[dropcap]A[/dropcap]fter watching the weather the days prior to the scheduled January Junior Tournament, there was some doubt the weather would allow the tournament to go on as scheduled. Though a strong breeze prevailed come tournament morning, the skies cleared and the tournament went on as planned. In fact, within five minutes of lines in the water, three fish were brought to the table. By the end of the day, 29 fish were caught and released.
Nicholas Rosario caught the first fish, a nice sized catfish, followed by Kaleb Kneip, with a puffer. Kaleb continued to catch six more fish over the course of the tournament. Shannon Martin brought in the third fish of the day, a puffer, and the first fish he had ever caught on his own. His luck held out and he did get one more. Cameron Hicks followed with a ladyfish, two jacks and nice trout. Troy Daher also caught a puffer, as well as six more fish. Talia Montalvo impressed the crowd with a 5.5-pound stingray. She also caught a catfish. Mia Santiago caught two pffers, Jordyn Beeten a 1.6-pound sheepshead and a 1.2-pound trout, and Orion Hall weighed in a catfish.
A big thank you to Clint Walker of the Fishing Center for donating a Shimano rod, which was won by Cameron Hicks. Also special thanks to Capt. Danny and Dorothy Markowski for helping with the unloading, setting up, and weighing the fish. And thanks to volunteers Pat and Gwen for donating the Fishing Center gift card, which was won by Talia Montalvo for her largest fish.
Last, but not least, Shannon Martin and Mia Santiago were welcomed as new Treasure Coast Casters Junior members.
Tournament Results
1st Place: Kaleb Kneip, Bayshore Elementary, Port St. Lucie
2nd Place: Troy Daher, Pierce Hammock Elementary, Loxahatchee
3rd Place: Cameron Hicks, Weatherbee Elementary, Fort Pierce
Biggest Fish: Talia Montalvo, Glendale Elementary, Vero Beach
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