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ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys Mark Cockerham and Mark Gilman, both of Islamorada, won the popular Swamp Guides Ball, a one-day all-release tournament seeking combinations of redfish, bonefish and snook. On Jan. 24, the pair garnered 3,500 points with 32 redfish, two bonefish and a snook, outdistancing the nearest competitor by 2,900 points.
Gilman said the weather cooperated with their strategy. The teammates fished snook and redfish in underwater ditches and holes in the morning when it was tough to see into the water, and they sight-fished for bonefish in the afternoon when the skies cleared up and the visibility was better. In deference to the elite field of competitors, Cockerman, who won the tournament three years ago with Captain Craig Brewer added, We felt, no matter what, we had to catch more and more fish in order to win.
Captain Tom Rowland of Key West and Charlie Johnson of Fort Pierce placed second with three redfish, two snook and a bonefish.
Captain Dave Denkert and Paul Wingrove, both of Islamorada, placed third with two redfish, a bonefish and a snook.
Individual awards for most of a species went to Cockerham with 18 redfish, Captain Bill Broach of Islamorada with four snook, and Glenn Goodall with a bonefish caught at 12:30 p.m.
In all, 86 boats with at least two anglers competed in the 14th annual event in which backcountry guides often give up poling to be anglers themselves. It was hosted by the Lorelei Restaurant and Marina, mile marker 82 bayside.
Proceeds from entry fees and an enormous silent auction benefit the Don Hawley Foundation, which assists Florida Keys fishing guides during times of financial hardship and supports game fish research.
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