The 4th Annual Michael Shields Memorial Inshore Open was held September 28-29 at the River Palm Cottages & Fish Camp in Jensen Beach. A record breaking 166 anglers participated, the most ever in the event’s history.
The Open is held each September to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County. Open to both children and adults, it is the largest inshore fishing tournament along the Treasure Coast. A Captain’s Party, family barbeque and a fishing clinic were also held, attracting more than 400 people over the weekend. The tournament follows a catch and release format, with separate categories for snook, tarpon, trout, and redfish.
The Open is named after longtime Martin County resident Michael Shields, who died from bone cancer at the age of 23.
RESULTS
- BEST TROUT: 26 inches, Pushing Water Charters
- BEST REDFISH: 31 inches, Tequesta Insurance
- BEST SNOOK: 37.5 inches, KC8
- BEST TARPON: 61 inches, Alex Weider
- BEST FISH ON FLY: 27-inch snook, Matt Bagley
- TOP JUNIOR ANGLER: Alex Weider
- TOP LADY ANGLER: Nikki Thomas, Charlie’s Bar
- HERO AWARD: Frank Duffy, USCG
- TOP GUIDE: Capt. John Meskauskas
- FIRST PLACE OVERALL: Moore, Ellrich & Neal
Funds raised at the event will be allocated for membership scholarships, ensuring that children and teens who wish to attend the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County can do so, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. Funding will also support other critical needs, including field trips, club T-shirts, and the organization’s comprehensive, award-winning teen program known as The Club.