Tracy Patterson
Ladies, mark your 2013 calendars and book your trip to the beautiful Florida Keys for the 1st Annual Ladies Dolphin Tournament of the Florida Keys to be held June 8, 2013 and hosted by the Elks Lodge #1872. “We heard you ladies and the Elks did not want to let you down,” stated tournament Director Dianne Harbaugh. “This is a community event with money raised to go towards the many local charities that the Elks Club is actively involved with.” If you live outside of Florida, you can fly in to the Miami International Airport or the Ft. Lauderdale International airport, rent a car and drive to Tavernier. The Elks club is located on the bay at Mile Marker 92.The newly remodeled banquet facility will make the 2013 event even more special. For more information on the Florida Keys Elks Lodge in Tavernier contact them at (305) 852-1872.
IWFA Tournament Update
The International Women’s Fishing Association held its annual Venice Slam Tournament targeting redfish, speckled trout, flounder and large mouth bass starting with the Captain’s Meeting on June 10th and fishing June 11 – 13, 2012. According to Julie Hebert, Co-chair of Venice Slam 2012, “The wind laid down, rain sprinkled at night, and the sun shone during the day making for the perfect formula for world class fishing in Venice, LA. The overcast days of the tournament with the sunshine peaking through turned the fish on fire for our 22 members of the I.W.F.A. attending the Venice Slam 2012 Tournament along the shores of the Mississippi River Delta and in the marshes of Venice, Louisiana. The skilled lady anglers of the I.W.F.A. were guided by some of Louisiana’s best professional fishing guides operating out of the Venice Marina. They used many different tactics such as targeting bull reds or hitting the back marshes to get the most Louisiana Slams, but regardless of their plan, our Venice Pros put the fish in the boat on 8# class Ande line.”
The individual awards are as follows:
Julie Hebert, a local angler who primarily fishes Grand Isle, LA, captured the prized Gold Disk and First Place over-all Angler Trophy. Closely following were Hazel Basnight in Second Place and Beth Downey in Third, who reside in North Carolina and Florida respectively. High Point Anglers for Days One, Two, & Three were Lorraine Francis, Hazel Basnight, and Julie Hebert respectively. The “First Fish Caught” award went to Laura Marshall, who knows these waters well; The “Last Fish Caught” award was earned by Lora Sipos, who never gave up! Our newest member, Angie Lucas from the Florida Keys took home the IWFA Newcomer’s Award. Beth Downey also received the just-for- fun “Most Spots” award for her redfish with 19 spots. While Linda Harper, hailing from North Carolina, earned the “Louisiana Slam” trophy by catching all three qualifying fish of redfish, speckled trout and flounder in a single day on multiple occasions!
The following ladies took home impressive Team Awards:
First Place Team: Hazel Basnight and Lauren Lemmon.
Second Place Team: Julie Hebert and Cheryl Culberson.
Third Place Team: Lorraine Francis and Connie O’Day.
Forth Place Team: Ann Taylor and Mary Floyd.
The Venice Slam Chairwomen and the IWFA would like to give a special thanks to their hard-working Louisiana guides who excelled to capture 1st, 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Congrats to Brent Ballay, Boola Mills and Richie Taranto, Jr. for their professionalism and dedication to the success of our tournament!
“The results were astounding with an impressive 952 fish caught and released over the three day tournament! We welcome back the ladies of the IWFA to the beautiful and fruitful waters of Venice, Louisiana!” said Julie Hebert.
Julie Hebert, Co-chair of Venice Slam 2012
Venice Slam 2012 Chairwomen: Suzie Villere, Rebel Caplinger & Julie Hebert
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