There is some controversy among serious guides concerning the relative merits of participating in fishing tournaments. Some guides feel they put undue pressure on the fish population while doing damage to grass flats while others feel that those who oppose are simply jealous and afraid of the competition. Now without commenting on either argument, we are of the opinion that, if good conservation is practiced, they can be most beneficial. We feel the competition pushes us to new and sharper fishing skills, provides a great source of fun and fellowship with other anglers, and can be, at times, quite profitable. Frankly, we love tournaments and participate frequently at several different levels.
Our professional redfish team, consisting of Rocky Van Hoose and Peter Deeks, Jr. compete against world-class fields in the FLW Redfish Series and the IFA Redfish Tour (both are nationally televised circuits). In addition, they are regular monthly participants in the Titusville chapter of the Xtreme Redfish Series. This team should qualify for the championship classics of all three tours and you can follow their progress on a separate website www.nativesonsprofishing.com
The other Native Sons fishing team, consisting of Roland Jones and Don Patterson, compete in the Treasure Coast Flats Circuit and are doing quite well. In their most recent event, these two took first place redfish, first place trout and first place slam. They earned over $1500 for the day. Currently they are ranked in the top four in three different TCFC classifications. Their escapades can be followed at www.tcfcircuit.com
This past week three of the Native Son Guides were invited to participate in the annual Bradco Roofing Supply corporate tournament hosted by Harry Goodes Outdoor Store in Melbourne. There were 30 of the best local guides, each paired with two Bradco folks for the half day event. All the teams with Native Sons guides did well but the one captained by Rocky Van Hoose, Dale and Matt from Daytona Beach, did outstanding, winning three of the six different classifications including longest redfish (33 inches) and longest trout (29 inches). Along with great memories and bragging rights for the year, these two Bradco customers drove back to Daytona Beach with over $1,200 of prize money.
In conclusion, let us encourage you to consider participating in the local open inshore tournaments. It is a great way to hone skills and meet a good bunch of fellow anglers. Many of the local events are relatively inexpensive to enter and donate much of the proceeds to charity. Many have both adult and children/youth divisions and most allow participants to hire guides (hint, hint, we love to be a part of them). Think about it; a great day of fishing, sharpened skills, good fellowship with fellow fishermen and maybe, just maybe, a little extra profit as well.
