Butchie Hewlett nabs his first bonefish while fishing ‘wet pants’ style. He also won the top junior angler award while fishing with his Uncle Squeak.
The 55th annual Marathon International Bonefish had some really great highlights this year. For one, angler Gene Ford caught 33 bonefish in a single day. “That’s a record breaker,” said his guide, Capt. Albert Ponzoa. “It beats Capt. Harry Snow’s record of 29 fish set back in 1971.” Ponzoa said the phenomenal catch is proof the bonefish are rebounding after the “deep freeze” of 2010 that almost decimated the fishery. In all, 10 anglers caught 114 fish over the two-day contest. This year’s tournament was dedicated to the memory of Charlie Smith and Morgan Hill.
— Weekly Staff Report
Tournament champ Gene Ford set a record by catching 33 fish on the first day of the tournament. In all, he caught 63 fish with Capt. Albert Ponzoa at the helm. His trophy was sponsored by Specialty Hardware.
Team champ anglers Jim Smith and Charlie Miller celebrate 13 fish caught with Capt. Richard Keating.
Little Addison Collins brings home two awards — the largest bonefish caught by a junior angler and second place for the most bonefish caught by a junior. She’s pictured here with her mom Gayzel Collins (three fish) and Capt. Scott ‘Daddy’ Collins.
Butchie Hewlett nabs his first bonefish while fishing ‘wet pants’ style. He also won the top junior angler award while fishing with his Uncle Squeak.
