Saturday, August 2, 2014

2014 Chas. Harbor Tarpon Release Tourney - Winner!

Organizer Cantey Smith, Winning angler Matt Bachinski,
and Captain J.R. Waits
Angler Matt Bachinski and tarpon
The 20th Annual Charleston Harbor Tarpon Release Tourney is one of the longest-running tarpon events along the East Coast. Organizer Cantey Smith picks a date in July that will coincide with a favorable tide and moon phase that is conducive to tarpon fishing. The initial tourney date was July 5 and the weather conspired to make a rough ocean that kept some boats in port but all but assured that no one would catch and release a tarpon. Smith scheduled a second date for July 20 and a fleet of 52-anglers strong set out in search of the silver king in order to produce a tourney winner. The only tarpon catch and release that day belonged to angler Matt Bachinski fishing with Captain J.R. Waits and angler Bill Browne. Despite a two-hour search for the right bait, which included dodging some thunder storms, Waits had his crew in the right place at the right time. This year's award is a handsome wood carving, something unique for the winning angler to cherish from this memorable fish fight.

To view past entries about the Chas. Harbor Tarpon Release tourney click 2013, or 2012, or 2011, or 2010, or 2009.





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