Grand Champion Team, John Kicklighter, John Drawdy, & Scott Poppel – Capt. Jack McGowan
November 18-20th, 2004 Savannah hosted the Savannah Red Trout Celebrity Classic part of the Redbone Tournament Series originating in Florida.. This was a major inshore fishing tournament designed to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The tournament brought in legends in fishing like Stue Apte, Sandy Moret, Gary Ellis and Bob Rich. The tournament was a two day catch and release event. Points were awarded for fly, plug or bait. The points were 200, 100 and 50 respectively. Seventeen boats made up the field. The guides were some of the best from the “low country”. Captains were permitted to instruct but could not fish.
The Tournament
Tournaments take energy. Dr. Brad Goodman and Dr. Bruce Finkel were the local coordinators who spent countless hours in turning out a first class event. After the first day of the fishing a party and silent auction were held at The Westin Savannah. The weather for the second and final day of fishing was much like the first.. A gentle morning breeze coupled with an early morning low tide. Conditions were excellent for those wishing to target redfish on the fly. Gentle tides lessened the seatrout bite. Nonetheless, conditions were as good as one could ask.. Capt. Gary Ellis, series coordinator, stated the main purpose is the main purpose. Namely to benefit those suffering with cystic fibrosis not simply the competition.
Awards of the event are as follows:
Grand Champion Angler – Jim Daly
Captain, Grand Champion Angler – Capt. Matt Starling
Runner-Up Grand Champion Angler – John Kicklighter
Captain, Runner-Up Grand Champion Angler – Capt. Jack McGowan
Grand Champion Lady Angler – Sue Moret
Captain, Grand Champion Lady Angler – Capt. Scott Wagner
Team Grand Champions – John Kicklighter, John Drawdy, Scott Poppel
Captain, Team Grand Champions – Capt. Jack McGowan
Runner-Up Team Grand Champions – Jim Daly, Dale Daly
Captain, Runner-Up Team Grand Champions – Capt. Matt Starling
Pro-Celebrity Grand Champion – Sandy Moret
Captain, Pro-Celebrity Grand Champion – Capt. Scott Wagner
Celebrity Grand Champion – Bob Rich
Captain, Celebrity Grand Champion – Capt. Toby Hansen
Most Redfish Releases – Wynn Cowan (18 redfish)
Captain, Most Redfish Releases – Capt. Eric Traub
Most Trout Releases – Susan Ellis (25 trout)
Captain, Most Trout Releases – Capt. Brian Woelber
Biggest Redfish – Mindy Rich
Captain, Biggest Redfish – Capt. Toby Hansen
Biggest Trout – Bob Dibenedetto (19.75 inches)
Captain, Biggest Trout – Captain Matt Williams
Spin and Plug Division Champion – Craig Reagor
Captain, Spin and Plug Division Champion – Capt. Kent Bird
Fly Division Champion – Sue Moret
Captain, Fly Division Champion – Capt. Scott Wagner
A special thanks to my fellow fishermen and all those who helped to pull this event together and to John Kicklighter who put up with my coaching for two days
Good Fishing! Capt. Jack McGowan