hollywood, was third with a 6-pound blackfin tuna that he caught on a jig in 400 feet. Seneff, who is a teammate of Makielski's on Nauti Dogs, which is leading the southeast division of a competition called Kayak Wars, won $200, a $25 gift card, a plaque and the blackfin tuna trophy.
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