b"Northern Boundary Bite Produces Derby Victory IT TAKES ONLY ONE SMALL for Goombay Smash/RemixCHANGE TO CATCH MORE FISH. by Tom 'Buzz' BzuraSO WEE ager anglers charge sailfish seasonfirst day of fishing would actually be the best as soon as they can feel it in the air.bite in some time off the Palm Beaches. The Preparation for the Silver Sailfish Derby startsall-too-familiar warm winters dont always well before the week of tournament as crewsmake for productive days offshore, but aim to dial in all the details that could maketemperatures dropped into the low 60s that or break their chance to become a part ofmorning. This was a pleasant sign for what ADDED SIX. the storied 4-line tournament history. Thewas to come. The crisp morning saw surpris-Derby celebrated its 85th year with a solding north west wind, originally forecasted out 50 boat fleet in early January. Its appar- to be dead west. Still, helium balloons on ent this crown jewel of sportfishing off thethe kites were paired with lighter leaders for Palm Beaches not only remains special tolackadaisical sailfish feeding in the calm seas.area boats in South Florida, but seems to onlyCapt. Luke Davis and the 42 Freeman, get better with age. The nostalgic excitementOff Course, posted an impressive 7 releases surrounding the event continues to captivateDay 1 to win Top Daily Boat. Similar to their some of the finest anglers, captains and crews.competitive colleagues on Gator One, the As soon as the 8 am lines-in sounds overOff Course posted just one more fish on Day the VHF radio, baits hit the water and crews2. They would finish Second Place Overall embark on their best effort to win the Worldswith 8 total releases. The Derbys hallmark Oldest Sailfish Tournament.is its great ties to early billfish conservation The first release in the West Palm Beachand participants continue to support this Fishing Clubs (WPBFC) 2022 Silver Sailfish85th annual Silver Sailfishstrong conservation ethic to ensure their Derby came just 3 minutes into the start of theDerby Top Boat winners, Teamfishery stays healthy for many years to come. tournament. Team Gator One, a 39 YellowfinGoombay Smash/Remix Off Course also took the time to tag 6 of their led by Capt. Ryan McBride, releasedsailfish, finishing as the Top Tag Team the sailfish with angler John Moore ofas well.Lighthouse Point on the rod. TanglingThe 2nd and final day of the Derby with these acrobatic pelagics is not anwould produce 24 less fish than the easy task. Sometimes they tailwalk theprevious day, as the fleet recorded 59 surface in a fury, slashing their bill sidesails. The docks of Sailfish Marina on to side as they race toward the boat,Singer Island were calm that morning. challenging the angler to quickly gainA west wind again alluded to slick back their line. Other times theyll pullseas for tournament boats. The Gra-line away and dig down deep unseen fortiot Beach, a 60 Hatteras, recorded 5 an endurance match. Either way, its thereleases Day 1. This strong start had anglers responsibility to keep them onthe crew headed into the final day the line until a successful leader touch canwith high hopes. These expectations be made by the crew. Gator One would2nd Place Boat Overall, would quickly be met with an interest-continue onto a Third Place Overall fin-Team Off Course ing start as they encountered engine ish with a total of 7 releases. That very firsttroubles right at the start of fishing Day 2. sailfish was a sign of good things to come forWith a slow drift they still deployed baits John Moore, as he would earn the title of Topand hooked a double on the flat lines. Suc-Angler Overall in the 2022 Derby. Moorecessfully landing one of those put Gratiot caught 5 of their 7 total, the most releasesBeach in position to finish Fourth Place of any individual angler in the tournament.Overall in the tournament.This honor is awarded with the Mrs. HenryThe Goombay Smash/Remix, a quad R. Rea trophy, a magnificent silver sailfishoutboard 42 Invincible, pushed to the sculpture that dates back to the events ori- edge of the northern boundary in their gin in 1935 and is sponsored by Elizabethhigh-powered vessel after checking out Richebourg Rea of Connecticut.of Palm Beach Inlet each morning. They A total of 142 Atlantic sailfish werepicked their spot and stuck to it both days. released over the duration of the two-day3rd Place Boat, Team Gator One Capt. Nick Carullo bested the fleet Day HOODING & SIDE SHIELDSSWEAT MANAGEMENT CHANNELSEYEWIRE DRAINS tournament and 22 sails were tagged. The2 with 5 releases to claim Top Daily Boat. METAL KEEPER SLOTSADJUSTABLE NOSE PADS IMPROVED HY DROLITE TMRUBBER J anuary4 - 7, 2023 5 2021 Costa Del Mar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. CDM Silver Sailfish Derby - Offshore Pro Series 8.5x11 ad.indd 1 12/15/21 1:03 PM"