Despite the government shutdown that was threatening the success of the annual North Carolina Beach Buggy Association Red Drum Tournament, all turned out well.
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches reopened a week before the event, and 262 folks participated in this year’s tourney.
Included in that number were 34 judges, seven junior anglers, 49 seniors, 19 females, and 16 winners from the 2012 tournament. They came from 18 states with Allan May from Dallas, Texas, traveling the farthest to participate.
The anglers caught 83 puppy drum and two citation red drum. All were measured and released alive.
The tournament started last Thursday and continued through Saturday. Anglers fished on Hatteras Island’s northern beaches.
Ryan Jackie caught the first drum at 12:20 a.m. on the first day.
The anglers were competing for $8,500 in cash and prizes.
2013 NCBBA Red Drum Tournament Winners
Longest Red Drum Overall:
Lewis Myers, 47.25 inches
John McKee, 45.50 inches
Longest Red Drum – Day One:
Ryan Jackle, 26.50 inches
Mark Gaston, 26.50 inches
…
Longest Red Drum – Day Two:
Scott Ellett, 26.75 inches
Scott Allsbrook, 26.75 inches
Longest Red Drum – Day Three
Alex Sterling, 26.25 inches
John Young, 26 inches
Most Registered Fish:
Gary Griffin, 12 fish
Longest Bluefish:
Keith Workman, 23 inches
Biggest Sea Mullet:
David Griffin, 17.75 inches
Ladies Angler Longest Red Drum:
Jean Griffin, 24.75 inches
Junior Angler Longest Red Drum:
Hunter Durrer, 25 inches
Senior Angler Longest Red Drum:
Jean Griffin, 25.75 inches
