Wharf Rats host annual flounder tournament

The Angola By The Bay Wharf Rats boating group held its annual flounder tournament July 31. The 18th annual tournament was open to the public and attracted 33 boats.

Captains and their crew left the marina at 7 a.m., Saturday, in search of that elusive flounder that would pay off not only in prizes, but bragging rights for the next year. Winners were recorded in two categories, Ocean and Bay, with prizes for third, second, and largest flounder in bay, and second and largest flounder in the ocean. Prizes were also given to largest other species and most unusual catch. Short's Marine donated prizes for the tournament.

Crab races were held for kids 12 and under.

About 60 people crowded the weigh station as weigh master Don Knowles certified each fish. John Houghton took first place in the Bay division with a 4-pound, 1-ounce flounder; Jeff Hafer was in second place with a 3-pound, 2-ounce flounder, and Linda Brozoka won third place with a 3-pound flounder.

Randy Orbach took first place in the Ocean division with a 2-pound, 8-ounce flounder, and Mike Lippold got second place with a 2-pound, 2-ounce flounder. Brian Bott won the other species contest with a 7-pound, 2-ounce black drum.

The largest fish caught by an angler under 12 was Kyle Cusick with an 8-ounce spot.

Tournament Director Ted Zwally, along with many Wharf Rats, made this event a success. Everyone enjoyed a great day.