This would also be the first time my 10 year old son Ryley would get a chance to catch a Striper in the ocean. We launched around 3AM and were soon trolling our tube & worm set up in hope that we would find some fish.

Just before sunrise a bass hit Ryley’s Butchie Built tube, and after a nice sleigh ride he landed his first Striper ever, a fat 30 incher.

After the Derby the Elks hosted a nice BBQ and awards ceremony which included a raffle with lots of nice prizes. There were some familiar names at the top of the leader board with BillyBass Eicher catching a new personal best 45” Striper to win his second tournament of the year. The winning fish in the open division was also 45” and Jeff Lopez placed 3rd in the Open Division with a 32.6# bass from a kayak. Ryley won the youth division with his 30” striper.

Open Division        
1st    Steve Malatesta    39.2#
2nd    Bill DelFuoco    33.6#
3rd    Jeff Lopez (from a Kayak)    32.6#

Kayak Division        
1st     Billy “BillyBass” Eicher    45”
2nd     Eric “ Slappy” Harrison     43.5”
3rd     John Pitts    43”

Youth Division        
1st    Ryley “HotRod” Crisp    30”

Thanks to all the Derby organizers and sponsors.  It was great day fishing while raising money for a good cause.