The fish-off for the 2016 Treasure Coast Caster of the Year was held on May 15. Anglers left Capt. Joe’s Bait and Tackle at 6:30 a.m. and fished until noon. After all fish were weighed and points added up, Michael Rochedieu, a Fort Pierce student from St. Anastasia, won the title of Treasure Coast Caster of the Year.
There were seven top Treasure Coast Casters fishing for the title. Only three of the competing anglers brought back fish to weigh. All seven anglers caught fish, but some fish were too short or not one of the 12 on the official tournament “wanted” list.
Michael caught two trout, one 2.6-pounds, and a sheepshead. Andrew Evans, a Fort Pierce student from John Carroll, caught two sheepshead, one at 2.9-pounds, and a snapper. Kailtyn Ward, a Fort Pierce student from Fairlawn Elementary, caught a 1.9-pound trout, a snapper, and a 4.7-pound red grouper, which wasn’t on the catch list.
RESULTS: 1st: Michael Rochedieu, Fort Pierce, St. Anastasia – 60 points; 2nd: Andrew Evans, Fort Pierce, John Carroll – 45 points; 3rd: Kaitlyn Ward, Fort Pierce, Fairlawn Elementary – 45 points
Andrew and Kaitlyn tied on the points but Andrew had the heavier fish so second place went to him.
Anglers Ty Walker, Savannah Ward, Bradyen Adams and Colt Krischke took home water bottles and backpacks donated by West Marine. Michael Rochedieu took home a trophy, a $50 West Marine Gift card, a custom wrapped J.F. Custom Rod, an Abu Garcia reel donated by S & K Fisheries, a custom framed Gyotaku print of his trout (valued between $300 and $450) and a backpack and water bottle donated by West Marine. Kaitlyn Ward took home a trophy, a Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow donated by the Fishing Center, a backpack, water bottle and rod and reel combo donated by West Marine, as well as a $25 West Marine gift donated by Treasure Coast Casters.
Boat volunteers who made the tournament possible were Chad Painter, Anna Green, Capt. Charlie Conner, Brett Adams, Wade Yarborough and Capt. Rob Ward.
The first tournament of the 2016-2017 Treasure Coast Casters season will be held in August 2016. Have a great summer!
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