The Cheeca Lodge and Spa All-American Backcountry Tournament in Islamorada kicked off Nov. 13 on the beach at Cheeca Lodge and Spa. Anglers across the United States came to fish in the three-day backcountry event.
Grand champion angler Jason Rubenstein, of Bellaire, Texas, fishing with Islamorada captain Jack Given, released all five species the first day and three species on the second day. Rubenstein was awarded additional points for releasing five species for a grand total of 4,140 points. Using bait, Rubenstein released one permit, one bonefish, one tarpon, six snook and four redfish, along with four redfish on artificial tackle. Rubenstein also received the most outstanding catch award for an IGFA fantasy slam, five species in one day.
Runner-up angler Jeffrey Parrish, of Buffalo, New York, released three species for a total of 3,488 points. Fish captain Dave Denkart led his angler to nine snook and 10 redfish on artificial tackle, along with one bonefish on bait. Parrish’s 19 fish on artificial won him the Artificial Division Champion Angler award.
Eric Hersted, fishing with Brian McCullis from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, along with Paul McCullis of Castle Rock, Colorado, took home Team Grand Champion Awards with a team total of 4,830 points. The team released two bonefish, 13 snook and 19 redfish, all on bait. McCullis took home the Bait Division Grand Champion Angler with 20 of those releases.
This year, U.S. military veterans fished in this tournament, including South Florida residents Army Specialist Chad Golliher (Ret.) and Army Capt. Kevin Decker (Ret.), who fished with captain Mike Makowski. The team released one tarpon, six snook and nine redfish on bait, plus one redfish on artificial. The team was awarded team runner-up trophies.
Jim Bokor Jr. of Buffalo New York, fishing with captain Richard Black, released seven fish on fly. He was awarded the Fly Division Championship with one tarpon, one snook and five redfish caught on the flyrod.
A total of 153 fish were released during the tournament, with 15 on fly rod, 29 on artificial tackle and 109 using bait. The winning anglers were awarded amazing photographs from Tim Rahn Photography.
“This is a very special event with Cheeca Lodge and Spa bringing veterans to the Keys to fish every year,” said Cheeca Lodge general manager Bill Coteron. “Our commitment to this tournament and our veterans is heartfelt. We hope you will join us next year to fish this great event.”
Proceeds from the tournament benefit Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, a nonprofit organization setting out to conserve and restore bonefish, tarpon and permit fisheries and habitats through research, stewardship, education and advocacy.
