John Chapman, of Jacksonville, Fla., caught a redfish and speckled sea trout that measured a combined 56.35 inches in length to win the last regular-season event for the Florida East Division of the IFA Kayak Fishing Tour presented by Hobie Fishing at Titusville, Fla., on June 30. Chapman has been fishing the IFA Kayak Tour for four years and recently took fourth place in the Jacksonville event in April. The angler fished top-water baits early and chased mullet for bull reds.
In addition to the $1,500 first-place prize, Chapman won the $200 Hobie Top Angler award for having the highest placed finish for an angler competing out of a Hobie kayak.
With three former IFA Kayak Tour wins, Cameron Schurlknight is used to posing with checks and plaques. His 25.50-inch redfish and 23.50 trout were enough to win the $1,000 second-place prize. The angler added an extra $375 in Angler’s Advantage cash.
Schurlknight sight-fished in shallow grass for his redfish and used top-water baits to catch his trout. Even after a tough day on the water, the angler stayed upbeat about his performance.
“I am satisfied with this event and the results,” said Schurlknight. “It was tough with the dirty water, but I’m happy to get what I got.”
Third-place finisher Kyle Bocco, of Longwood, Fla., measured a total of 44.50 inches at the event. The angler reported windy but good conditions.
Sixth-place finisher Scott Bonner won the $200 Berkley Gulp! Big Redfish award for his 43-inch redfish, while ninth-place finisher Calvin Howell won the $200 Berkley Gulp! Big Trout award for his 25.50-inch speckled sea trout.
Zachary Rece took seventh place and the Junior Angler award.
The fastest-growing kayak fishing tournament trail in the country, the IFA Kayak Fishing Tour Presented by Hobie Fishing events are catch-photograph-release tournaments, offering inshore kayak anglers from a multitude of states the opportunity to participate in competitive fishing tournaments with low entry fees and minimal travel requirements.
For more information or to become a member of the IFA, visit www.ifatours.com. To discover more about kayaking and Hobie Fishing go to www.hobiefishing.com.
IFA events are made possible through the sponsorship and continued support of these well-respected brands: Hobie Fishing, Ranger Boats, Cabela’s, Lucas Oil, Yamaha Outboards, RAM, Berkley Gulp!, Berkley Gulp! Alive!, PENN Reels, Spiderwire, Minn Kota, Humminbird, Power-Pole, Livingston Lures, Amphibia, Arctic Ice, Protect the Harvest, General Tire, Bob’s Machine Shop, Blue Point Fabrication, Powertex Group and Audubon Aquarium of the Americas , Parrish Park and Crackerjacks Seafood and Tiki Bar.
IFA Kayak Florida East Division
Titusville, Fla. (Top 10)
1.John Chapman – 56.35 inches
2.Cameron Schurlknight – 49.00 inches
3.Kyle Bocco – 44.50 inches
4.Elizabeth Saylor – 42.75 inches
5.Jason Broach – 39.75 inches
6.Scott Bonner – 43.00 inches
7.Zachary Rece – 31.75 inches
8.Craig Van Brocklin – 31.00 inches
9.Calvin Hollowell – 25.50 inches
10.Justin Rienerth – 25.50 inches