Fillman Bayou Classic Results

By ClassicS Staff Journalist

The Kayak Fishing ClassicS held their eighth Classic tournament on August 6 which was hosted by the “R Beach” Restaurant in Hernando Beach, Florida. The contestants launched their kayaks at 5:30 AM from Norfleets Fish Camp in Aripeka just a few miles south of the Central West Florida fishing community along the famous Nature Coast which is well known for huge snook, trout and redfish as well as a very health population of The Silver King, aka tarpon.

The contestants were fishing for redfish, trout and ladyfish known as the poor man’s tarpon. The black morning sky was dotted with plenty of stars to guide the anglers on the calm waters leading out into the Gulf of Mexico. The fishing zone was from Indian Key to the north to Fillman Bayou to the south a few miles. The bayou is a unique blend of backcountry bays, creeks, springs and mangrove lined shores. A perfect place for the kayak anglers to measures their skills against the crafty likes of big reds in shallow, clear water.

The days of pre-fishing exposed several large schools or big reds and some very nice trout were caught which was a good sign since it had been rainy prior to the event. Tropical Storm Emily didn’t make much of an impact on the tournament and was down-graded to a depression the day before. Conditions were looking just right all be it for the extreme heat but that’s August in Florida.

The morning started out good and then the bite just seemed to turn off. Nothing would take any kind of offering. Many of the anglers had caught morning trout on D.O.A. Shrimp but no redfish. Some anglers were using the High Roller top water lures and RiverBum Flies but with only takes by small reds. That is a very frustrating situation when you can see 32 inch reds watching your bait and show no interest what so ever.

Bob Bramblet and William Lusk were the most successful anglers and captured first and second place respectfully. Bob is the series leader and William is on his wake and trying to close in on him. William had an advantage in the shallow bayous fishing from his Diablo kayak which allowed him to stand and sight fish. Usually when the chew is at a minimum the anglers go to the fly rod earlier in the day but that technique mysteriously was ignored for the most part. Bramblet and Lusk had won some very nice fly fishing gear and were both anxious to land some big reds and trout but it was not to be.

Otis Coblentz managed a very nice trout to capture third place and the Aqua-Bound Paddles Big Trout Award at 18.5”. Many anglers don’t bother with ladyfish however they are a lot of fun and great sport on light tackle and they paid off for a few.  Next in fourth place was Daniel Currey with a 21” ladyfish followed by William Mallet in fifth place with a trout. There was over $8,000.00 in Sponsor Gear Prizes awarded the anglers for their efforts.

Next up is the LouisAbamaSlama Classic in Orange Beach, Alabama on September 10 hosted by Tack Jacks Bar & Grill. To learn more about the upcoming Classic visit www.KayakFishingClassicS.com and we will see you there!