Wharf Rats hold annual flounder tournament

The Angola by the Bay Wharf Rats boating group held its annual flounder tournament July 30. The 19th annual tournament was open to the public and attracted 39 boats.

Captains and their crews left the marina at 7 a.m., 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 Division and Bay Division, with prizes for third, second, and largest flounder in each division. Prizes were also given to largest other species and most unusual catch.

Short’s Marine and Rick’s Bait & Tackle 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.

George Holzhaur took first place in the Bay Division with a 4-pound-2-ounce flounder, Dylan Rodriguez was in second place with a 3-pound-2-ounce flounder, and Michael Bott took third place with a 3-pound flounder.

Blake Daub took first place in the Ocean Division with a 4-pound-10-ounce flounder, and Doug Watts got second place with a 3-pound-6-ounce flounder. Jim Crawford won third place with a 3-pound-6-ounce flounder.

Mike Gable won the other species contest with a 1-pound-9-ounce ribbonfish. The largest fish caught by an angler under 12 was a 1-pound-13-ounce flounder caught by Shane Porter Jr.

Tournament Director Ted Zwally and co-director Gary Berti, with many Wharf Rats, made this event a success. Everyone enjoyed a great day.