The Blue Water Open in Fort Pierce, already one of the region’s oldest fishing tournaments at 37 years, was fished by angling teams aboard 67 boats. More than 250 anglers sought far and wide to find popular dolphin (the fish, not the mammal), and win cash in the process.
Carlos Lago led the team aboard Wine Knot to the catch of a 36.65-pound dolphin. Lago collected a check for $5,000 as the event’s winner, but a total of $10,000 was paid to top placers.
Money raised went to the Exchange Club on Indian River to fund programs designed to stop child abuse on the Treasure Coast.
The Blue Water Open drew a crowd of onlookers at Fort Pierce City Marina.
Of note, one set of anglers brought in a 52-pound wahoo which may not have counted on the leader board, but certainly counted for the anglers’ achievement. Also, another team caught a large blue marlin which may have died during the battle. They brought the big fish in and asked tournament officials if they could weigh it on their scales.
“We did, but our scale only went up to 100 pounds,” explained Warren Lewis, Blue Water Open chair.
BLUE WATER OPEN, Fort Pierce, May 18
1. Wine Knot, Carlos Lago, 36.65, $5,000; 2. Miss K, Robert Carlson, 31.15, $2,000; 3. Defense Rests, Bob Meadows, 31.05, $1,000
Bounty Booty winners ($400 each): Cerifiable, Steve Frederick, 28.50; Hyjinx, Megan Barbione, 23.55; Miller Tyme, Hunter Miller, 19.60; Little Adam, Richard Hunt, 18.70; Bottom Knocker, Steve Loudermilk, 18.50.
Lady angler: Megan Barbione, Hyjinx
Junior angler: Hunter Miller, Miller Tyme