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.
Next up, the Summer Slam Series scheduled for June 22nd and August 10th, 2019! Registration is now open! For more information on the Sailfish Smackdown or the Summer Slam Series, visit us online at www.extremekayakfishing.com.
Joe Hector
954-895-4527
Extreme Kayak Fishing Inc.
www.extremekayakfishing.com
joe@extremekayakfishing.com